Weak governance led to regime change in Bangladesh: Ajit Doval

India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval has asserted that recent constitutional breakdowns and regime changes in neighbouring South Asian countries were directly attributable to weak governance and failing state institutions. He cited the crises in Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka as stark warnings for countries whose administrations lack public accountability and institutional strength.

Delivering a lecture to mark the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on Friday, Doval highlighted that an emerging challenge in governance is the increasing need for keeping the common man satisfied.

“The common man has become more aware and aspirational, has higher expectations from the state, and the state has a vested interest in keeping him satisfied,” he said.

Describing weak governance as a potential reason for regime change, the NSA cited the examples of the change of regimes through non-institutional methods in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and others.

“The power of a nation lies in governance. The government’s work through institutions and in the task of nation-building, the most important people are those who build and nurture these institutions,” he said.