Heritage Foundation Report Outlines How to Protect Democracy in Bangladesh
The new report, also listed as Web Memorandum Number 1559, was authored by Ms. Lisa Curtis, who serves as the Senior Research Fellow for South Asia in the Asian Studies Center at the Heritage Foundation. The study by Ms. Curtis was written after Bangladesh's military-backed interim government took legal action against two former prime ministers, a move which the release says, "...raises questions about the commitment...to restoring democracy."
According to Ms. Curtis, the United States needs to reinforce the concepts of individual liberty and due process of law while Bangladesh's interim government works to move the country forward. The United States should also, according to the report, encourage the government of Bangladesh to end a current ban on political activity as a show of good faith that the restoration of democracy remains a priority.
The report cites a growing impatience among the governments of the United States and several European nations as prominent Bangladeshi political figures and businessmen are arrested for alleged corruption. Among the citizens of Bangladesh, as well, there appears to be growing concern over postponed elections and forbidden political activities. The United States values Bangladesh as a moderate nation in an area where Islamic extremism has the potential to take root. To its credit, the interim, military-backed government has taken a tough stance against such extremists. However, a weak government regressing away from democracy offers an attractive breeding ground for terrorists seeking a resurgence.
The report encourages the United States government to closely monitor events in Bangladesh, at least for the next several months. Tough scrutiny from Washington could help steer Bangladesh in the direction of democratic government. Additionally, the report says, the U.S. government should work with donor countries in Europe to enlist their support and reinforcement of the message that respect for civil rights and democratic principles are crucial to the future of Bangladesh.
For now, the report says, the U.S. government should exert pressure on the interim military-backed government to lift the ban on political activity and to ensure the due process of law in enforcement of Bangladesh's statutes.
The report is available on the Heritage Foundation's web site.
Source: Heritage Foundation Web Memorandum Number 1559
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