Stability, Democracy, and Islamism in Bangladesh

On December 13, Hudson Institute convened a panel to discuss politics in Bangladesh and the country’s upcoming elections. Opening remarks were delivered by Congressman Jim Banks (R-IN). Panelists included Liberty South Asia’s Seth Oldmixon, the Middle East Forum’s Sam Westrop, and Abha Shanker of the Investigative Project on Terrorism. The panel will be moderated by Ambassador Husain Haqqani, Hudson Institute director for South and Central Asia programming. With annual GDP growth rates around 7%, Bangladesh is one of Asia’s most successful economies. Yet on the political front, the country faces many challenges. With the rising influence of Islamist groups like Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in the country’s politics and accusations of authoritarianism against Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s current and longest-reigning Prime Minister, the outcome of the December 30 elections will be important for both Bangladeshis and the region.