Bangladesh Election 2008

Bangladesh, one of the poorest and possibly the most misunderstood nation is to hold a general election by the end of December 2008. Observers say, it will change misconceptions about this very corrupt and unfortunate nation.


Related Posts: Bangladesh Election 2008 - The Dilemma | People's Bangladesh

Background
A military-backed caretaker regime suspended planned parliamentary elections in January 2007 in an effort to reform the political system and root out corruption; the regime has pledged new democratic elections by the end of 2008.

The Contenders
Like many so-called democratic countries of the world, Bangladesh has two leading parties, which receive the backing of minority parties that have no agenda. The oldest by years, Awami League, has always played a major role in Bangladeshi elections, while the newer of them: the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has had abrupt influence in making Bangladeshi history a matter of controvery.

The Players
Bangladesh has had politicians that have been a little more-than spineless. The term mudslinging would be an under-representation of the characters of Bangladeshi politicians. Ershad is one such man. The former dictator of Bangladesh is turning out be a force that is directing some attention to his cause.

Hussain Muhammad Ershad, who heads Jatiya Party (National Party), is in favour with the diplomats, the donors and Sheikh Hasina. He is likely to contribute his time and effort with the so-called 14-party alliance. This coalition of the unwilling is led by a woman who has been the source of many spirited controversies in Bangladeshi elections. However, 2008 seems to ending in her stride.

After returning from USA, Sheikh Hasina looked fully in control and is likely to form a government that will be proclaimed not just historic, but will also add new dimension to manufactured democracy. Meanwhile, Hasina's bitter opponent Khaleda Zia is not doing so well after her release from confinement.

Her inability to express her thoughts in public may be the reason.

The Debate
The U.S. loves haughtiness. In its recently held expensive elections, even the debates saw some innovation. Bangladesh has followed the U.S. example closely. The country will have a debate between the two dissimilar leading ladies.

As part of the evolving democracy in Bangladesh, the debate was called for by the Awami League leader, through her newly appointed spokesperson, Ashraful Islam. The problem is however, the agenda. Sheikh Hasina prefers a set agenda, while Khaleda Zia's camp would rather not have a televised debate.

Unfortunately, Khaleda Zia is not known to be fluent in her speech. While Sheikh Hasina just speaks to much, which is distasteful, according to critics.

The Controversy
The 4-party alliance led by BNP, along with their fellow conspirators Jamaat-e-Islami have accused the military-backed administration of favouritism. Their spokesperson Khondaker Delwar Hossain recently expressed his dissatisfaction to the media. In his usually sober attitude, Mr. Hossain said that his parties participation in the 2008 elections is a responsibility of the Election Commission.

>> This article is dedicated to a great son of Bangladesh: Noor Hossain

Jews for Bangladesh

People from different viewpoints have criticized Bangladesh’s new Islamic Democratic Party as a front for the banned Harkatul Jihad Al Islami.

Many question my own support for the IDP as I am an American Jew and an outspoken Zionist who has fought radical groups like HUJI to defend Bangladeshi Hindus and others. Radicals have written that my own and Weekly Blitz editor Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury’s involvement suggests that Israeli intelligence is behind the IDP. Others have wondered, how I could support a group when its members have dubious roots.

>> Am I naive, deluded, or on the IDP payroll?

The answer to all of them is “No.” Kazi Azizul Huq, an IDP official, and I have a relationship going back almost two years. We met for several hours in Dhaka in 2007 and frankly admitted that we disagree tremendously on many issues; but we also acknowledged a kinship in our mutual devotion to God — him through Islam, me through Judaism — and “agreed to disagree.”

Dr. Richard Benkin on Why an American Jew Supports the IDP

Bangladesh: Economic Reforms, Growth and Governance

Since the1990s, Bangladesh has posted strong economic growth despite apparent weak governance. A new World Bank paper says that although it is evident that Bangladesh’s economic performance has been negatively affected by weak governance, the more interesting question relates to why the country’s economy has performed in the way it has despite wide-ranging governance failures.

Sadiq Ahmed, Acting Chief Economist for World Bank's South Asia region said that to understand Bangladesh’s growth paradox, one needs to analyze the economic growth process and focus on the main drivers behind accelerated growth. “The acceleration of growth of the Bangladesh’s economy since the early 1990s has been underpinned by strong export growth, especially the garment industry.”

Why Governance matters?
Ahmed argued that “the government of Bangladesh has shown genuine commitments to improve social development indicators, such as child mortality, primary school enrollment, and the adoption of modern birth control.”

While the existing governance structure may have been adequate in the past, it is increasingly proving to be a barrier for the higher growth needed to transform Bangladesh. Ahmed noted that “economic reforms have not been matched by progress in building the institutions of political and economic governance.”

Policy Paper (PDF): The Aspects of Bangladesh's Development Surprise
Related Link: Bangladesh: Strategy for Sustained Growth