The Economist, a prestigious London-based magazine, has declared Bangladesh the country of the year for 2024. It referred to the “recognition of the efforts of student-led street protests” that toppled an autocratic regime.
The prestigious magazine announced the news on its website on December 19: “Our winner is Bangladesh, which also overthrew an autocrat.”
Syria became the runner-up in recognition of ending half a century of depraved dynastic dictatorship by ousting Bashar al-Assad on
December 8 last.
The Economist highlighted that in August, student-led street protests forced out Sheikh Hasina, who had ruled the country of 175m for 15 years, and described how a daughter of an independence hero became repressive, rigging elections, jailing opponents, and ordering the security forces to shoot protesters.
“Huge sums of money were stolen on her watch.”
Bangladesh has a history of vengeful violence when power changes hands. Yet the transition has so far been encouraging.
A temporary technocratic government, led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel peace prizewinner, is backed by students, the army, business, and civil society. According to the magazine, it has restored order and stabilized the economy.
In 2025, it will need to repair ties with India and decide when to hold elections, ensuring that the courts are neutral and the opposition has time to organize.
“None of this will be easy. But for toppling a despot and taking strides towards a more liberal government, Bangladesh is our country of the year,” the Economist says.
Cox’s Bazar Life Desk/BSS
