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Elitism in Politics in Bangladesh: A Subaltern Perspective

Elitism in Bangladeshi politics manifests through a persistent marginalization of the rural poor, minorities, and working-class voices, despite the rhetoric of democratic inclusion. This condition aligns with Antonio Gramsci’s concept of cultural hegemony, where dominant classes control not only political power but also the intellectual and moral leadership, shaping what is perceived as 'common sense.' In Bangladesh, political elites—often emerging from urban, educated, and economically privileged classes—monopolize discourse and decision-making, while the subaltern majority remains structurally excluded.

Ranajit Guha’s work in Subaltern Studies critiques the elitist bias in historiography and politics. He argues that the political consciousness of the subaltern is systematically erased or appropriated. Similarly, in Bangladesh, popular movements—such as peasant revolts or labor struggles—are often co-opted or silenced in mainstream narratives, reaffirming elite dominance.

Gayatri Spivak’s provocative question, “Can the Subaltern Speak?” resonates sharply in this context. In Bangladeshi politics, the subaltern not only struggles to be heard but is often spoken for by NGOs, parties, or intellectuals who reproduce elitist structures under the guise of representation. This creates a paradox where the subaltern exists in policy but not in agency.

Thus, elitism in Bangladeshi politics is not merely about who holds power, but about who gets to define the nation’s priorities, histories, and future. A truly democratic Bangladesh requires dismantling this hegemonic architecture and creating spaces where subaltern voices are not mediated, but genuinely heard and empowered.