Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina: From Democracy Icon to Accused Autocrat.

2 hours ago7 min read3 comments

The political trajectory of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh's longest-serving prime minister, presents a complex and sobering case study in the erosion of democratic norms, a phenomenon with deep historical parallels. Initially heralded as a beacon of democracy following her return to power in 2009, Hasina was lauded for steering Bangladesh toward remarkable economic progress, with GDP growth consistently outpacing regional peers and lifting millions from poverty.Yet, this economic narrative is now profoundly shadowed by a systematic consolidation of power that has methodically dismantled institutional checks and balances. Her government has been widely criticized by international human rights organizations and Western governments for its harsh crackdown on dissent, the use of digital security laws to silence critics and journalists, and the conduct of elections that have been deemed by observers as failing to meet fundamental standards of freedom and fairness.The recent January 2024 general election, boycotted by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party and resulting in a parliament with virtually no opposition, stands as a stark testament to this authoritarian turn. This shift mirrors historical patterns seen elsewhere, where leaders who initially rode waves of popular support gradually transition into autocrats, believing their vision for the nation justifies the suppression of political pluralism.The international community, particularly the United States, has responded with visa restrictions on individuals deemed responsible for undermining the democratic process, signaling a growing impatience with Dhaka. The central dilemma for Bangladesh's future is whether the economic gains, however substantial, can be sustained under a political system that stifles the very freedoms and accountability mechanisms that foster long-term stability and innovation. The nation now stands at a critical juncture, its identity torn between its hard-won economic sovereignty and the fading legacy of its democratic founding principles.

#Sheikh Hasina

#Bangladesh

#authoritarianism

#economic progress

#democracy

#leadership

#featured

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