Disillusionment and Despair in Bangladesh: What Lies Ahead for the Struggling Nation

Bangladesh, with its soaring inflation and economic crisis, has left its disillusioned voters with no hope of improvement from the upcoming election. As the ruling Awami League tightens its authoritarian grip and the main opposition party boycotts the election, many fear that a fourth term for Sheikh Hasina, the current Prime Minister, will only worsen the economic situation. With the country’s debt growing heavier and corruption rampant, the burden of the troubled economy falls heavily on the people at the bottom of the social ladder. Moreover, the alarming effects of climate change, including rising sea levels and increasing salinity of soil, have not been addressed as a priority in the election campaign. Given the lack of accountability and engagement with the common people, Bangladesh’s democracy is being mocked and the future of the nation remains uncertain.