Is Bangladesh a one-party state?

[dexter]

In this episode of Head to Head, Mehdi Hasan challenges Gowher Rizvi, the International Affairs advisor to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, on the state of the country’s democracy and whether it is heading towards authoritarianism.
Once one of the poorest countries in the region, Bangladesh’s economy has been booming over the last decade, with economic growth faster than its neighbours, India and Pakistan. It also boasts lower infant mortality and longer life expectancy than its peers. However, human rights groups warn that the country is becoming increasingly autocratic, accusing the government of clamping down on any form of dissent and hounding and locking up its political rivals. In recent elections Bangladesh’s ruling party, the Awami League, reasserted its power following a landslide general election victory.
The opposition rejected the results, amid violence which saw 17 killed and allegations of vote-rigging and intimidation. Our guest on Head to Head is Gowher Rizvi, close ally of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and advisor on international affairs. Mr Rizvi is also a renowned historian and former Oxford University scholar.
We challenge Mr Rizvi on Sheikh Hasina’s government’s record in office and whether it is increasingly trying to silence its critics. We also ask him about the ongoing Rohingya crisis, where over 1 million refugees have fled Myanmar and are living in camps in Bangladesh. Is Bangladesh doing enough to help?

We are joined by a panel of three experts: Saida Muna Tasneem, Bangladesh's High Commissioner to the UK and Ireland. Abbas Faiz, South Asia analyst at Essex University, previously worked for Amnesty International for more than 30 years. Tasneem Khalil, Swedish Bangladeshi journalist, author of Jallad: Death Squads and State Terror in South Asia.

 

[I S I]

Soon there will be no Bangladesh. Thanks to Global Warming.

 

[Sugarcane]

Good for Bangladesh as it has surpassed Asian countries in almost every field under charismatic leadership of Hassena aunty.

 

[El Sidd]

Mother of Humanity, daughter of a Pakistani politician, Sheikh Hasina has taken Bangladesh formerly known as East Pakistan to a strong start in the 21st Century.

 

[PAKISTANFOREVER]

In this episode of Head to Head, Mehdi Hasan challenges Gowher Rizvi, the International Affairs advisor to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, on the state of the country’s democracy and whether it is heading towards authoritarianism.
Once one of the poorest countries in the region, Bangladesh’s economy has been booming over the last decade, with economic growth faster than its neighbours, India and Pakistan. It also boasts lower infant mortality and longer life expectancy than its peers. However, human rights groups warn that the country is becoming increasingly autocratic, accusing the government of clamping down on any form of dissent and hounding and locking up its political rivals. In recent elections Bangladesh’s ruling party, the Awami League, reasserted its power following a landslide general election victory.
The opposition rejected the results, amid violence which saw 17 killed and allegations of vote-rigging and intimidation. Our guest on Head to Head is Gowher Rizvi, close ally of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and advisor on international affairs. Mr Rizvi is also a renowned historian and former Oxford University scholar.
We challenge Mr Rizvi on Sheikh Hasina’s government’s record in office and whether it is increasingly trying to silence its critics. We also ask him about the ongoing Rohingya crisis, where over 1 million refugees have fled Myanmar and are living in camps in Bangladesh. Is Bangladesh doing enough to help?

We are joined by a panel of three experts: Saida Muna Tasneem, Bangladesh's High Commissioner to the UK and Ireland. Abbas Faiz, South Asia analyst at Essex University, previously worked for Amnesty International for more than 30 years. Tasneem Khalil, Swedish Bangladeshi journalist, author of Jallad: Death Squads and State Terror in South Asia.

It's none of our business what they are or are not. They are 1000s of kms away and have 0 to do with us so it is not for us to comment.

 

[Imran Khan]

My best wishes

 

[Indos]

If the civil society cannot get united and follow rule of the game, they will invite military to come to politics.