http://reposit.library.du.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/xmlui/handle/123456789/90 2026-08-14T17:42:35Z http://reposit.library.du.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/xmlui/handle/123456789/4856 Interference of External Actors in Bangladesh Politics NOUSHIN, TANJINA Since its liberation in 1971, Bangladesh—one of South Asia’s least developed countries— has made concerted efforts to move toward sustainable development. Along this journey, the country has had to adopt various large-scale development projects, which often require significant financial investment. However, as a developing nation, Bangladesh frequently finds it difficult to generate the necessary funds internally. Consequently, it seeks assistance from donor countries and international agencies, either in the form of aid or loans. It is an observable truth that human nature often gravitates toward the exercise of power. When one party is dependent on another—especially in an imbalanced power dynamic— the stronger side tends to exert influence over the weaker. This phenomenon holds true in the case of donor countries and lending agencies. Since Bangladesh’s inception, these entities have been providing financial support to the government. In return, they often attempt to shape or influence national policies and development priorities. There is growing concern that certain members of the diplomatic corps in Bangladesh have been overstepping their boundaries, disregarding the norms outlined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Particularly, some relatively junior diplomats, serving as Heads of Missions, have behaved in an overtly offensive and intrusive manner, openly interfering in Bangladesh's internal affairs. It is hoped that future governments will uphold the principles of the Vienna Convention and ensure that diplomats operate within the appropriate legal and ethical frameworks. Criticism has also been directed at diplomatic representatives and officials from multilateral financial institutions who have made inappropriate public remarks about Bangladesh’s internal political dynamics and governance. While it is understandable that they are concerned about good governance and fair elections—given their financial stake in the country’s development—such interventions often appear too blatant and disrespectful of national sovereignty. Nevertheless, we must acknowledge their role as stakeholders. These nations and agencies, as development partners, have a vested interest in the stability, progress, and democratic integrity of Bangladesh. Their concerns stem not just from altruism but also from the realities of globalization: instability, poor governance, human rights abuses, terrorism, and corruption in one state can have ripple effects across an entire region. vii Bangladesh, like all nations, must remember its history and learn from it. Accountability to international opinion should not be feared, nor should institutional reform be delayed. Over recent weeks, many diplomatic representatives have engaged in dialogue with political alliances across the spectrum, including the newly formed NCP – National Citizen Party. They are participating a number of meeting with the other top political countries in Bangladesh like: BNP – Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Jamaat-E-Islami, AB Party and many other small and big political parties in the country. They continued their meeting with the different levels of the Interim Government members as well. These discussions are taking place ahead of upcoming elections, as these diplomats prepare to send election observers to monitor the process. Such international monitoring is now a widely accepted practice in assessing the legitimacy of electoral outcomes. It lends credibility to the democratic process and reassures the global community of a nation’s political maturity. Rather than viewing these actions with suspicion, we should engage in deeper introspection. Why are these foreign entities expressing concern? What conditions within our own political system have prompted such extraordinary involvement? The answer seems to lie not in support for any particular political faction, but in a collective desire to see Bangladesh return to stability through free and fair elections. It is also evident that these diplomatic missions are acting in coordination with their home governments. Observing the political inertia that has characterized the current Caretaker Administration, they have stepped forward, not to interfere, but to assist. We must interpret these actions within a broader international framework, rather than through a narrow, partisan lens. Political uncertainty is a silent killer of development; one we cannot afford. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. 2026-08-04T00:00:00Z http://reposit.library.du.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/xmlui/handle/123456789/4842 বাংলাদেশের জাতীয় সংসদ নির্বাচন ব্যবস্থার সংস্কার : একটি বিশ্লেষণ [ Reforms of Election System of the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad : An Analysis] আলম, মুহাম্মদ জহিরুল ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ে পিএইচডি ডিগ্রীর জন্য উপস্থাপিত অভিসন্দর্ভ। 2026-08-02T00:00:00Z http://reposit.library.du.