The streaks of authoritarianism in democratic political system in South Asia can also be attributed to the legacy of the pre-1947 British rule. Though the British adopted some semblance of representative governance and devolution of power towards the end of their rule, authoritarian governance continued to be the main feature of their imperial rule. This tradition was inherited by former British colonies in South Asia. The state machinery, especially the coercive apparatus, tends to behave in a non-responsive and authoritarian manner. They could not fully evolve ethos suitable for an independent and democratic political context. The extent of such authoritarianism varies from country to country but it can be observed in all South Asian states. This is reflected in constitutional and legal framework as well as in the rules of business of the governments. These practices are more profound in the states that experienced direct or indirect military rule than the states that continued with democracy without serious and long interruption. The challenges to democracy and the dark shadow of authoritarianism can also be traced to non-egalitarian socio-economic order in South Asian countries. A number of vestiges of inequality and discrimination can be traced to religious and customary practices. A good number of people are opposed to the efforts to do away with these discriminatory customs and practices. Further, acute poverty, under-development and lack of awareness of one's
rights also sustain non-egalitarianism and authoritarian political and social tendencies. Democracy and authoritarianism will continue to simultaneously exist in South Asia. This is a struggle for socio-economic equality and participatory governance with constitutional liberalism. The recent revival of democracy in South Asia engenders the hope that the balance is decisively in favour of democracy, although authoritarian trends continue to dilute the reforming impact of democracy. It is not possible to wait for socio-economic transformation and emergence of democratic social and political culture before introducing democracy. You cannot wait for the ideal situation because it will never be there.
SESSION III Media and Mumbai terrorism
The ideal strategy is to move on the path to democracy and challenge the forces of status quo and authoritarianism. It is by pursuing the democratic path of change that we can hope to show some positive results. Democracy is a process and it requires constant effort for democratization and vigilance of what has been achieved. It also requires non-partisan review of achievements and failures from time to time and mid-course corrections for promoting and sustaining democracy.
Mr Khaled Ahmed, Mr Vinod Sharma, SAFMA Secretary General Mr Imtiaz Alam, Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni, SAFMA President Mr Reazuddin Ahmed, Dr. Mizan-ur-Rahman Shelley and Mr Afzal Khan
Delegates from Bangladesh
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