By Anowarul Haq, Assistant Resident Representative – Democratic Governance, UNDP Bangladesh

Democracy, to me, has never been a fixed model. It is not a destination, but a journey — a continuous fight for better democracy. On this International Day of Democracy, I find myself asking some fundamental questions that echo across borders and generations.

“Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold”

Why are democratic institutions and independent oversight bodies designed to check and balance power, faltering across the world, especially in the Asia-Pacific and Africa? Is the so called “Western model of democracy” failing in many countries? Or perhaps, was it never meant to be a universal template?

“The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind”

Each country must chart its own path to democracy. The relationship between the state, citizens, and the market has shifted dramatically in our times. What we need today are agile and adaptive institutions, ones that empower citizens to exercise voice and agency, led by visionary leaders committed to inclusion and accountability, and supported by markets that understand democracy is a precondition for long term stability and sustainability.

"From Voice to Action"

This year’s theme reminds us that democracy is only as strong as people’s ability to shape the decisions that impact their lives and to hold governments accountable. At a time of shrinking civic space and rising disinformation, building trust, facilitating dialogue and ensuring meaningful participation must remain at the forefront of our collective priorities.

Democracy thrives when the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people, especially the most vulnerable, are respected and protected. The will of the people powers strong democracies through their voices, their choices, and their participation.

Democracy in Action: Lessons from Bangladesh

From my vantage point in Bangladesh, and through UNDP’s broader work across Asia and the Pacific, I have seen first-hand how communities flourish when they are empowered with voice and agency. Whether it’s supporting inclusive, accountable institutions, advancing participatory climate governance, or strengthening people-centered local governance, we have witnessed how empowered citizens and responsive institutions make democracy a true force for peace and sustainable development.

Bangladesh itself carries a rich history of people’s movements for democracy, from the recent July Revolution, which marked a turning point for citizens demanding accountability and representation, to youth-led mobilizations that continue to shape the democratic discourse today. UNDP has been supporting initiatives such as Artivism for Peace, where young people use art to advocate for justice, inclusion, and social cohesion and Partnerships for a Tolerant, Inclusive Bangladesh (PTIB), which creates space for dialogue and counters misinformation. These initiatives remind us that democracy is not just about institutions, but about people, especially youth, claiming their voice in innovative and transformative ways.

Yet, democracy is not a finished product. It is a living, evolving process a continuous fight for fairness, accountability, and inclusion. It begins with the courage to ask difficult questions and the resolve to act on the answers.