The Economist, a British weekly, has honoured Bangladesh as its ‘Country of the Year’ for 2024, recognising the country’s extraordinary political and social transformation. In a report published Thursday, the magazine stated, “The winner has overthrown a tyrant and seems to be moving towards a brighter future.”
The accolade highlights the success of widespread, student-led protests that resulted in the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, whose 15-year rule was marked by authoritarianism, electoral malpractice, and corruption. The Economist referred to this political shift as the “Delta Force,” acknowledging Sheikh Hasina’s early economic achievements before her government devolved into oppressive practices, including election rigging, imprisonment of political opponents, and violent crackdowns on dissent. “Substantial sums of money were misappropriated during her administration,” the publication noted.
Despite Bangladesh’s history of tumultuous and often violent political transitions, The Economist expressed optimism about the nation’s progress. “The main opposition party, the BNP, is venal, and Islamic extremism remains a threat. Yet, the transition has so far been encouraging,” it observed.
The country’s current stability is credited to a temporary technocratic government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus. Supported by students, the military, businesses, and civil society, the interim administration has restored order and stabilised the economy.
The magazine emphasised that Bangladesh faces significant challenges ahead, including repairing ties with India and preparing for elections in 2025. It stressed the importance of ensuring judicial neutrality and granting opposition parties sufficient time to organize. “None of this will be easy. But for toppling a despot and making strides towards a more liberal government, Bangladesh is our country of the year,” The Economist concluded.
Syria was named runner-up following the removal of Bashar al-Assad on December 8, which ended decades of dynastic dictatorship characterised by civil war, atrocities, and exploitation. “Our runner-up is a late entrant: Syria,” the report stated.
The Economist highlighted the devastation caused by Assad’s regime, including the deaths of an estimated 600,000 people over 13 years due to civil war and state violence. His government employed chemical weapons, mass torture, and drug trafficking on an industrial scale to maintain control.
