The Bangladesh 2018 General Elections thread

[MenInG]

DHAKA: Bangladesh stepped up security Saturday in a bid to contain violence during a general election expected to see Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina win a record fourth term.
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Authorities have deployed around 600,000 police, army and other security forces ahead of Sunday's vote, a senior official said, following a deadly campaign marred by clashes.

The forces -- which also include the elite Rapid Action Battalion, navy, border and coast guards and auxiliary police units -- are providing security to some 40,000 election booths.

"We have ensured the highest level of security in Bangladesh as per the capacity of the country," Rafiqul Islam of the election commission told AFP.

"We hope there will be a peaceful atmosphere," he said.

Clashes have gripped the Muslim majority country of 165 million in the run-up to the polls.

Thirteen people have been killed and thousands injured in skirmishes between supporters of Hasina's ruling Awami League and activists of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

The BNP, which boycotted the 2014 election, says its supporters have been deliberately targeted in a a bid to deter them from voting and rig the election in Hasina's favour.

The Awami League and BNP are leading their own alliances in the country's 11th parliamentary polls since independence in 1971.


The BNP, whose leader Khaleda Zia is in prison on graft charges, has accused the election commission of bias during the electoral campaign -- a charge rejected by its chief commissioner, KM Nurul Huda.

The opposition says that some 14,000 of its activists have been detained since the election schedule was announced on November 8. It also alleges that around 12,000 activists were injured in attacks by ruling party followers. The ruling party denies the allegation.

Rafiqul Islam said election authorities were still hopeful the vote would be credible. The United States has raised concerns about the elections while the United Nations called for greater efforts to make the vote fair.

"We're trying our best to have a free and fair election," he said.

Islam added that authorities may slow down internet speeds on election day in an effort to "prevent the spread of rumours", that could trigger unrest.

The country's telecoms regulator shut down higher speed internet services on Thursday before restoring them on Friday morning.

The election commission has also imposed restrictions on public transport and cars on polling day in an effort to maintain security and "conduct the election smoothly", he said.

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/ban...urity-forces-ahead-of-elections-today-1969734

 

[MenInG]

DHAKA: Bangladesh’s telecoms regulator has ordered mobile operators to shut down high-speed mobile internet services until midnight on Sunday, the day of a national election.

The measure is effective immediately, a spokesman for the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission said on Saturday.

“The decision has been taken to prevent rumors and propaganda surrounding the vote,” Zakir Hussain Khan said.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/223543-bangladesh-shuts-down-high-speed-mobile-internet-on-election-eve

 

[MenInG]

(CNN)Bangladeshis vote Sunday on whether to give Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina a record third consecutive term in an election marred by allegations of human rights abuses by her government.

The military has been deployed across the country to try to prevent the violence seen during recent polls, which were tarnished by a low turnout and boycotted by the largest opposition group and its allies.

The Bangladesh Awami League, led by 71-year-old Hasina, has been in power since 2009 and won the last election in January 2014 with a resounding majority amid a boycott. But Hasina has since been accused of authoritarianism and harassment of the media and opposition figures, even as she presides over strong economic growth.

Concerns over transparency

Human rights groups and opposition figures have warned that the December 30 election could be rigged despite promises of transparency from the authorities.

Salil Tripathi, a London-based journalist and author of "The Colonel Who Would Not Repent: The Bangladesh War and Its Unquiet Legacy," said the government has delayed visas for election observer groups such as the Asian Network for Free Elections (Anfrel) despite its promises of openness.

"The question is whether there will be observers on the ground in time to see what's going on," Tripathi told CNN. "You want elections that are free and fair, and Bangladesh is missing this as an opportunity. If you don't allow the observers to come, how will you prove this?"

In a report last week, Human Rights Watch said a "repressive political environment in Bangladesh is undermining the credibility of the process."

"Authoritarian measures, including widespread surveillance and a crackdown on free speech, have contributed to a widely described climate of fear," the report said, adding that police had failed to act impartially and ignored attacks on opposition figures.

Brad Adams, HRW's Asia director, said "the police and election commission should not appear to be acting like extensions of the ruling party."

"The violence during the campaign that has mainly targeted the opposition bears out their misgivings about unfair treatment," he added.

Opposition figures aren't the only ones feeling the pressure. Media and press freedom groups have complained of harassment and threats ahead of Sunday's election.

In October, the government approved a controversial new digital security law which rights groups fear could further erode press freedoms and silence dissenting voices online.

Amnesty International said it imposed "dangerous restrictions on freedom of expression" and pointed to its potential for use against opposition voices.

The Dhaka-based Odhikar group has highlighted a worrying spate of what it called "enforced disappearances" of opposition leaders, students and activists.

In September alone, the rights group claims 30 people were picked up by law enforcement agencies without explanation -- a sharp jump from a total of 28 in the first eight months of the year.

One of those detained in 2018 was prominent photojournalist Shahidul Alam, who was jailed for several months after an interview with Al Jazeera in which he accused the government of clinging on to power by "brute force."

A joint statement by 25 human rights organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists and Amnesty International, had called for Alam's "immediate and unconditional release" and slammed the allegations against him as "a blatant violation of his right to freedom of expression."

Hasina is widely expected to cruise to a third term, with her biggest rival, BNP chief and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, 73, currently in prison and banned from running for election over corruption charges.

