Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)– The United Kingdom (UK) sees Bangladesh’s economy continues to perform remarkably well despite the almost constant political turmoil.
“Despite the almost constant political turmoil, Bangladesh’s economy continues to perform remarkably well. While there remain many challenges ahead, good progress has also been made on social development,” a five-page report, published by the House of Commons on January 21, said.
“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been widely accused of playing fast and loose with democracy. But the sincerity of Khaleda Zia’s commitment to democracy is also being questioned by many analysts. Some wonder whether she may actually be hoping that her current strategy forces the army to intervene once again and oust the AL government. As yet, there is no sign of this happening,” it noted.
Perhaps understandably, given just how treacherous the waters are, Western donors have held back from imposing sanctions of any kind, according to the report titled
‘Political crisis in Bangladesh: January 2015 update.’
The report also said Awami League (AL) won a resounding three-quarters majority in 2008 elections, following two years of a military-backed caretaker government, leading some to hope that Bangladesh could make the break with its political past. “ But with Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia – who have been called the ‘battling Begums’ – perpetually at loggerheads, this opportunity has been squandered.”
BBN/SSR/AD-22Jan15-1:02 pm (BST)
