The recent designation of Bangladesh as the ‘Country of
the Year 2024’ by The Economist is a highly questionable decision.
Given Bangladesh’s crumbling economy, fractured social fabric, and deeply
unstable political landscape, this recognition seems less about celebrating
genuine progress and more about endorsing a narrative that aligns with Western
geopolitical interests.
Misguided Recognition with Hidden Agendas
The UK-based magazine’s accolade, ostensibly meant to
highlight development and inspire optimism, instead perpetuates a dangerously
misleading narrative. The Economist justified its choice by citing a
regime change and the emergence of a "more liberal government."
However, this explanation ignores the troubling realities on the ground. The
ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s democratically elected government, replaced by
Muhammad Yunus's leadership, has plunged the nation into chaos. This
superficial celebration of change overlooks the risks posed by a flawed and
destabilizing political transition.
Economic Turmoil and Social Instability
Far from representing liberal development, Bangladesh’s
current state paints a grim picture of economic collapse and social unrest.
Forex reserves have dwindled, exports have plummeted, and inflation has surged.
Alarmingly, over a quarter of the population now faces extreme hunger. These
indicators point to a deteriorating economy that contradicts the rosy narrative
promoted by The Economist.
Escalating Violence Against Minorities
One of the most disturbing outcomes of the regime change has
been the spike in violence against minorities, particularly Hindus. Temples
have been attacked, incidents of forced conversions have increased, and the
persecution of minorities has reached alarming levels. Despite international
condemnation, including from Western blocs, these atrocities are downplayed in The
Economist’s assessment, revealing a troubling double standard in the
magazine’s narrative.
A Pattern of Misjudged Recognitions
This is not the first time The Economist has made a
controversial selection. In 2015, Myanmar was honored for its transition to
democracy, only for the world to later witness the Rohingya genocide.
Similarly, Ukraine was awarded in 2022 amid its conflict with Russia, raising
questions about the magazine’s selective focus. By naming Bangladesh Country
of the Year 2024, The Economist appears to prioritize geopolitical
narratives over authentic progress, reinforcing concerns about the magazine’s
credibility.
Implications for India
As Bangladesh’s closest neighbor, India bears the brunt of
its instability. A vulnerable Bangladesh could become a breeding ground for
extremism, cross-border terrorism, and illegal immigration, directly
threatening India’s security. Additionally, the rising persecution of
Bangladeshi Hindus exacerbates communal tensions within India, challenging its
internal harmony.
India’s proactive support during Bangladesh’s crises, such
as food security initiatives, underscores the interdependence of the two
nations. However, these efforts are often undermined by forces that thrive on
destabilization. The Economist’s recognition risks emboldening such
elements, jeopardizing regional stability.
Western Media's Double Standards
The hypocrisy of Western media outlets is evident in their
selective outrage. Issues such as sectarian violence, human rights violations,
and economic mismanagement in Bangladesh are downplayed, whereas similar
occurrences in Western countries would dominate headlines. For instance, the
plight of Bangladeshi Hindus is dismissed as an internal matter, while similar
issues elsewhere are treated as international crises. This bias devalues the
suffering of those affected and exposes ulterior motives behind such
narratives.
Lessons for South Asia
The unfolding events in Bangladesh serve as a cautionary
tale for the entire South Asian region. The West’s track record in
destabilizing nations—from Afghanistan to Iraq to Myanmar—should be a stark
warning. For India, the message is clear: a stable neighborhood is essential
for its security and development. India must continue supporting Bangladesh’s
people, advocating for inclusive development and the protection of minorities.
A Dangerous Precedent
By celebrating a regime change that has led to instability, The
Economist’s recognition diverts attention from Bangladesh’s real challenges
and legitimizes external interference. This sets a dangerous precedent for
other nations in the region, threatening their sovereignty and stability.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Narratives Over Realities
The timing of this recognition is particularly suspect,
given Bangladesh’s dire economic, social, and political conditions. Far from
celebrating genuine progress, this accolade appears to endorse a West-suited
narrative that undermines Bangladesh’s sovereignty and threatens regional
stability.
The Economist’s decision to name Bangladesh the ‘Country
of the Year’ is not just misguided; it is a reckless move that risks
exacerbating tensions in South Asia. The grim lessons from Bangladesh’s current
predicament must serve as a stark warning against prioritizing narratives over
realities
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