"I'd be surprised if Hasina doesn't win. The opposition has a lot of problems in terms of pitching candidates and intimidation. She has the advantage of incumbency," Tripathi said.

But regardless of the outcome, he said the focus should be on the rights of Bangladeshis to free and fair polls: "The voters and the candidates need to feel reassured."

https://edition.cnn.com/2018/12/28/asia/bangladesh-election-sheikh-hasina-intl/index.html

 

[Swashbuckler]

Any opinion poll? Hope Bangladeshi posters can shed some light, will be interesting to know about their politics.

 

[Dios]

If the Awami League win this election then the BNP will effectively be obliterated and Bangladesh's transformation to a true one-party state would be complete.

 

[Syed1]

Heard on the news there was alot of violence and some fatalities. Also some noise of stuffed ballot boxes and rigging. So all in all a typical South Asian elections.

 

[Varun]

Wonder if the Bangladeshi people will come out in a show of force after the election and replace Sheikh Hasina with their choice of candidate - Khaleda Zia, as PM? A revolution of sorts?

 

[Swashbuckler]

Wonder if the Bangladeshi people will come out in a show of force after the election and replace Sheikh Hasina with their choice of candidate - Khaleda Zia, as PM? A revolution of sorts?

Why would they? Under Hasina their country is making very good progress both economically and in terms of action against extremism. Their HDI numbers are improving, their GDP per capita is set to surpass India's by 2020, communal violence has followed the opposite trajectory of other South Asian states.

 

[Varun]

Why would they? Under Hasina their country is making very good progress both economically and in terms of action against extremism. Their HDI numbers are improving, their GDP per capita is set to surpass India's by 2020, communal violence has followed the opposite trajectory of other South Asian states.

Fair enough, so why does Sheikh Hasina need to rig the elections to win then?

 

[Swashbuckler]

Fair enough, so why does Sheikh Hasina need to rig the elections to win then?

I hope some Bangladeshi poster can explain that, I am not sure about rigging but the violence appears to be just as bad as our Bengal. Maybe it is the culture of politics in that region (the 2 Bengals), TMC and before that CPI(M) too would indulge in violence, intimidation tactics and rigging. Maybe if Khaleda Zia were in power there would have been no difference in the conduct of polls.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

I hope some Bangladeshi poster can explain that, I am not sure about rigging but the violence appears to be just as bad as our Bengal. Maybe it is the culture of politics in that region (the 2 Bengals), TMC and before that CPI(M) too would indulge in violence, intimidation tactics and rigging. Maybe if Khaleda Zia were in power there would have been no difference in the conduct of polls.

Perhaps they are following a similar policy to China, another country which is making great progress economically but not fans of democracy.

 

[Napa]

Why would they? Under Hasina their country is making very good progress both economically and in terms of action against extremism. Their HDI numbers are improving, <b>their GDP per capita is set to surpass India's by 2020,</b> communal violence has followed the opposite trajectory of other South Asian states.

This is a myth, publicized by some low quality journalists.

https://www.business-standard.com/a...al-development-indicators-118052700710_1.html

Bangladesh is doing well and that's great. However a 12.9% growth rate defies belief. Also, it says growth rate at "current prices" which is strange as growth rates are either in "real terms" or "nominal terms".

The essential mistake of the article is measuring gdp in $ terms, as the exchange rate can fluctuate wildly giving the impression of a very high rate of growth for the short term. The only correct number of long term comparison is GDP PPP.

Per the CIA factbook percentage real growth rates for India and Bangladesh for 2017, 2016 and 2015 are 6.7, 7.1 and 8 and 7.1, 7.2 and 6.8 respectively.

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/in.html

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bg.html

The 6.7% rate for 2017 was a hiccup due to demonetization and GST, and the Indian economy is scheduled to grow again at around 7.4% in 2018.

Also, you can see that India is slightly ahead of Bangladesh in terms of growth rates. Why is Bus Standard using 2013 to 2016 data and ignoring 2017?

Both Bangladesh and India are growing fast at approximately the same rate. Given that India's per cap ppp GDP is 71% greater than Bangladesh's ($7,200 vs. $4,200) Bangladesh is not going to overtake India for the foreseeable future let alone 2020.

 

[Madplayer]

Hasina madam set for a landslide win yet again.

This is unbelievable for me because every single Bangladeshi who i have talked to hates her guts. I wonder which sections she gets her support from.

 

[Swashbuckler]

Hasina showed great leadership during the Rohingya crisis, I remember reading many articles about her statesmanship and humanitarian support back then.

 

[CricketCartoons]

Hasina madam set for a landslide win yet again.

This is unbelievable for me because every single Bangladeshi who i have talked to hates her guts. I wonder which sections she gets her support from.

mostly the religious extremists hate her. khaleda zia's bnp is their bjp. Sheikh Hasina is the only progressive option, despite her flaws.

 

[Napa]

Hasina madam set for a landslide win yet again.

This is unbelievable for me because every single Bangladeshi who i have talked to hates her guts. I wonder which sections she gets her support from.

She is getting her support from people who actually live in Bangladesh and support her due to Bangladesh's improving economy.

