ISAS Insights

Bangladesh is in the midst of contradictory pulls: whereas economic indicators point to robust development, polarisation and violence are threatening the sustainability of democratic politics. The moot question now is whether such contradictory pulls can be reconciled for the sake of greater economic development and the institutionalisation of democracy. Although the national election is due in less than eight months and there is no sign of a compromise between the ruling Awami League (AL) and the opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP), yet there is hope that the tenure of the current regime will end not with a ÔÇÿhardÔÇÖ but rather ÔÇÿsoftÔÇÖ landing. Let us have a closer look.