Bangladesh democracy

Despite Bangladesh’s slide toward a one-party autocracy, “the current trajectory is not destiny.”

With a fourth consecutive win in yet another uncompetitive race, the Awami League is on a path to destroy any opposition and dissent for good.

The result was never in doubt. The question of what comes next is more interesting.

A primer on Bangladesh’s convoluted electoral history and the various players involved, featuring host Tushar Shetty and guests Mubashar Hasan and Smruti S. Pattanaik.

Journalists, whose daily reports are the lifeblood of information flows that make dynamic economies possible, risk being silenced in an amplified government crackdown.

Washington's avowed commitment to democracy is consistent, but its actions – toward Bangladesh and other nations – have not been.

But will the proposed Cyber Security Act, which will replace the DSA, restore meaningful freedom of expression to Bangladeshis?

“Bangladesh can ill afford to lose the trust and confidence of the international community at this critical time.”

Back home, ruling party activists threaten and assault journalists' relatives to silence their criticism of the government.

With a notorious track record of crackdowns on the opposition and the free media, a lot is riding on Bangladesh's general elections next year.

Unlike in previous elections, India has stepped back from a proactive role in shaping the electoral outcome. While China is backing Prime Minister Hasina, the U.S. is pushing back.

Recent political developments suggest that a replay of the electoral illusions of 2014 or 2018 is no longer an option for the Awami League.