You can see from the graph below that Pakistan's nominal per cap GDP used to be higher than Bangladesh for most of the last 50 years, but during the last 10 years Hasina has put the country at a higher growth trajectory and now Bangladesh is ahead of Pakistan.



Not only isn't Bangladesh growing faster than Pakistan, and now has a higher per cap GDP, it also doesn't have to ask foreign countries/institutions for regular bailouts.

The difference between Hasina and NS was that Hasina tamed the Army. She implemented policies that benefit the economy rather than have the Army grab the best jobs, lands etc. If Pakistan got a leader like her, it's economy would boom.

Better picture below:

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

mostly the religious extremists hate her. khaleda zia's bnp is their bjp. Sheikh Hasina is the only progressive option, despite her flaws.

Similar to Egypt where the public would vote for religious extremists given half a chance. Perhaps banning the internet and foiling democracy is the only way forward for Islamic nations to save them from themselves.

 

[CricketCartoons]

Similar to Egypt where the public would vote for religious extremists given half a chance. Perhaps banning the internet and foiling democracy is the only way forward for Islamic nations to save them from themselves.

not just the muslim world, any third world nation where voters are uninformed and vote based on tribal identities. indians like to gloat about their democracy, but it is what which has kept them still backward.

 

[MenInG]

Bangladesh's opposition has condemned what it has called a "farcical" election and demanded a new vote.

PM Sheikh Hasina is heading for a fourth term with a huge majority that continues to grow as results come in.

But there have been claims of vote-rigging, and a BBC correspondent saw filled ballot boxes at a polling centre before polls opened.

"We urge the election commission to void this farcical result immediately," opposition leader Kamal Hossain said.

"We are demanding that a fresh election is held under a neutral government as early as possible."

The Bangladesh Election Commission told Reuters news agency that it had heard vote-rigging allegations from "across the country" and would investigate.

At least 17 people have been killed in clashes between ruling party supporters and the opposition.

What are the allegations?
Sheikh Hasina's Awami League has run Bangladesh since 2009, but one of the leading opposition parties has accused it of using stuffed ballot boxes.

A spokesman for the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) alleged there were "irregularities" in 221 of the 300 seats being contested.

Soon before polls opened, a BBC correspondent saw filled ballot boxes at a polling centre in the port city of Chittagong. The presiding officer declined to comment.

Only ruling party polling agents were present at that and several other polling centres in the second-largest city of the country.

At least 28 candidates from the main opposition alliance withdrew before polling closed, alleging vote rigging and intimidation.

Activists, observers and the opposition party had warned that the vote would not be fair, but the governing party accused the opposition of peddling false claims.

Ms Hasina told the BBC on Friday: "On the one hand, they are placing allegations. On the other hand, they are attacking our party workers, leaders. That is the tragedy in this country."

As we went from polling booth to polling booth, one pattern became clear. People who were supporters of Prime Minister Hasina's party were vocal, and happy to answer our questions on camera, about what issues they'd voted on. The others were mostly too scared to speak out.

One man told us that several members of his extended family found that their votes had already been cast when they went to the polling booth. He said he didn't think it was a fair election but didn't want to be identified

It wasn't hard to see why he felt intimidated. Outside every polling booth we went to, there were dozens of workers from the prime minister's party, listening intently when anyone was interviewed. No-one from the opposition parties was visible.

While the election commission has said it will investigate claims of vote-rigging, the organisation has itself been accused of bias by the opposition.

So far, the prime minister has not responded to these latest allegations but two days ago rejected claims the election was unfair.

It is widely anticipated that her party will win the polls, but it will be a controversial victory.

Why was this election important?
Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority nation of more than 160 million people and faces issues ranging from possibly devastating climate change, Islamist militancy, endemic poverty and corruption.

The country has recently been in the international spotlight as hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims have fled there from neighbouring Myanmar.

The lead-up to the election saw violence between rival supporters and a crackdown on dissent by a government that critics say has only grown more authoritarian during its 10 years in power.

Who were the contenders?
Sheikh Hasina's long-term rival, Khaleda Zia, was sent to prison on corruption charges earlier this year and barred from competing in the vote, in a case which she claimed was politically motivated.

In Ms Zia's absence, Kamal Hossain, who was previously both an AL minister and Hasina ally, leads the main opposition grouping, the Jatiya Oikya Front, which includes Ms Zia's Bangladesh National Party (BNP).

However, the 81-year-old lawyer, who drew up the country's constitution, did not stand in the election.

The BNP boycotted the last vote in 2014, making Sunday's poll the first to involve all the major parties in 10 years.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-46716605

 

[slipcatch]

And here we are told by Couple of Indian that no one should talk about India but Indian.Hypocrite.

Really surprised to see her win. Almost 99.9% Bangladeshi I’ve met would never support her.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

So my Bangladeshi friend was telling the truth it seems. Democracy is great as long as the right person is elected...and if they aren't then democracy just needs to be massaged a little bit until it produces the right result.

 

[KB]

She is getting her support from people who actually live in Bangladesh and support her due to Bangladesh's improving economy.

You can see from the graph below that Pakistan's nominal per cap GDP used to be higher than Bangladesh for most of the last 50 years, but during the last 10 years Hasina has put the country at a higher growth trajectory and now Bangladesh is ahead of Pakistan.

