Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Authoritarian Turn: A Critical Examination

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been a dominant figure in Bangladesh politics for decades, leading the country since 1996. However, in recent years, her government has taken a decidedly authoritarian turn, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions and human rights.

Erosion of Civil Liberties

Under Hasina's rule, the government has cracked down on opposition parties, NGOs, and journalists. In 2018, the government passed the Digital Security Act, which critics say has been used to silence dissent online. Numerous journalists and activists have been arrested and imprisoned under this law, including prominent photojournalist Shahidul Alam.

The government has also targeted political opponents. In 2020, the main opposition leader, Khaleda Zia, was convicted of corruption and sentenced to 17 years in prison. Other opposition leaders have faced similar charges, effectively sidelining the opposition.

Restrictions on the Media

Media freedom has also been significantly curtailed in Bangladesh. Several independent newspapers and television stations have been shut down, and journalists who criticize the government often face harassment and intimidation.

In 2019, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) issued a directive ordering online news portals to remove content that "disrupts social and religious harmony" or "threatens national security." This vague directive has led to widespread self-censorship among journalists.

Human Rights Concerns

The authoritarian turn has also led to serious human rights concerns. Extrajudicial killings by security forces are common, and enforced disappearances have also been reported. The government has been accused of using arbitrary detention and torture to silence dissent.

In 2020, a Human Rights Watch report documented widespread torture and ill-treatment in Bangladesh's prisons. The report also accused the government of using torture to extract confessions and suppress political dissent.

Justifications for Authoritarianism

The government has defended its authoritarian policies, arguing that they are necessary to maintain stability and security. Hasina has claimed that Bangladesh is facing threats from terrorism and extremism, and that strong measures are needed to counter these threats.

However, critics argue that the government is using the threat of terrorism as a pretext for suppressing dissent and consolidating its power. They point out that many of those who have been targeted by the government have no links to terrorism or extremism.

International Criticism

Bangladesh's authoritarian turn has drawn criticism from the international community. In 2020, the US State Department expressed concern about the "deteriorating human rights situation" in Bangladesh. The European Union has also raised concerns about the government's crackdown on civil society.

In 2019, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression criticized the Digital Security Act, calling it "a serious setback for freedom of expression in Bangladesh." The rapporteur expressed concern that the law "could be used to criminalize legitimate criticism of the government and to harass and intimidate journalists, human rights defenders, and political opponents."

Conclusion

The authoritarian turn in Bangladesh is a complex issue with far-reaching implications. While the government argues that its actions are necessary to maintain stability, critics argue that they are undermining democracy and human rights.

It remains to be seen how the situation will develop in Bangladesh. However, it is clear that the authoritarian turn is a serious threat to the country's democratic institutions and its citizens' fundamental freedoms.

Recommendations

In light of the concerning authoritarian turn in Bangladesh, it is essential that the international community take action to support democracy and human rights in the country. The following recommendations are offered:

• The US, EU, and other international partners should continue to raise concerns about the deteriorating human rights situation in Bangladesh.
• The UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression should continue to monitor the situation in Bangladesh and report on any violations of freedom of expression.
• Civil society organizations should continue to document human rights abuses in Bangladesh and advocate for the release of political prisoners.
• The Bangladesh government should repeal the Digital Security Act and other laws that restrict freedom of expression.
• The government should end the practice of arbitrary detention and torture, and hold those responsible for such abuses accountable.
• The government should engage in a genuine dialogue with the opposition and civil society to find a way to restore democracy and human rights in Bangladesh.

It is important to remember that the people of Bangladesh deserve to live in a free and democratic society. The international community must continue to stand with them in their struggle for justice and human rights.