Blood Feud in Bangladesh

Violence has rocked Bangladesh as supporters of the country’s two major political parties clash over the upcoming transition period before national elections in January. The ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has interfered in elections and been negligent about corruption and extremism. The main opposition Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina Wajed, is equally guilty of undermining democratic practices. As elections approach and violence intensifies, fears that the army might step in and reestablish its military dictatorship are not unfounded. The chaos serves to discredit secular government, lending credence to the radicals among Bangladesh’s politicians who resent democracy and regard the disarray as an opportunity to establish an Islamic state. – YaleGlobal