The Role of Civil Society and NGOs in the Democratic Transition in Bangladesh: Musings of a Latin Americanist in Asia
Published: May 2003
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Publication Summary
by Ray Offenheiser
Working Papers Series #2 - November, 1999
In a presentation at Notre Dame University, Ray Offenheiser shares observations about the role of NGOs in building a sustainable democratic system following a period of massive social upheaval. This paper summarizes the way in which the NGO sector provided significant strategic inputs to the democratic transition process in Bangladesh. Included is a reflective discussion about the role of various players in political transition and a comparison of the influencing dynamics for Latin America and Bangladesh. The paper ends with a brief explanation of how international linkages enjoyed by NGOs (with donors, intellectuals, watchdog groups and the media) provides them with a credible and effective means for influencing the political sphere.