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/xmlui/handle/123456789/4834 Enhancement of Women Participation in Politics through Microcredit: A Case Study on Siddhirgonj and Kapasia Thana of Bangladesh Begum, Musammat Khodeza Bangladesh continues to be one of the world’s most densely populated nations. According to the United Nations Gender Development index Bangladesh is ranked 121st out of the total of 146 countries worldwide (UNDP: 2001, Human Development Report). Forty percent of its population lives below the poverty level.Among the poor, rural women remain disproportionately disadvantaged. This study examines the role of Grameen Bank (GB) and BRAC in improving the socio-economic conditions and awareness of rural women in Bangladesh through micro-credit programs. The research was conducted among rural poor households who were credit recipients from selected branches of GB and BRAC in Siddirgonj Thana, Narayangonj District, focusing on women with little or no cultivable land whose main source of income was manual labor. Using interviews and focus group discussions, the study explored how micro-credit was utilized and its impact on recipients’ lives. Findings show that credit was successfully invested in small businesses, housing, agriculture, and children’s education, leading to improved living standards, increased participation in family and community decision-making, greater political involvement at the local level, and enhanced awareness of rights and responsibilities. Micro-credit contributed to self-employment, higher household value, and stronger institutional capacity, enabling women to become more organized, self-confident, and empowered beyond traditional family roles. The repayment rate was highly satisfactory, with only six cases of default, though some women faced hardship when male family members misused the loans. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy. 2026-04-21T00:00:00Z http://reposit.library.du.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/xmlui/handle/123456789/4768 Criminal Justice System in Bangladesh: Issues and Challenges of Police Investigation Pervin, Mst. Shahala This study aims to explore the various issues and challenges in the criminal justice system of Bangladesh, particularly what challenges investigating officers face before, during and after investigation regarding four types of cases. They are crime against person (murder), crime against property (dacoity), violence against women (rape), transnational crime (cybercrime). As a crucial arm of law enforcement, the police investigation processes face numerous obstacles, including workload, insufficient training, poor inter-agency coordination, long working hours, and strained relations with the community and in the process of investigation in the criminal justice system. The research seeks to identify the issues of police investigation in the broader context of crime investigation, submitting the report and ensuring the justice processes. This research is based on empirical study which has also explored the manifold challenges in the process of the criminal justice system in Bangladesh. To achieve this, the study adopts a mixed-method approach, utilizing surveys and KII to gather diverse perspectives from 400 law enforcement officers, 50 public prosecutors, 30 judges, criminal justice experts, and 40 complainants/victims and 6 Key Informant Interview (KII). Surveys has been conducted among the police officers of different units involved in police investigation to collect information about the issues and challenges before, during and after investigation. The survey information outlines that police are heavily overloaded with excessive work and they are not getting expert opinion on time –DNA, medical report, viscera report, contamination of crime-scene by public and media, lack of training, lack of logistics and technological support, Internal & External pressure, practices filing false case, lack of cooperation from witness and victims, lack of women police etc. Interviews with judges and experts have also given insights about the manifold issues in the criminal justice system in Bangladesh, what are the major challenges and the way forward by which the stakeholders can perform well in ensuring the criminal justice system and also satisfy the victims. Public mistrust of law enforcement and the persistence of corruption have been identified by the complainants and victims as contributing factors to these challenges towards the criminal justice system. By pinpointing these problems, the study has offered evidence-based recommendations for improving the system and structure and reforming police practices, improving accountability mechanisms, enhancing training programs, reducing workload for investigating officers, improving coordination among key stake holders, timely access to expert opinion and reports, improving witness cooperation and management, combating external and v internal pressure, leveraging technology for investigation and evidence collection, strengthening legal reforms, inclusion more women police and fostering better community engagement in order to ensure justice in society. By addressing these foundational issues and challenges, the research aims to support creating a more efficient, transparent, and professional police, ultimately contributing to a stronger criminal justice system in Bangladesh. This work holds significance for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, judges, public prosecutors, educational institutions, and community leaders, who can use its findings to implement targeted strategies establishing rule of law, ensuring good governance through better investigation and give the justice. This thesis is submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. 2025-02-18T00:00:00Z