Bangladesh is currently preparing for its general elections on 7 January, but the result already appears to be predetermined. The ruling party, the Awami League, is expected to be re-elected to a fourth consecutive term due to the main opposition parties boycotting the poll and their leaders being jailed. The largest opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and its allies have expressed doubts about the fairness of the election and have called for a neutral interim government to oversee the process. However, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has rejected these demands, leading to concerns about the state of democracy in the country.
Critics argue that Hasina has become increasingly autocratic over the years, and there are calls for the international community to hold her administration accountable. However, the government denies these accusations and emphasizes the participation of multiple political parties in the election. Despite concerns about democracy and human rights, Hasina’s leadership has achieved significant economic success since 2009. The country’s per capita income has tripled, and millions of people have been lifted out of poverty. Bangladesh’s economy has become one of the fastest-growing in the region, surpassing even neighboring India. This economic progress has been supported by large infrastructure projects funded by the government and international assistance.
However, Bangladesh is now facing challenges, particularly related to the escalating cost of living and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inflation has been high, and the country’s foreign exchange reserves have significantly decreased. Critics argue that this economic success has come at the expense of democracy and human rights. They allege that Hasina’s administration has used repressive measures against political opponents, including arrests and harassment. Global figures, such as former US President Barack Obama and U2 lead singer Bono, have called on Hasina to address these concerns.
The situation has caused international agencies and human rights organizations to express alarm. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and a group of UN special rapporteurs have criticized the government’s approach to opposition party workers and the judicial system. Claims of enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings by security forces have also been documented. Local journalists fear for their safety and face restrictions when investigating these cases. The US has imposed limited sanctions on Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion, but the overall human rights situation has not significantly improved.
The international community, particularly Western nations, has been questioned for allowing Hasina to dismantle democratic institutions without consequences. Western countries have significant economic relationships with Bangladesh, as it is one of the largest garment exporters in the world. Calls have been made for tougher action by Western nations, including considering the withdrawal of tariff-free access for Bangladesh’s products. However, neighbouring India, a strategic ally of Bangladesh, opposes coercive action and has its own interests in maintaining a positive relationship. India seeks transport access through Bangladesh for its north-eastern states and is concerned about potential vulnerabilities in the region.
While Hasina currently appears to have a clear path to power, challenges may arise from other quarters in the future. The government has requested a loan from the International Monetary Fund to address a potential balance of payment crisis. This suggests that tough measures may be necessary to boost the economy, and these measures could face public backlash. Though the opposition may not be participating in the election, their absence does not eliminate the potential for dissent and challenges to the ruling party’s authority.
In summary, Bangladesh’s upcoming election raises concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in the country. While Hasina’s leadership has brought economic success, critics argue that it has come at the expense of democratic values. The international community has been called upon to hold the government accountable, but geopolitical considerations and economic relationships complicate the response. The election outcome appears likely to reinforce the ruling party’s hold on power, but challenges may emerge in the future due to economic challenges and public discontent.
