What are some of the commonalities and differences between Bangladesh and Pakistan in their democratic experiences?
The commonalities between Bangladesh and Pakistan in their democratic experiences are:
1. Both Bangladesh and Pakistan were under military rule
2. Pakistan’s administration ushered under General Ayub Khan but he had to give up due to dissatisfaction among the masses then came Yahya’s military rule where though the elections were held but just to give shape to their own military reign. Similarly in Bangladesh, the constitution got drafted to begin the democracy but Sheikh Mujib formed Presidential setup by abolishing all parties except his Awami league. But soon after his assassination Zia-Ur-Rehman formed his own party and won and later he too got murdered and another military leader took the charge
Differences:
1. In Pakistan social dominance of the military, clergy, Landowning aristocracy has led to frequent overthrow of elected government and establishment of military government whereas Bangladesh drafted the constitution and has declared faith in secularism, democracy and socialism