Bangladesh under Sheikh Hasina - economic progress but democratic regression | Data

In contrast to the rapid progress in Bangladesh’s socio-economic measures, the nation’s indicators which measure political rights, political pluralism, civil liberties, organisational rights, rule of law, and personal autonomy have all declined in recent years.

The protests against currently deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina – who has been in power since 2009 in Bangladesh – seeking her resignation indicate the level of anger that has grown following a clear erosion of civil liberties and rights in contrast to the notable progress made in various socio-economic parameters during her long tenure. 

Ms Hasina tendered her resignation and fled the country after renewed violence and clashes between government supporters and protestors (led by students) who were opposed to the reservation policy of her government. Last month, students had led protests against quotas in government jobs benefiting those belonging to families of freedom fighters who took part in the Bangladesh War of Liberation. After 150 people were killed during the agitation, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh had done away with most of the quotas in question but protests were renewed with calls for Ms Hasina’s resignation owing to her regime’s use of excessive use of violence, closure of educational institutions and clampdown on the internet to suppress the students’ led agitation.

Ms Hasina’s resignation marks a steep fall for a leader whose regime’s use of measures to curb civil liberties and the opposition is in sharp contrast to its economic policies. Her government deserves credit for various economic measures such as strengthening infrastructure in the country by providing electricity to remote villages, building highways, railway lines and ports. During her tenure, the garment industry also flourished and textile exports surged, pushing the country’s competition behind. 

Chart 1 depicts the GDP per capita (current US$) of various countries over the years.

Charts appear incomplete? Click to remove AMP mode

The country’s GDP per capita (current US$), surpassed India’s in 2023 as shown in chart 1. The rapid increase in the measure post 2003 is visible in the chart. The economic growth also translated to better outcomes in educational and health-related measures. Especially, more girl children got educated and more women joined the workforce. The country’s Human Development Index (HDI) — which measures a nations’ health, knowledge, and standard of living — also surpassed India’s in 2020 and stood just behind that of Sri Lanka’s figure in the region

Chart 2 shows the HDI of various countries over the years.