The Party-Police Nexus in Bangladesh

The use of coercion to pursue dominance over rivals is often seen as a defining feature more ‘authoritarian’ and ‘hybrid’ political systems. In many contexts however, it also routine part democracy. difference between these arrangements then lies not so much in the presence violence per se, but how precisely they are organised institutionally deployed. This examined here through case Bangladesh, where, despite decades intense violent competition, ruling Awami League has solidified control three consecutive landslide victories general elections. Central this been achieved empowerment domestic security agencies, which can be existing ‘nexus’ with party, configured at both national local levels. police particular have prioritised, politicised, directed against opposition under cover maintaining law order. It depth inter-dependencies marks Bangladesh’s recent politics. intensified entrepreneurialism police, raises questions concerning balance power within nexus.