European Scientific Journal Overview

Study Notes

Military Interventions in Politics of Pakistan and Bangladesh

Military involvement in politics has been constant since the independence of Pakistan and Bangladesh, hindering strong democratic governance.
Key causes identified for military interventions include:
- Weak political institutions.
- Military vested interests.
- Legacy of the British army.
- Political corruption.
- Superiority complex within the military.
Both countries experienced numerous military coups that disrupted civil governance.
Pakistan has seen four significant military coups since 1947:
- General Ayub Khan on October 7, 1958 – ruled until 1968 (11 years).
- General Yahya Khan in 1969 – ruled until 1971 (2 years).
- General Zia-ul-Haq on July 5, 1977 – ruled until his death in 1988 (11 years).
- General Pervez Musharraf on October 12, 1999 – ruled until 2001 (12 years).
In Bangladesh, significant military interventions include:
- General Zia-ur-Rehman in 1977 – ruled until 1981 (5 years) until he was assassinated.
- General Hussain Muhammad Ershad in 1982 – ruled until 1990.
Military interventions are characterized by the military functioning as a "third political party," often undermining democratic processes.
Contributing factors to military influence include low literacy rates, economic challenges, and lack of democratic culture.
Both countries share a historical context, having been part of the British Empire and predominantly Muslim nations within the Commonwealth.
Military's role has been pivotal in discouraging democratization efforts in both Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Military Interventions in Politics of Pakistan and Bangladesh

Military involvement in politics has been constant since the independence of Pakistan and Bangladesh, hindering strong democratic governance.
Key causes identified for military interventions include:
- Weak political institutions.
- Military vested interests.
- Legacy of the British army.
- Political corruption.
- Superiority complex within the military.
Both countries experienced numerous military coups that disrupted civil governance.
Pakistan has seen four significant military coups since 1947:
- General Ayub Khan on October 7, 1958 – ruled until 1968 (11 years).
- General Yahya Khan in 1969 – ruled until 1971 (2 years).
- General Zia-ul-Haq on July 5, 1977 – ruled until his death in 1988 (11 years).
- General Pervez Musharraf on October 12, 1999 – ruled until 2001 (12 years).
In Bangladesh, significant military interventions include:
- General Zia-ur-Rehman in 1977 – ruled until 1981 (5 years) until he was assassinated.
- General Hussain Muhammad Ershad in 1982 – ruled until 1990.
Military interventions are characterized by the military functioning as a "third political party," often undermining democratic processes.
Contributing factors to military influence include low literacy rates, economic challenges, and lack of democratic culture.
Both countries share a historical context, having been part of the British Empire and predominantly Muslim nations within the Commonwealth.
Military's role has been pivotal in discouraging democratization efforts in both Pakistan and Bangladesh.