Bangladesh, a country often seen by Westerners as being in political turbulence, recently witnessed its fair share of drama surrounding the January elections. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, riding on a wave of victory, secured her fifth consecutive term in office amidst a backdrop of controversy and boycotts. The aftermath of these elections has left many pondering the state of democracy in the country and the implications for its future political landscape.

Sheikh Hasina’s triumph in the elections marked another milestone in her illustrious political career, cementing her status as the world’s longest-serving female head of government. However, the lead-up to the elections was marred by boycotts from major opposition parties, including the Al Qaeda-connected ultra-Islamist Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Critics argue that this absence of significant opposition poses a threat to the country’s democratic fabric.

The BNP’s decision to........

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