ABSTRACT
This chapter explains how difficult it has been to establish democracy in Bangladesh, and therefore, why accountability is so weak. It shows the implications for accountability which have followed key political and constitutional developments. The development of the system of government during the British and Pakistani periods took place through a historical process, on the basis of demands for socio-economic development. British India consisted of nine Governors' provinces which possessed a considerable amount of executive and legislative independence, 'but over all of them the Government of India and the central legislature can exercise executive and legislative authority'. Nevertheless, the present system of governance in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan continues to be influenced by the Westminster model of government. The purpose of discussion regarding the system in Bangladesh, the post independence period can be divided into four eras, according to the political leader of each: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Zia, H. M. Ershad and Khaleda Zia.
