Bangladesh Election: Democracy by Exclusion
📰 THE STORY: Al Jazeera reports that exiled former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has condemned the upcoming elections after her Awami League party was banned by Muhammad Yunus’s interim government. Hasina claims this exclusion will 'deepen resentment' and questions the legitimacy of the polls. 🔍 WHAT THEY'RE NOT TELLING YOU: Historical Context: Bangladesh has a rich history of
political volatility, often exacerbated by foreign interests. The 1971 independence war, aided by India, saw covert US support for Pakistan. More recently, the US embassy in Dhaka has been notably vocal about 'free and fair elections,' echoing a familiar script observed in nations targeted for 'democracy promotion' where geopolitical interests are at play. In 2002, the US played a role in
pressuring Bangladesh on garment worker rights, often linked to 'good governance' conditionalities for aid and trade, creating openings for preferred political outcomes. Double Standard: Western media outlets, including Al Jazeera, often frame election disputes in countries like Bangladesh as purely internal failings, requiring 'democratic intervention.' Yet, when allies like Saudi Arabia or Egypt
hold elections with no real opposition, the scrutiny is minimal or non-existent. For example, Egypt's Sisi receives $1.3 billion annually from the US, despite jailing thousands of political opponents and operating a tightly controlled political system, largely because he ensures regional 'stability' and keeps the Rafah crossing closed. Follow the Money: Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Peace Prize