Bangladesh: A Suffering People Under State Terrorism explores the destructive political situation in Bangladesh under the one-party and one-person rule of the despotic Sheikh Hasina. The contributors to this edited collection examine the catastrophic political environment of the country in view of the Hasina regime's relentless oppression and repression since 2009, the authoritarian rule of her father in the early 1970s as well as the topic of Indian political, cultural and economic hegemony to which this dictatorial regime is increasingly surrendering Bangladesh's national interest, integrity and sovereignty. The contributors also attempt to expose the wholesale corruption and unprecedented vote-rigging that have rendered the regime completely illegal and illegitimate. They also highlight how the regime has been clinging to power by systemically unleashing terror and tyranny through its widespread networks of state machinery.
"A highly informative book of unique originality with an intellectual distinction of its own. Oriented from insightful personal as well as research-based observations, the book provides a fresh analysis of the fascist political development in Bangladesh. Its contents offer an unadulterated and uncompromising view of the more than eleven years of tormenting regime that has brought Bangladesh to its knees and tatters. A narrative of the sharp and sheer decline of democratic culture, to the extent of one-party and one-person authoritarian rule, starting from 1972 to 1975 and then 2009 onwards, the volume of essays seeks to spell out the vicious police control and blind judicial suppression along with total Hinduization and Indianization of Bangladesh at the cost of the freedom of expression and popular political dissent of the great majority. Unlike the publications that safely follow a so-called academic and conveniently neutral line of thinking hardly rising above the merely traditional establishment narratives, this volume is distinguished by virtue of its honestly presenting the burning issues that divide the people in a violently confrontational way: democratic freedom, tolerance and harmonious development first or forced suppression of the opposition and corruption-tainted false show of development first? Peace and national unity and solidarity first or looting and smuggling of vast amounts and stealing of elections first? Independence and sovereignity first or being an Indian puppet first? The volume successfully dismantles and destabilizes the purely partisan narrative of the government machinery and its strength therefore lies in boldly exposing the autocratic character of the ruling party that has blatantly rigged elections, one after another, to hold onto power with the help of the police, RAB and RAW. The work will surely intrigue the international community concerned about the future of democracy and human rights in Bangladesh. It will give a voice to the overwhelming majority of the country and will merit a wide readership both at home and abroad. Arguing for democratic fair play and a level playing field for all political parties, the collection of essays demands that the fascist Hasina regime stops stealing elections, smuggling billions, ruling by police force and judicial persecution and acting as an Indian colony corrupting and criminalizing all institutions of Bangladesh. In other words, the publication is asking for a regime change with no delay."-Syed Serajul Islam, Professor of Political Science, Lakehead University, Canada