Bangladesh in Bondage: Tarique Rahman, SQC, LB, and Other Essays

The book explores the political status quo in Bangladesh under Sheikh Hasina, highlighting battles over religion, corruption, and human rights. It offers a case study of how an Asian developmental state is regressing morally, socially, and politically. The struggle for sovereignty, prosperity, and democracy in Bangladesh is of interest to political scientists, scholars of South Asia, and those of Islam.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 185 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This book is a compilation of essays that delve into the complex and challenging political landscape of Bangladesh under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina. Since the country's democratic transition in the 1990s, Bangladeshi politics has been marked by intense debates over the role of religion in society, widespread corruption, and the numerous obstacles to building a society that upholds freedom of expression and the rule of law, free from the influence of powerful neighboring countries. Academic freedom and other human rights issues have posed significant barriers to the study of Bangladesh in the past, and corruption, police abuses, and election rigging have become prevalent, with extensive documentation of these practices.

In this passionate and sometimes personal exploration of social justice, rule of law, and the democratic process in Bangladesh, the book provides a valuable case study of how an Asian developmental state is regressing morally, socially, and politically. The book's coverage of the Bangladeshi struggle for sovereignty, prosperity, and democracy will be of interest to political scientists, scholars of South Asia, and those with an interest in Islam.

The political situation in Bangladesh has been characterized by ongoing debates over the role of religion in society. While the country has a constitution that guarantees freedom of religion, there have been tensions between secularists and religious conservatives, particularly in the aftermath of the 2013 elections. The ruling Awami League has faced criticism for its alleged attempts to suppress religious minorities and for its alleged interference in the affairs of religious institutions.

Corruption is another major issue in Bangladeshi politics. The country has been ranked among the most corrupt nations in the world, with a Transparency International Index score of 3.1 out of 10. The ruling party and its allies have been accused of using their positions to enrich themselves and their cronies, while the opposition has been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability.

The obstacles to constructing a society with freedom of expression and the rule of law are also significant challenges in Bangladeshi politics. The government has been accused of using repressive measures to silence opposition voices and suppress freedom of speech and expression. The media has been subject to censorship and restrictions, and journalists have faced threats and violence for their reporting.

Academic freedom and other human rights issues have also been hindered in Bangladeshi politics. The government has been accused of using its influence to suppress academic research and criticism, and universities have been subject to pressure to conform to government-imposed curricula and policies.

In addition to these challenges, Bangladeshi politics has been marked by widespread police abuses and election rigging. The ruling party has been accused of using violence and intimidation to suppress opposition votes, while the opposition has been accused of engaging in irregularities and fraud to win elections.

Despite these challenges, there have been some positive developments in Bangladeshi politics in recent years. The country has made progress in implementing democratic reforms, including the adoption of a new constitution in 2008 that enshrines democratic principles and human rights. The government has also taken steps to address corruption, including the establishment of anti-corruption agencies and the implementation of anti-graft laws.

However, there is still a long way to go before Bangladeshi politics can be considered fully democratic and inclusive. The country needs to address the issues of religious discrimination, political polarization, and economic inequality to build a society that is fair and just for all its citizens.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable insight into the complex and challenging political landscape of Bangladesh under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina. The book's collection of essays offers a comprehensive analysis of the issues facing the country, including the role of religion in society, corruption, the obstacles to constructing a society with freedom of expression and the rule of law, academic freedom and other human rights issues, police abuses and election rigging, and the struggle for sovereignty, prosperity, and democracy. The book's coverage of the Bangladeshi struggle for sovereignty, prosperity, and democracy will be of interest to political scientists, scholars of South Asia, and those with an interest in Islam.

Weight: 283g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811612381
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021