Bangladesh: A Deep Dive into Sheikh Hasina's Authoritarian Rule
Sheikh Hasina: A Decade in Power
Born on September 28, 1947, Sheikh Hasina Wazed has been Bangladesh's Prime Minister for over a decade, since her election in 2009. During her time in office, she has overseen significant economic growth but has also been criticized for her authoritarian tendencies.
Deployment of Paramilitary Forces
Subheading: A Crackdown on Dissent
Prime Minister Hasina has deployed various security forces, including a feared paramilitary unit known as the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), to quell protests and suppress political opposition. The RAB has been accused of human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings.
Subheading: Stifling Freedom of Expression
In recent years, journalists and activists critical of the government have been targeted with arrests, harassment, and lawsuits. This crackdown on dissent has created a chilling effect on freedom of expression in Bangladesh.
International Concerns
Subheading: A Rift with the United States
The United States has expressed concern over Hasina's authoritarian turn, which has led to a strain in relations between the two countries. The Biden administration has urged Bangladesh to address human rights abuses and promote democracy.
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