View attachment 86873

Not only isn't Bangladesh growing faster than Pakistan, and now has a higher per cap GDP, it also doesn't have to ask foreign countries/institutions for regular bailouts.

The difference between Hasina and NS was that Hasina tamed the Army. She implemented policies that benefit the economy rather than have the Army grab the best jobs, lands etc. If Pakistan got a leader like her, it's economy would boom.

Better picture below:

View attachment 86874

Bangladesh has certainly achieved impressive economic results, but as the graph demonstrates, the significant upward swing began in the mid 90s and therefore Bangladesh’s improved economic performance stretches over different administrations. In other words to attribute Bangladesh’s economic performance to the vision of one person - Sheikh Hasina - is a rather simplistic interpretation.

In fact what economists have pointed to is the ‘paradox’ or ‘conundrum’ of Bangladesh’s economic performance that in spite of ‘poor’ governance it has achieved significant success in terms of economic growth and improvement in human development indicators.

Some have even traced the foundations further back. An impressive recent book by Naomi Hossain (The Aid Lab), has argued that the key event was the devastating 1974 famine, which created a certain ‘moral economy’ and a ‘social contract’ between the rules and the rulers. In its aftermath, the ruling elite believed that their political fortunes - indeed very survival - rested on their ability to provide ‘human development and basic social protection’ to its citizens which institutionalised protection policies against natural disasters and “helped protect key policies to transform the population through health and education against political competition and corruption, brought poor rural women to the forefront of development, and ensured the elite policed themselves to deliver these essential public goods.”

Also relevant in the context and aftermath of the famine was the social structure, and Hossain makes the point that “the ruling class in Bangladesh derives its legitimacy not from traditional status, religious leadership, cultural superiority, or even adherence to democratic process. A regime that fails to deliver basic protection against crises of food, flood, cyclones (and so on) lacks legitimacy, rapidly loses authority, and is vulnerable to plotting and overthrow by contending elites. At the same time, development could not proceed without the basic protections being in place in this acutely ecologically fragile and globally exposed setting. These were the lessons of the famine.”

Furthermore, the ruling class pursued pro-market, pro-poor development policies “in return for resources from the international community” widening the scope for NGO experimentation and action.

Not linked to the famine, but also noted, is that Bangladesh was relatively insulated from the politics of the Cold War and this ensured development policies did not become entangled and eclipsed by political considerations.

 

[Swashbuckler]

She probably has a dictatorial streak, must be Bangladesh's version of Indira Gandhi. But these election results would make even Putin chuckle.

 

[Napa]

not just the muslim world, any third world nation where voters are uninformed and vote based on tribal identities. indians like to gloat about their democracy, but it is what which has kept them still backward.

It is not clear democracy has kept Indians backward. The alternatives could have been Army domination of the sort Pakistan has, which would definitely be worse. Communist Party domination of the sort of China would have been better for the economy, but unclear what the future would hold. Communist Party domination of the sort of North Korea would be worse. Right wing party domination of the sort of Singapore would be better, but again unclear what the future would hold.

 

[Napa]

Bangladesh has certainly achieved impressive economic results, but as the graph demonstrates, the significant upward swing began in the mid 90s and therefore Bangladesh’s improved economic performance stretches over different administrations.

This is incorrect. If you look at the graph, the upswing began more around 2003. Pakistan at that point also experienced an upswing, but that growth faltered while Bangladesh under Hasina (from 2008 onwards) kept going and going.



From 2008 to 2018, Hasina faced significant challenges, such as the BDR revolt and the 2012 a coup attempt against her by mid ranking army officers etc. She was able to overcome these challenges, which would have had major negative implications for the security environment if she had not been successful.

In other words to attribute Bangladesh’s economic performance to the vision of one person - Sheikh Hasina - is a rather simplistic interpretation.

To say that my post implied "Bangladesh’s economic performance to the vision of one person" is simplistic. Rather it implied that Hasina was a critical element in a setting where other necessary elements were present, and those other necessary elements are present in Pakistan, notably in the form of human capital. It is for the leadership (of which Hasina is the most important part) to formulate policies in which investors feel they have security for their investments.

It appears that you thought I meant Hasina was managing the government, keeping the Army under control, negotiating with foreign investors, deciding upon where the factories would be located, negotiating apparel prices, and maybe even running the textile looms at night all by herself

In fact what economists have pointed to is the ‘paradox’ or ‘conundrum’ of Bangladesh’s economic performance that in spite of ‘poor’ governance it has achieved significant success in terms of economic growth and improvement in human development indicators.

The proof of the pudding is economic growth, so the critics of Hasina's "governance" are just whining. Hasina's crackdown on religious extremists and pursuit of mutually respectful relations with India has provided the necessary security environment for economic growth.

Some have even traced the foundations further back. An impressive recent book by Naomi Hossain (The Aid Lab), has argued that the key event was the devastating 1974 famine, which created a certain ‘moral economy’ and a ‘social contract’ between the rules and the rulers. In its aftermath, the ruling elite believed that their political fortunes - indeed very survival - rested on their ability to provide ‘human development and basic social protection’ to its citizens which institutionalised protection policies against natural disasters and “helped protect key policies to transform the population through health and education against political competition and corruption, brought poor rural women to the forefront of development, and ensured the elite policed themselves to deliver these essential public goods.”

