PORIMOL PALMA

Bangladesh’s national election next year will be critical in determining whether the country moves towards greater democracy or greater autocracy, said a recently released policy document of the US.

“If democratic space continues to shrink in Bangladesh due to the increasing authoritarian nature of the central government, lack of progress on achieving this objective could lead to increased political instability and human rights violations,” said the US Integrated Country Strategy (ICS) on Bangladesh.

It could also undermine Bangladesh’s economic progress, and impact Bangladesh’s ability to serve as a net security provider, while negatively impact ties with the US and likeminded partners, potentially deepening Bangladesh’s engagement with malign actors, read the document.

The ICS, which details how the US maintains its relationship with the UN, international organisations and 180 countries, was approved on April 8 and made public in late June on the State Department website.

“Since the flawed elections of 2018, civic space has shrunk considerably. Through the Digital Security Act and other forms of intimidation, the government has curtailed freedom of the press, the ability of labour to organise, the rule of law, and the right of people to engage in legitimate social discourse.

“We seek a greater commitment to democracy, human rights, and protection of Rohingya; flourishing people-to-people ties, improved business climate and labour conditions; increased ability to tackle the climate and pandemic crises; and a strengthened capacity to contribute to regional security.”