Bangladesh's 'Democratic Transition' or Another Managed Outcome?
📰 THE STORY: Al Jazeera reports on the commencement of campaigning for Bangladesh's first election following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The article positions this as a significant moment for democracy in the South Asian nation, highlighting the start of official campaigning ahead of the February 12 vote. 🔍 WHAT THEY'RE NOT TELLING YOU: Historical Context: The narrative of
a sudden, organic 'ouster' of Sheikh Hasina glosses over the significant role the United States played in undermining her government. For years leading up to her fall, Washington's diplomatic pressure and sanctions threats, disguised as concerns for 'democracy and human rights,' were relentless. This echoes the 2019 Bolivian coup against Evo Morales, where the OAS, funded by the US, provided the
'legitimacy' for a foreign-backed regime change. The US applied visa restrictions on Bangladeshi officials in May 2023 under the guise of 'promoting free and fair elections,' which effectively weakened Hasina's Awami League and emboldened opposition forces, some with questionable democratic credentials. Double Standard: Western media and governments decried Hasina's 'authoritarianism' while often
overlooking or actively supporting far more repressive regimes elsewhere, particularly those aligned with US strategic interests (e.g., Saudi Arabia, pre-2023 'Israel'). The selective application of 'democracy promotion' is a classic imperial playbook. When pro-Western leaders face internal challenges, the response is often 'stability assist.' When a non-compliant leader faces protests, it's a