The Nature of Legitimacy and the Crisis of Bangladesh Politics 1972-1990/Rashida Khanam. Dhaka, AH Development Publishing House, 2008, xvi, 300 p., tables, ISBN 984-70019-0004-0.

    Contents: Dedication. Acknowledgements. Abbreviations. 1. Introduction. 2. Roots of legitimacy crisis. 3. The nature of legitimacy and the Mujib regime. 4. Zia regime and the issue of legitimacy. 5. Legitimacy crisis of the Ershad Regime: 1982-1990. 6. Resistance to the regime: 1982-1984. 7. Initial efforts to earn legitimacy: 1985-1986. 8. The year of volatility and uncertainty: 1987-1988. 9. Failure to attain legitimacy and the fall of the Ershad regime. 10. Conclusion. Bibliography. Index.

    "The present book critically analyses The Nature of Legitimacy and the Crisis of Bangladesh Politics During the Period 1972-1990. It is the product of long endeavor that grew out from the author's Ph. D work. The study was conducted to provide an insight into the nature and extent of legitimacy crisis of Bangladesh politics.

    Legitimacy is the most important basis for a regime to stay in power. The viability of leadership is greatly enhanced by legitimacy. Hence, it is crucial in understanding the politics of any country.

    The purpose of this book is to study the legitimacy issue of the regimes of Bangladesh from 1972-1990. During this period it was legitimacy more than any other issues that led to the overthrow of all the regimes. Its motive is to prove the universal maxim that there is no alternative to people's support as expressed through free and fail elections in attaining legitimacy." (jacket)

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