Also relevant in the context and aftermath of the famine was the social structure, and Hossain makes the point that “the ruling class in Bangladesh derives its legitimacy not from traditional status, religious leadership, cultural superiority, or even adherence to democratic process. A regime that fails to deliver basic protection against crises of food, flood, cyclones (and so on) lacks legitimacy, rapidly loses authority, and is vulnerable to plotting and overthrow by contending elites. At the same time, development could not proceed without the basic protections being in place in this acutely ecologically fragile and globally exposed setting. These were the lessons of the famine.”

Furthermore, the ruling class pursued pro-market, pro-poor development policies “in return for resources from the international community” widening the scope for NGO experimentation and action.

Not linked to the famine, but also noted, is that Bangladesh was relatively insulated from the politics of the Cold War and this ensured development policies did not become entangled and eclipsed by political considerations.

"Some have even traced the foundations further back." These are just games academics play. The spurt in Bangladesh's economic growth did not begin after 1974, but rather 30 years later. One can concoct all kinds of stories, and these stories to deny Hasina credit are not convincing.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

This is incorrect. If you look at the graph, the upswing began more around 2003. Pakistan at that point also experienced an upswing, but that growth faltered while Bangladesh under Hasina (from 2008 onwards) kept going and going.

View attachment 86879

From 2008 to 2018, Hasina faced significant challenges, such as the BDR revolt and the 2012 a coup attempt against her by mid ranking army officers etc. She was able to overcome these challenges, which would have had major negative implications for the security environment if she had not been successful.



To say that my post implied "Bangladesh’s economic performance to the vision of one person" is simplistic. Rather it implied that Hasina was a critical element in a setting where other necessary elements were present, and those other necessary elements are present in Pakistan, notably in the form of human capital. It is for the leadership (of which Hasina is the most important part) to formulate policies in which investors feel they have security for their investments.

It appears that you thought I meant Hasina was managing the government, keeping the Army under control, negotiating with foreign investors, deciding upon where the factories would be located, negotiating apparel prices, and maybe even running the textile looms at night all by herself



The proof of the pudding is economic growth, so the critics of Hasina's "governance" are just whining. Hasina's crackdown on religious extremists and pursuit of mutually respectful relations with India has provided the necessary security environment for economic growth.



"Some have even traced the foundations further back." These are just games academics play. The spurt in Bangladesh's economic growth did not begin after 1974, but rather 30 years later. One can concoct all kinds of stories, and these stories to deny Hasina credit are not convincing.

Would you have supported a crackdown on religious extremists if the BJP lost the next election and suffered a similar purge by Congress using state machinery?

 

[Rafa]

Billion of Dollars spent to buy tracking device, Never knew Hasina is running a Nazi Police State. There is much more freedom in Pakistan compared to that.

 

[gazza619]

Billion of Dollars spent to buy tracking device, Never knew Hasina is running a Nazi Police State. There is much more freedom in Pakistan compared to that.

Didnt know things are so bad in Bangladesh. We in Pakistan always give examples of how Bangla has left us behind..

 

[CricketCartoons]

Billion of Dollars spent to buy tracking device, Never knew Hasina is running a Nazi Police State. There is much more freedom in Pakistan compared to that.

It is fashionable to label everyone as a nazi, from trump's america, modi's india to imran's pakistan.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

Would you have supported a crackdown on religious extremists if the BJP lost the next election and suffered a similar purge by Congress using state machinery?

Obviously. Why wouldn’t he? It’s the golden rule!!!!

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

It is fashionable to label everyone as a nazi, from trump's america, modi's india to imran's pakistan.

Nazis are far from fashionable, otherwise the swastika emblem which has Hindu origins would be t-shirt material by now.

 

[KB]

This is incorrect. If you look at the graph, the upswing began more around 2003. Pakistan at that point also experienced an upswing

The acceleration of growth is commonly dated to the 1990s (usually at least 1997) by economists and that would be my reading of the graph as well, but even if it was 2003, it does not alter the point substantially.

To say that my post implied "Bangladesh’s economic performance to the vision of one person" is simplistic. Rather it implied that Hasina was a critical element

I shall allow others to make their own minds up as to what the original post implied but I did not see any caveats or nuance with the following statements "during the last 10 years Hasina has put the country at a higher growth trajectory." It also states "She implemented policies that benefit the economy...If Pakistan got a leader like her, it's economy would boom."

At any rate, whatever the original meaning, as impressive growth levels have been sustained for long periods there is something deeper to Bangladesh’s economic success story than the supposedly "critical" impact of Sheikh Hasina. Certainly the World Bank report on governance for Bangladesh does not suggest effective governance is the prime reason for the levels of growth as Bangladesh scores quite poorly in this regard and specifically on governance effectiveness its score has worsened between 2007 and 2017.

"Some have even traced the foundations further back." These are just games academics play. The spurt in Bangladesh's economic growth did not begin after 1974, but rather 30 years later."

The point here is that the foundations were laid in the aftermath of the famine. Of course growth does not take-off overnight. Investment in education, health and policies that seek the empowerment of women and so forth takes time to take effect. But her point is that the preconditions were laid in the political settlement reached after the famine of 1974. Now, it may well be that she overstates the case and more work is needed to prove that 1974 was the pivotal moment. There is also a danger that it is too deterministic as a theory and does not take sufficient account of events that transpired subsequently. The confluence of other factors such as the growth of the textile industry and the underlying factors therein for instance and the move towards a more pro-market orientation in the 1990s would need greater elaboration. But she has provided a thoughtful, well researched and sophisticated analysis.

