On a slippery slope

The growing radicalism in Bangladesh, exacerbated by external interference and neglect of key fault lines, has put democracy and religious tolerance in peril—prompting cautious approach from India and the world

- RANJAN MUKHERJEE

It is a widely known fact, an open secret among keen observers of regional geopolitics of the region, that certain US-based organisations, some even funded by the government of the day, have been meddling in the affairs of Bangladesh since 2017. They have mainly targeted the youth, particularly students of various colleges and universities, as well as influential civil society groups, including artists and musicians. These groups were thoroughly brainwashed, which ultimately led to the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government in August 2024, all under the guise of saving democracy!

Organisations like the International Republican Institute (IRI), the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), the Solidarity Centre, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are interlinked and are known for facilitating regime change in several countries, always with the stated aim of establishing democratic governance. In the case of Bangladesh, two major factors contributed to this: rampant corruption and widespread nepotism, which earned Hasina a very bad reputation and contributed to undemocratic norms. These issues persisted throughout her tenure from 2009 to 2024 and ultimately led to her downfall in August 2024. The uncontrolled corruption by politicians and bureaucracy in Bangladesh left the public frustrated and in desperate need of relief.

The situation was exploited by US-based organisations, which, while claiming to innocently strengthen democracy, were in reality influenced by the US Deep State, constantly looking for opportunities to spread its hegemony. Adding fuel to the fire were agents from neighbouring Pakistan, along with Islamist radicals from Jamaat-e-Islami, who have now practically taken control of Bangladesh.