Democracy
Democracy, Too, Slides in Bangladesh
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Even as Bangladesh reels from lethal mudslides, the nation’s political establishment is in chaos following the suspension of the legislature, and the arrest of thousands by the military as part of an alleged anti-corruption campaign. Now the European Union has expressed “deep concern” over rights violations and claims of the extra-judicial killing of almost 100 individuals, Agence France-Press reports. Those arrested include leaders of two of Bangladesh’s main political parties, as well as the son of a former prime minister. An editorialist writing under a pseudonym for United Press International says the crackdown follows two years of political discord, strikes and unrest that caused the most harm to average citizens through failing social services and economic decline. Most of all, he says, Bangladeshis are confused.