Bangladesh Emergency and the Aftermath 2007-2008

Moudud Ahmed's 'Bangladesh Emergency and the Aftermath 2007-2008' is a firsthand political study of a dark chapter in the nation's democratic history. Bangladeshi elections have long suffered from rigging, which in 1991 led parliament to create a caretaker government with all-party consent, tasked with helping the Election Commission hold a general election within three months. But the caretaker body formed for the 2007-08 polls unilaterally stretched its mandate by 23 months, violating the Constitution. This book examines that illegal tenure, when a small group of civilian and military figures seized control of state institutions, creating an uncommon regime and a break from democracy.

Ahmed, himself imprisoned during this period, analyzes the regime's impact on the economy, judiciary, and human rights. He also covers the University of Dhaka incident that stalled the election process, along with the conspiracy theories and negotiations unfolding in the tense climate before the December 2008 polls. Written by someone who lived through the events, this volume offers both a record of key political incidents and a sharp critical analysis. It suits readers interested in Bangladeshi politics, constitutional crises, and the fragile nature of democratic transitions.