Bangladesh stands on the brink of its February 12 elections amid a storm of criticism. Administrative breakdowns and policy missteps are blamed for fueling political unrest, economic distress, religious tensions, and civic erosion, with voices from all sectors demanding accountability.
The Dhaka Tribune’s latest editorial warns of media suppression signals, spotlighting attacks on press entities. It posits that free media is essential for citizen empowerment and healthy public dialogue, calling for amplified backlash against intimidations.
Outlets are chronicling a cascade of issues: decelerating GDP, inflation pressures, religious extremism, vitriolic politics, gender setbacks, and erosions in freedoms and justice equality.
Economic reports paint a grim picture of halted progress and policy inertia, stoking fears in households and markets alike as polls near.
Chief advisor Muhammad Yunus lambasted systemic fraud, with the Dhaka Tribune quoting him branding Bangladesh a global fraud leader. Counterfeit papers are reportedly humiliating nationals overseas.
On gender fronts, rhetoric clashes with harsh realities. Rights groups flag public space dangers, pay gaps, childcare voids, justice barriers, and superficial female political inclusion.
Drawing from talks with 20 diverse women, The Daily Star notes women’s disenchantment despite voter heft. Factors include spiking violence, civic suffocation, job cuts, financial woes, health neglect, and 423 shelved commission suggestions, burdening daily lives.
Polling season amplifies religious and identity mobilization, with minority lynchings—like Deepu Das’s December fate—casting long shadows over the democratic process.