 

[CricketCartoons]

Nazis are far from fashionable, otherwise the swastika emblem which has Hindu origins would be t-shirt material by now.

your comprehension fails as usual. nazis are not fashionable. labelling anyone you don't like as naziz is. they even called imran a hitler, when he is far from it.

 

[LongHorn]

AL would have won a fair election, but by a much lesser margin, they did not need to indulge in such thuggery and violence.

 

[LongHorn]

Didnt know things are so bad in Bangladesh. We in Pakistan always give examples of how Bangla has left us behind..

In some aspects, yes, Bangladesh is ahead; social indicators, education, etc

But in terms of political freedom, Pakistan is way ahead

 

[CricketCartoons]

In some aspects, yes, Bangladesh is ahead; social indicators, education, etc

But in terms of political freedom, Pakistan is way ahead

what is your source? are you basing it on a global index

 

[LongHorn]

3/ Since the war of Independence, the most violent time in Bangladesh history has been right after the 2001 general election.

That is debatable, for some reason Awami supporters always pretend to forget the fights before 2007 elections when AL supporters lynched Jamatis on the streets with boat oars....

 

[10sion]

My sister (she wears hijab and niqab) was not allowed to cast her vote.

A friend of mine was forced to vote for the current ruling party. Two persons followed him until he voted.

 

[Rafa]

Sheikh Hasina Wins Brute Majority to Begin 4th Term as Bangladesh PM, Oppn Demands Fresh Vote

https://www.news18.com/news/world/s...desh-polls-oppn-seeks-fresh-vote-1987419.html

 

[hamid.s]

Any opinion poll? Hope Bangladeshi posters can shed some light, will be interesting to know about their politics.

Any opinion poll? Hope Bangladeshi posters can shed some light, will be interesting to know about their politics.

the election was not fair. it was farcical at best.

but the country has made tremendous progress over the last decade both economically and socially. so people cared very little about who is in power. the majority of the people couldn't care less if it was Hasina or Khaleda Zia.

millions of people have entered middle class. poverty has reduced. local industries are doing well and very minimal electricity shortage. back in the 90s we used to have load shedding of few 1-2 hours every day. nowadays, electricity barely goes out and maybe once for 30 mins in a month at worst.

but this one party dominance is not good in the long term. Awami League cracks down very hard for dissent.

--

on the 2nd topic, Bangladesh has progressed in the last two decades mainly due to strong NGO presence, very active civic societies, and women empowerment.

BRAC and Grameen are few of the largest NGOs in the world and they provide tremendous community support and help at rural levels including education, health care, financial help, and etc.

Civic societies and middle class also played a big part in keeping the country quiet secular. There were few instances but overall the country was able to remain free of extremism.

Woman empowerment led to overall improvement in the economy. Millions of low skilled woman entered the textile industry while the educated ones all work in govt and private companies.

--

Almost everyone hates Hasina to be honest. No one likes her authoritarian nature. But politics took a back seat and everyone mostly cares about economy, education, and civic life.

 

[Gabbar Singh]

They can’t be serious.

https://www.newkerala.com/news/read...-satisfied-over-bangladesh-polls-process.html
India, Nepal, OIC, SAARC satisfied over Bangladesh polls process 3 hours agoJan 01, 2019ANI Dhaka [Bangladesh], Dec 31 (ANI/ Prothom Alo): The election observers of India, Nepal, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have expressed their satisfaction over the election process of 11th parliamentary polls in Bangladesh.
Read more at: https://www.newkerala.com/news/read...-satisfied-over-bangladesh-polls-process.html

 

[Bewal Express]

It's an absolute disgrace that 4% didn't vote for. I think that anything less than 110% for Hasina of the vote share is an absolute travesty.

 

[tonmoy]

My sister (she wears hijab and niqab) was not allowed to cast her vote.

A friend of mine was forced to vote for the current ruling party. Two persons followed him until he voted.

Your sister wasnt allowed to vote because of Niqab? Can you elaborate? Is it because she did not want to show her face to compare it with the national ID?

 

[Slog]

It’s a shame that the daughter of the man who won Bangladeshis their freedom has effectively enslaved her people

 

[CricketCartoons]

To hell with democracy, we know how it has worked in libya, egypt, iraq and india. More power to Sheikh Hasina. May Bangladesh continue to improve while "democracy" can go to hell.

 

[Pakistanian]

It’s a shame that the daughter of the man who won Bangladeshis their freedom has effectively enslaved her people

well he was killed only a few years latter by his own people cause he wanted to accede to india

 

[CricketCartoons]

well he was killed only a few years latter by his own people cause he wanted to accede to india

similarly, liaquat ali khan, mohandas gandhi and lincoln were also killed by their "own" people.

 

[tonmoy]

It’s a shame that the daughter of the man who won Bangladeshis their freedom has effectively enslaved her people

I do not question the fact that the vote was not fair. However if you come to Bangladesh and talk to the rural population, you will find that Awami league has overwhelming support. I do not call that enslaving people. Even in Urban centres the support is 50-50.

