Sheikh Hasina’s government ruled Bangladesh for over 15 years, erasing the line between the government and the ruling party. Unfair elections in 2014, 2018, and 2024 led to the ruling party winning through fraud and disenfranchisement. This lack of democracy led to decreased accountability in institutions, resulting in financial scams, money laundering, and crony capitalism. […]
Dr Saleh Shibly joins SPAC as Non-resident Fellow
Political Strategist Dr Saleh Shibly has joined the Sydney Policy and Analysis Centre as a Non-resident Fellow. Dr Shibly is a professional journalist who has worked for prominent media outlets in Bangladesh and the UK for over thirty years. He also served as a diplomat for a period. He now works as a political strategist […]
Bangladesh Budget Review 2024
On 6 June, Mr Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali became the third finance minister since 2009 to present the budget. The budget was presented when Bangladesh had been facing significant stress due to external and internal factors. These factors have led to macroeconomic instability, depleted foreign exchange reserves, inflation, and challenges in managing external debt. The […]
SPAC-ADN Briefing Paper 2: Democracy in Bangladesh-Sustainable growth, development and democracy
Bangladesh’s economy has faced significant challenges since 2020, including a sharp decline in foreign exchange reserves, import restrictions, high inflation, and dependency on remittances. The country’s economy is heavily reliant on the ready-made garments sector, and there is a lack of diversification in exports and foreign direct investments. Economic inequality is increasing, with concerns about […]
Quarterly Update on the Major Economic Trends in Bangladesh: May 2024
Bangladesh’s economy has faced significant challenges in the early months of 2024. Economic growth has decelerated, particularly in the export sector, while inflation has remained high. Policy adjustments are being made to address inflation and stabilise the external sector, but careful consideration is required to prevent a potential sharp downturn later in 2024. The country’s […]
SPAC-ADN Briefing Paper 1: Quality of democracy, human rights & future directions
On January 7, 2024, Bangladesh had its 12th national parliamentary election. The election was boycotted by the main opposition party, BNP, and its alliance partners, giving the ruling alliance, led by Awami League (AL), a walkover. Awami League’s official nominees won in 224 constituencies, while independent candidates, backed by factions of the local Awami League, […]
SPAC-ADN Webinar 1: Bangladesh after the 2024 Elections: Future Directions and Impacts on Society
We are pleased to inform you about an upcoming collaboration between the Asia Democracy Network and the Sydney Policy Analysis Centre (SPAC). Together, we are organizing a series of bi-monthly webinars focusing on Bangladesh. These webinars will explore a range of crucial topics, including politics, economy, democracy, human rights, and foreign policy within Bangladesh. We […]
Joint Statement: Australian Civil Society Statement in Solidarity with Gaza
This joint statement, led by Amnesty International Australia, is seeking organisational signatories and was presented in Canberra in late October 2023. Signatories are still invited. We, the undersigned, express our alarm about the unfolding crisis in Gaza. Australia, and the whole international community, must immediately call for a ceasefire and for an end to the […]
