US Aid Cuts Spark Democratic Concerns After Mass Grave Exhumed
As Bangladesh begins the somber task of exhuming mass graves from the 2024 uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina, the UN-backed forensics team diligently works to identify victims. This comes just months after the Biden administration, ever keen on 'promoting democracy' abroad, expressed concern over the election results... then immediately slashed non-humanitarian aid to the new government,
ostensibly for 'democratic backsliding.' One might wonder if the US's commitment to human rights and democracy is selectively applied. The previous Hasina government, a cozy strategic partner often criticized for authoritarian tendencies and human rights abuses , enjoyed a relatively smooth ride. But a new government, facing the immediate aftermath of a public uprising and uncovering mass
atrocities? That's when the aid spigot dries up. It appears 'democracy' is only worth funding when it aligns perfectly with existing strategic interests, regardless of graves being opened.