 

[CricketCartoons]

I do not question the fact that the vote was not fair. However if you come to Bangladesh and talk to the rural population, you will find that Awami league has overwhelming support. I do not call that enslaving people. Even in Urban centres the support is 50-50.

It is similar to imran khan's election. there are allegations of it being influenced by the army because they didnt want to take the risk of democracy and wanted the man who is right for pakistan. the only thing that matters is whether the right person is in power, and not if voting was not fair. third worlders cannot be trusted to make informed decision when casting their vote.

 

[Pakistanian]

similarly, liaquat ali khan, mohandas gandhi and lincoln were also killed by their "own" people.

He was killed by an Afghan citizen.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saad_Akbar_Babrak

 

[tonmoy]

similarly, liaquat ali khan, mohandas gandhi and lincoln were also killed by their "own" people.

The three leaders of the subcontinent during the liberation war 1971 , Indira Gandhi of India, Mujibur Rahman of Bangladesh and Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto of Pakistan were all killed by their own people.

 

[LongHorn]

the election was not fair. it was farcical at best.

but the country has made tremendous progress over the last decade both economically and socially. so people cared very little about who is in power. the majority of the people couldn't care less if it was Hasina or Khaleda Zia.

millions of people have entered middle class. poverty has reduced. local industries are doing well and very minimal electricity shortage. back in the 90s we used to have load shedding of few 1-2 hours every day. nowadays, electricity barely goes out and maybe once for 30 mins in a month at worst.

but this one party dominance is not good in the long term. Awami League cracks down very hard for dissent.

--

on the 2nd topic, Bangladesh has progressed in the last two decades mainly due to strong NGO presence, very active civic societies, and women empowerment.

Very well put.
Bangladesh made progress inspite of AL, not because of them...

They would have made similar progress under any other govt....

Corruption was high during BNP time, it is high now as well, difference is it was concentrated in Tareques hand back then, while more people are sharing the pie now

 

[Varun]

From the description of the astute Bangladeshi posters on this thread, it seems that Hasina is a Jayalalitha/Mamta Bannerjee type figure?

 

[CricketCartoons]

He was killed by an Afghan citizen.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saad_Akbar_Babrak

if he was afghani citizen, then why was he being paid by the state of pakistan?

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

It is similar to imran khan's election. there are allegations of it being influenced by the army because they didnt want to take the risk of democracy and wanted the man who is right for pakistan. the only thing that matters is whether the right person is in power, and not if voting was not fair. third worlders cannot be trusted to make informed decision when casting their vote.

This idea was first put forward by the far-sighted Gen Musharraf, but proud Pakistanis could never accept that he knew better than them, hence he was often referred to as Busharraf by sniffy PP members. Who knows where the country could have been under his stewardship had he been allowed to continue facilitating USA foreign policy unhindered?

 

[CricketCartoons]

This idea was first put forward by the far-sighted Gen Musharraf, but proud Pakistanis could never accept that he knew better than them, hence he was often referred to as Busharraf by sniffy PP members. Who knows where the country could have been under his stewardship had he been allowed to continue facilitating USA foreign policy unhindered?

This idea was given a long time ago by Allama Iqbal, who saw through the flaw in democracy and didn't find it suitable for his people.

jamhooriyat ik tarz-e-hukoomat hai ki jis mein bandon ko gina karte hain taula nahin karte

 

[tonmoy]

Very well put.
Bangladesh made progress inspite of AL, not because of them...

T

That is such a biased thing to say. BNP did not add a single MW of power to the national grid in 5 years. They did not develop the transportation infastructure at all. We only had two flyover in Bangladesh. No 4 lane highways. Our railway was in dire straights.

My relatives had to pay bribes multiple times and still wait 3 years before Power was connected to his factory . Worst of all, he still had to run his machines using deisel generator most of the day (because of load shedding). Extortion from business was so bad that it was impossible to even imagine owning a business and not have to pay extortion money outside the EPZ. AL changed all that and was a blessing for business community.

 

[Slog]

I do not question the fact that the vote was not fair. However if you come to Bangladesh and talk to the rural population, you will find that Awami league has overwhelming support. I do not call that enslaving people. Even in Urban centres the support is 50-50.

I don’t know the specifics of the popularity and the expected results but enslaving here means basically being shorn of the opportunity to make a choice and instead have the choice made by you.

It is irrelevant that the choice thrust upon the Bangladeshis may have been what they would have gone for anyway. The point is that they did not make that decision

 

[Hasan2K8]

Under Hasina, Bangladesh has made good strides in economic, social development. I dont support any party, I care about development, and moving forward, so whoever does the job better, I will credit them. Hasina is no angel nor her party, but I think Hasina is the best option for Bangladesh in terms of development and improving economic, socially, infrastructure. The opposition, BNP is worse, if you look at their term last time, Bangladesh was moving at a snail speed, and despite my region in BD votes BNP by more than 70% I'd say, it still did jack to improve roads, bridges, etc. Fact is BNP is very incompetent.

Hasina is very much the right one to take Bangladesh forward for now. She also head strong, and I heard refused and refusing USA army naval base in the ST Martin island in Bangladesh. I reckon BNP will give in easily, US wants it for their plans against China and in the region. But Hasina will not give an inch to US, no matter how much billions it will offer. true patriot. got to salute her for that.

