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Today’s R&D covers Bangladeshi politics. The country is politically divided between the governing Awami League, a secular party, and the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) that emphasizes Islamic nationalism (Bangladesh is a Muslim majority nation). The recent execution of Mohammad Qamaruzzaman, an assistant secretary-general of the Jamaat-e-Islami party (a party that calls for Bangladesh to become an Islamic state) for crimes committed during the nine month Bangladeshi War of Liberation between 1970 and 1971, has heightened political tensions, with Jamaat-e-Islami calling for a nationwide strike. Qamaruzzaman was convicted by a tribunal set up in 2010 by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to bring those who committed war crimes during the War of Liberation to justice. Critics allege that the tribunals are politically motivated.
Turmoil Between Political Leaders Has Harmed Bangladesh’s People http://t.co/RRj7WABAkO
— The New York Times (@nytimes) April 13, 2015
Bangladesh braced for protests after Islamist leader’s execution http://t.co/5FUDeqaAAB
— The Guardian (@guardian) April 12, 2015
Bangladesh hangs Islamist leader for 1971 war crimes http://t.co/PX27gljQ6v
— Reuters India (@ReutersIndia) April 12, 2015
On January 5th, Bangladesh held parliamentary elections that were marred by a widespread opposition party boycott and violence against supporters of Bangladesh’s governing Awami League and the country’s Hindu minority. The international community condemned the violence and has urged the Awami League to reach a political agreement with its main rival, the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) so that new elections can be held to create a legitimate government. Thus far, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has shown little willingness to compromise with the opposition. Bangladesh has been one of the global economic success stories since 1990 and has successfully reduced levels of poverty through international trade agreements. However, the recent political violence could ruin the country’s international image, its economic progress, and make it a center for Islamic extremism.
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