Dr. Al Masud Hasanuzzaman
Dr. Al Masud Hasanuzzaman is a professor and former chairman of the Department of Government & Politics at Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh. A British Council Scholar, Senior Fulbright Scholar and Japan Foundation Fellow in his earlier years, his research interests include parliamentary processes, opposition politics, party affairs and gender issues.
DOI: http://DOI Number
Keywords: Political funding, democratic systems, Bangladesh, electoral laws, expenditure, media, campaign funds, transparency, confrontational politics
Abstract
Political parties in Bangladesh have been able to raise questionable amounts of money for their campaigns without much interference until recently. Because of fierce political competition and contentious politics, the limits placed on election spending were frequently disregarded. The caretaker government, which came to power in 2007, immediately set about implementing a variety of political changes. In order to ensure that political parties take responsibility for their own internal operations and finances, changes were made to the RPO. Further RPO revisions were made in 2009 by the newly elected Awami League government of Sheikh Hasina Wajed. The new RPO has been praised by political scientists for its potential for greater financial transparency and mandatory registration of political parties. However, for the RPO to be useful and functional, strict adherence to it and regular monitoring are required. Given this background, the current study seeks to investigate the following issues in the context of Bangladesh: the significance of political funding for parties, the financing and practise of the major political parties, and the extent to which disclosure, transparency, and accountability are present in political fund-raising. While doing so, the paper highlights the strengths and weaknesses of existing legal measures, the roles of the election commission and the watchdog agencies, and the importance of establishing sound and effective political funding in support of parliamentary democratic order and good governance.
First Published
December 25, 2011
How to Cite
Dr. Al Masud Hasanuzzaman, “Political Party Funding in Bangladesh,” Regional Studies 30, no.1 (Winter 2011-12): 89-116, https://regionalstudies.com.pk/wp/article/political-party-funding-in-bangladesh/
Issue
Volume 30, Issue 1