But one more term is enough. Then We can hope for a better opposition, a male candidate, maybe our beloved Captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza forming his own party one day, and taking on the challenge to become PM. Am sure his popularity will bring him votes. He however needs to use AL for the experience for now as he just got into it, 5 years from now lots can change.

 

[LongHorn]

-. She also head strong, and I heard refused and refusing USA army naval base in the ST Martin island in Bangladesh. I reckon BNP will give in easily, US wants it for their plans against China and in the region. But Hasina will not give an inch to US, no matter how much billions it will offer. true patriot. got to salute her for that.
.

She is a true patriot when it comes to China and USA and Pakistan ....

When it comes to India though, her party is slavish ..... and willing to harm Bangladeshis to keep India happy....

 

[LongHorn]

That is such a biased thing to say. BNP did not add a single MW of power to the national grid in 5 years. They did not develop the transportation infastructure at all. We only had two flyover in Bangladesh. No 4 lane highways. Our railway was in dire straights.

My relatives had to pay bribes multiple times and still wait 3 years before Power was connected to his factory . Worst of all, he still had to run his machines using deisel generator most of the day (because of load shedding). Extortion from business was so bad that it was impossible to even imagine owning a business and not have to pay extortion money outside the EPZ. AL changed all that and was a blessing for business community.

Electricity situation was dire under BNP from 01-06, but was it any better under AL from 96-01? If not, then again, that was a consequence of the time, and not because BNP is much worse than AL.

Right now, BNP is useless, and AL is the better choice, however as for corruption, people may not have to pay bribes to connect power to factories the way they did under BNP, but corruption is still there and in different ways.....

For one, Chhatra league "activists" can get away with pretty much anything in a way that Chhatra Dal could not back then....

And no one can say anything lest they be picked up and killed .....

How many students were raped back in August by Chhatra league activists ?

Shahidul Alam would have been killed if he was not a famous photojournalist for daring to speak to world media about the violences commited bu Awami league supporters against school students

 

[tonmoy]

Electricity situation was dire under BNP from 01-06, but was it any better under AL from 96-01? If not, then again, that was a consequence of the time, and not because BNP is much worse than AL.

Right now, BNP is useless, and AL is the better choice, however as for corruption, people may not have to pay bribes to connect power to factories the way they did under BNP, but corruption is still there and in different ways.....

For one, Chhatra league "activists" can get away with pretty much anything in a way that Chhatra Dal could not back then....

And no one can say anything lest they be picked up and killed .....

How many students were raped back in August by Chhatra league activists ?

Shahidul Alam would have been killed if he was not a famous photojournalist for daring to speak to world media about the violences commited bu Awami league supporters against school students

Yes Electricity generation capacity was increased by 1500-2000 MW during AL time (1996-2001). Two of the most alarming stats that shows the BNP v AL rule was the agriculture and power sector.
Bangladesh recorded bumper crops from 1997 to 2001 and 2008 onwards. BNP rule was marred by food shortage and fertilizer shortage for all of its term.

You are correct that Chatra-League has been an eyesore for AL but you are wrong to imagine that Chatra Dal was any different.
Do you know that there has been no session jam in any of the major Govt Universities for the past 12 years?

 

[Markhor]

Is climate change a campaign issue ? Considering the effect it will have on sea levels and the possibility of waves of migration as a consequence - I would've thought this is a big issue.

 

[TM Riddle]

Is climate change a campaign issue ? Considering the effect it will have on sea levels and the possibility of waves of migration as a consequence - I would've thought this is a big issue.

It's Bangladesh and not Sweden.

 

[Markhor]

It's Bangladesh and not Sweden.

That's a shame. Humanity is underprepared for the long-term crisis that will hit us.

 

[TM Riddle]

That's a shame. Humanity is underprepared for the long-term crisis that will hit us.

Cant fault the general public either when there are much bigger (in this context) immediate things such as roti kapda and makan to be worried about.

Anyway, when you have supposedly educated first world Republicans supporting Trump's decision to withdraw US out of Paris deal, you realize how low climate change on the priority list is.

 

[Markhor]

Cant fault the general public either when there are much bigger (in this context) immediate things such as roti kapda and makan to be worried about.

Anyway, when you have supposedly educated first world Republicans supporting Trump's decision to withdraw US out of Paris deal, you realize how low climate change on the priority list is.

True voters tend to care about the here and now, and difficult decisions are kicked down the road.

People complaining about refugee crisis now - wait until they get a load of the population dislocations climate change will cause.

 

[Pakistanian]

Cant fault the general public either when there are much bigger (in this context) immediate things such as roti kapda and makan to be worried about.

Anyway, when you have supposedly educated first world Republicans supporting Trump's decision to withdraw US out of Paris deal, you realize how low climate change on the priority list is.

the paris deal doesn't care about climate change, the real motives are to stifle economic growth, it's a trap like the imf.

 

[TM Riddle]

the paris deal doesn't care about climate change, the real motives are to stifle economic growth, it's a trap like the imf.

[MENTION=53290]Markhor[/MENTION] told ya.

 

[Slog]

[MENTION=53290]Markhor[/MENTION] told ya.

It really was all talk no action deal tbh

 

[TM Riddle]

It really was all talk no action deal tbh

How do you know that?