Banning political parties ignores true accountability, justice and democracy in favour of scoring cheap populist points. Bangladesh has had enough shallow populism in its politics.

The military’s woeful human rights record and inclination towards political overreach are precisely why it needs to be under the microscope for the next two months.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League government have long operated with impunity. This time, there must be accountability.

In choosing violence, believing that to be the only option available, the authoritarian government of Bangladesh has run out of options to remain in power.

Bangladesh’s recent budget fails to address surging inflation and a widening deficit, with unbridled operational spending leaving the nation with debt and stagnation.

Sheikh Hasina takes delight in her patron Narendra Modi’s victory in the Indian general election, but Bangladesh will suffer.