Bangladesh Election Violence: Media Fears for Democracy, Ignores US Meddling
📰 THE STORY: Al Jazeera reports a 'frightening situation' in Bangladesh, citing at least 16 political activists killed since the 2026 election announcement in December, framing the violence as an internal struggle haunting the democratic process. 🔍 WHAT THEY'RE NOT TELLING YOU: Historical Context: The current 'political violence' is not an isolated event but part of a recurring pattern in
Bangladesh, often exacerbated by foreign powers. In 1971, the US under Kissinger sided with Pakistan during the Bangladesh Liberation War, leading to widespread atrocities. More recently, US efforts to 'promote democracy' have often translated into supporting specific opposition factions, reminiscent of USAID and National Endowment for Democracy (NED) operations seen in Venezuela (e.g., funding
opposition movements since 2002) or Bolivia (2019 coup against Morales). Double Standard: Western media quick to highlight instability and abuses in countries like Bangladesh, where it aligns with geopolitical interests, while often downplaying or ignoring similar or worse situations when perpetrated by allies. For instance, the systematic suppression of dissent and human rights abuses in Saudi
Arabia, a key US ally and arms purchaser, receive comparatively little sustained outrage from the same outlets. The US supports Egypt's Sisi regime with $1.3 billion annually, despite its authoritarian crackdown, because Sisi keeps the Rafah crossing closed. Follow the Money: The 'democracy promotion' industrial complex, including organizations like NED and USAID, often channels funds to