At first, the rise to power of Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh was hailed as a sign of democracy’s potential. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the nation’s founding father, promised her freedom, justice, and democratic principles on her way to power. In any case, throughout the long term, Hasina’s residency has taken a sharp turn towards dictatorship, raising worries about the disintegration of majority rule standards in Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina was praised for her perseverance and commitment to restoring democracy after the military regime in the early years of her leadership. Her first two terms as Prime Minister were marked by efforts to promote economic growth and national stability. However, her increasingly authoritarian strategies have obscured the promise of democratic governance. The manipulation of the electoral process is one of the most obvious signs of her autocratic shift. The legitimacy of her government has been tarnished by allegations of voter intimidation, opposition suppression, and rigged elections.
Particularly during the 2018 general election, there were numerous allegations of widespread irregularities, including allegations of ballot stuffing and voter harassment. These actions undermine the very foundation of democracy, which is based on free and fair elections. Another characteristic of Hasina’s rule is the suppression of opposing viewpoints. It is deeply troubling that harsh laws like the Digital Security Act are used to silence journalists and critics. Those who dare to speak out against the government have been arrested and harassed under this law, restricting freedom of speech and the press. Such measures establish an environment of dread and constraint, smothering the energetic popularity based talk that is fundamental for a sound society.
In addition, Hasina’s autocratic tendencies are evident from the crackdown on political opposition. Opposition party leaders and activists face constant harassment, arbitrary arrests, and charges motivated by politics. In addition to weakening the democratic framework, Hasina’s power is strengthened by this systematic suppression of the opposition, making Bangladesh a one-party state only in name. The disintegration of legal freedom further worsens what is happening. In the past, the judiciary was seen as impartial, but now it is seen as an extension of the executive, with political considerations heavily influencing appointments and decisions. Citizens lose access to a just and impartial legal system as a result of this, which undermines the rule of law. The tendency of Sheikh Hasina’s foreign policy to more closely align with authoritarian regimes has also raised questions. While encouraging global connections is critical, her administration’s rising binds with countries known for their despotic practices convey a stressing message over the bearing in which Bangladesh is going. The financial accomplishments frequently promoted by Hasina’s administration, while critical, can’t eclipse the well established issues of denials of basic liberties and majority rule apostatizing. Genuine advancement should be comprehensive, incorporating financial improvement as well as the safeguarding of common freedoms and vote based respectability. In conclusion, Sheikh Hasina’s rise to power as an autocrat from a pro-democracy icon is a moving illustration of the fragility of democratic institutions.
Her tenure is a cautionary tale about how unchecked power can undermine democracy’s very foundations. The international community and Bangladesh’s own citizens must hold the government accountable in order for the country to regain its democratic ideals and uphold the principles of freedom, justice, and democracy.
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