Totalitarian Transformation in Bangladesh

In the dramatic dance of Bangladesh's recent makeover, the once-vibrant democratic hues have faded into the monochrome of a totalitarian one-party affair. Picture it as swapping a lively carnival for a dreary monologue.

Here's the kicker: some well-educated folks in that neck of the woods are clinking glasses to what they think is a bright future. Spoiler alert: it's not. Totalitarianism is like trying to make a gourmet meal with just a microwave; it's neither sustainable nor tasty.

Let's not play the blame game alone here. It's a group effort. The civil society, bureaucracy, judiciary, private sector, cultural elites, and even the military brass are all in on this sorry state of affairs. It's a "we made this bed together; now let's lie in it" situation.

As Bangladesh hurtles down this bumpy road, we're not just talking about politics taking a hit. Oh no, this one-party show is snuffing out the life of everything that makes life worth living—culture, music, journalism, innovation. It's like a domino effect of dullness.

So, as the nation gears up for a rollercoaster of decline, courtesy of collective choices, one can't help but wonder if pursuing this so-called stability is worth sacrificing the vibrant soul that once made Bangladesh more than just a spot on the map.

Date: January 9, 2024

Location: Dhaka