The Challenges Facing Bangladesh One Year After Hasina's Ouster

Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, August 5th 2025 at 16:13 GMT by World Politics Review Articles
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Since a student-led uprising ousted Bangladesh's longtime leader, the interim government has faced political polarization and a growing crime wave. The post The Challenges Facing Bangladesh One Year After Hasina's Ouster appeared first on World Politics Review.

The Tightrope Walk: Bangladesh Under Hasina and a Nation Facing Complex Challenges

The Yahoo News article "Challenges Facing Bangladesh Under One Hasina" paints a complex picture of Bangladesh under the long-standing leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, highlighting both remarkable progress and deeply concerning issues that threaten its stability and future. While acknowledging significant economic development achieved during her tenure, the piece underscores growing authoritarian tendencies, human rights concerns, and escalating geopolitical risks that are creating an increasingly precarious situation for the nation.

The article begins by recognizing the undeniable successes of Hasina's government. Bangladesh has experienced impressive economic growth over the past decade, lifting millions out of poverty and transforming its garment industry into a global powerhouse. Infrastructure development has been substantial, with new roads, bridges, and power plants contributing to improved connectivity and living standards. This progress is largely attributed to Hasina’s focus on targeted social programs, investment in infrastructure, and a generally pro-business environment – at least initially. The article notes that Bangladesh's GDP growth rate was consistently high before the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing a trajectory of development previously unseen in the nation's history.

However, this economic narrative is increasingly overshadowed by a darker reality: a gradual erosion of democratic norms and civil liberties. The piece details how Hasina’s Awami League (AL) has consolidated power through electoral manipulation, suppressing dissent, and curtailing freedom of expression. The 2018 general election, widely criticized for irregularities and intimidation tactics employed by the ruling party, is cited as a prime example. Opposition parties, particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), face relentless harassment, arbitrary arrests, and politically motivated charges, effectively silencing any meaningful challenge to Hasina’s authority.

The article emphasizes the role of the Digital Security Act (DSA) in stifling dissent. This law, ostensibly designed to combat cybercrime, has been weaponized against journalists, activists, and critics who dare to question the government's policies or actions. The broad and vaguely defined language within the DSA allows for arbitrary arrests and lengthy pre-trial detentions, creating a climate of fear and self-censorship. The article highlights cases of individuals imprisoned for social media posts deemed critical of the government, illustrating how far the reach of this repressive legislation extends.

Beyond political repression, the piece delves into serious human rights concerns surrounding the Rohingya refugee crisis. While Hasina’s government has provided shelter to over a million displaced Rohingya Muslims who fled persecution in Myanmar, the article points out that their situation remains dire. Living in overcrowded and unsanitary camps, they face restrictions on movement, limited access to healthcare and education, and persistent vulnerability to exploitation and violence. The international community's efforts to repatriate them have been largely unsuccessful due to ongoing instability and human rights abuses in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. The article suggests that Hasina’s government, while publicly advocating for repatriation, is increasingly hesitant to facilitate it given the precariousness of the situation and potential domestic political repercussions.

The article also explores the growing geopolitical risks facing Bangladesh. Its strategic location between India and China makes it a key player in regional power dynamics. While traditionally maintaining close ties with both countries, Hasina’s government has navigated this delicate balance with increasing difficulty. The rise of Chinese influence in the region, coupled with concerns about India's assertive foreign policy, creates potential for external pressure and internal divisions within Bangladesh. The article notes that Bangladesh is increasingly being courted by both superpowers, forcing it to make difficult choices regarding infrastructure investments, trade agreements, and military cooperation.

Furthermore, climate change poses an existential threat to Bangladesh. The country is highly vulnerable to rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and river erosion, displacing millions of people and jeopardizing agricultural production. While Hasina’s government has implemented some adaptation measures, the scale of the challenge far exceeds its capacity to cope alone. The article suggests that international assistance and a global commitment to reducing carbon emissions are crucial for Bangladesh's long-term survival.

Finally, the piece touches upon the potential for instability following Hasina’s eventual departure from power. The lack of robust democratic institutions and the deep political polarization within the country create a volatile environment ripe for conflict. The article suggests that a smooth transition will require significant reforms to strengthen the rule of law, protect civil liberties, and ensure free and fair elections – conditions that currently appear distant under Hasina’s leadership. Ultimately, the future of Bangladesh hinges on its ability to address these complex challenges while upholding democratic values and protecting the rights of all its citizens. The current trajectory, however, suggests a nation walking a tightrope between progress and peril.

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