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Bangladesh
Many Bangladeshis hoping for a return to military rule
2006-12-18
Background article on the problems B'desh is having in the run-up to elections.
In the week since the Bangladeshi president sent soldiers onto the streets to quell violent political protests, there has been an unexpected turn in public sentiment -- a growing number of people are clamoring for them to stay on and take charge. It is an option that is still largely discussed in private -- over sweet, milky tea in the back rooms of grimy shops or over whiskey and sodas at upscale dinner parties.

The desire to see the return of military rule is a testament to the disaster that is Bangladeshi democracy...
But with the coming election shaping up to be the latest in a string of bloody and chaotic votes, the sentiment is there, even if the military appears unready to make such a move. "I know it sounds absurd, we fought so hard to end military rule. But what else can we do?" said Faruq Hossain, a 46-year-old Dhaka shop owner. "Everyone knows we're headed for a disaster."

Disasters, natural and man made, have plagued Bangladesh since independence from Pakistan in 1971 and many hoped this crowded and poor country had seen the last of its political calamities when rigidly authoritarian military rule ended in 1990. The desire to see its return is a testament to the disaster that is Bangladeshi democracy, a violent, deeply corrupt process that centers on two women whose hatred for one another runs so deep they have not said a word to each other for years.
Posted by:Steve White

#7  They deserve military rule.

I hope they get it.
Posted by: Ebboth Ulimp5776   2006-12-18 14:13  

#6   rising sea levels
Posted by: pihkalbadger   2006-12-18 11:46  

#5  And both women outdo each other to show who is most anti-Indian.

There have been so many suggested projects that would benefit Bangladesh's economy that were rejected because it was perceived that India would benefit.

In a country that is literally flooded each year, they protest when India constructs dams. If it benefits India, they must claim it harms Bangladesh.

The problem is essentially that of national identity.
What is Bangladesh for? A land of Bengali people?
Well, what about West Bengal, the state in India?

Is it about being anti-Indian?
That's what Pakistan is for..

Then is it about islam?
Then why was it necessary to escape from Pakistani genocide?

You have toxic micro-nationalism mixed with islamism in a totally dysfunctional economy. Nothing will work until they reolve their national identity.
Posted by: john   2006-12-18 09:55  

#4  Well, the RABs seem to be pretty efficient;)
Posted by: Spot   2006-12-18 09:15  

#3  Many Americans Bangladeshis hoping for a return to military rule.
Posted by: Besoeker   2006-12-18 08:06  

#2   The desire to see its return is a testament to the disaster that is Bangladeshi democracy, a violent, deeply corrupt process that centers on two women whose hatred for one another runs so deep they have not said a word to each other for years.

Amazing. Are there no adults in that country?
Posted by: trailing wife   2006-12-18 08:04  

#1  Haha...that's great...the country is such a basket case that the military doesn't even want it. Even disasters like Congo and Zimbabwe yield enough resources for a few dozen palaces and a fleet of BMWs.
Posted by: gromky   2006-12-18 00:22  

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