Religion, Identity, and the Fragile Democratic Landscape: Mass Politics in Post-Transition Bangladesh

Abstract

This article examines the interplay between religion, identity, and mass politics in post-transition Bangladesh, arguing that contemporary political dynamics extend beyond institutional competition among political parties to encompass deeper struggles embedded in social structures, cultural norms, and religious identities. The article advances the concept of “fragile democracy” to describe a political order that formally retains democratic institutions while lacking the structural conditions necessary for fair competition, political freedoms, and effective human rights protection. It demonstrates that networks of religious leaders, mosques, and madrasas function as critical infrastructures of mass politics, capable of transforming economic and social grievances into organized political action. Simultaneously, the construction of binary narratives—pitting secular elites against religious masses—has intensified social polarization and eroded political tolerance. The article further analyzes the implications of religion-based mass politics for political freedoms, electoral legitimacy, and human rights, with particular attention to religious minorities and women. In conclusion, it proposes an integrated analytical framework linking religion, identity, and state power to better understand democratic fragility in South Asian Muslim societies and offers forward-looking insights for strengthening democratic resilience amid structural vulnerabilities.