Bangladesh has entered the list of autocracies in the Bertelsmann Stiftung Transformation Index (BTI). The situation in Bangladesh is precarious in all three areas of political transformation, economic transformation, and governance indicators.

Based on these three indicators and their transformation, the BTI published indices for a total of 137 countries. The recent report shows that in political transformation, Bangladesh's position is 87 (4.03/10), which was termed as a 'moderate autocracy'. In economic transformation, the country ranked 84 (4.86/10) – a score that the report described as having 'very limited' economic opportunity. In the governance indicator, it is ranked even lower at 106 (3.66/10), making it weak in good governance.

Overall, among 137 countries, Bangladesh is ranked 93rd with a score of 4.45 out of 10. According to the BTI index, a score below 6 is considered to be autocratic.

The absence of fair elections and serious irregularities in the country were considered major indicators. The report states that in Bangladesh, there has been a regression in democracy and an increase in autocratic tendencies. Additionally, economic challenges have come to the fore. Furthermore, in mid-2022, the opposition political parties have resorted protest rallies in the streets.

It reports notes that since the 2018 elections, the ruling Awami League has clung to power by committing serious human rights violations such as enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture. The Awami League government has suppressed critics, including journalists and those with dissenting views, by using various repressive laws.

The report identifies the Digital Security Act as 'draconian', stating that under this Act, law enforcement agencies has the power to search and arrest anyone without a warrant. From October 2018 to August 2022, a total of 2,889 individuals have been sued under this law, and among them, 26 were below the age of 18.

The report also mentions the U.S. sanctions against the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).

The BTI report states that although the Awami League government has attempted to legitimize its autocratic tendencies by talking about economic development, Bangladesh's economy faced severe threats due to inflation and reserve crises during this period. The country sought a loan of US$ 4.5 billion from the IMF and US$ 1 billion from the World Bank.

It further addes that between July and December of 2022, when the main opposition party BNP organized rallies in 10 divisional cities, the government tried to create obstacles and repressed the opposition members and activists. However, significant participation was observed at these rallies. In the last four months of 2022. 10 BNP activists were shot dead by the police.

The BTI Index 2024 report paints a grim picture of global governance. The number of countries with weak governance systems has increased alarmingly. The deterioration of governance, the inability to uphold the values of constitutional democracy, and the failure of inclusive market economies have been identified as seriously negative trends. Out of 137 countries, 74 are under some form of autocratic rule.

Along with the reduced ability of governments to implement priorities and effectively manage resources, their capacity to eliminate anti-democratic elements has also diminished. Changes in regimes, coups, and the dominance of autocracies have hindered political transformations. The decay of checks and balances, restrictions on political participation, and the misuse of governmental powers have further eroded democracy. In terms of economic transformation, the report focuses on slow economic growth, inflation, and increasing disparities.

As per the BTI report, despite widespread corruption and administrative incompetence in autocratic regimes, they have attempted to present themselves as effective systems. The intensity of conflicts has increased in many countries, and the capacity to forge consensus has diminished.

This index was created based on information from February 1, 2021, to January 31, 2023.