BANGLADESH 2021: THE YEAR OF THE GOLDEN JUBILEE AND THE SECOND WAVE OF PANDEMIC

Abstract

In 2021, the pandemic continued inflicting a burdensome disruption on the Bangladeshi economy, weighting heavier on the poor and the new poor. However, in terms of macroeconomic indicators, the economy gave signs of early recovery. Also, Bangladesh was declared ready to officially graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026. At the domestic level, the year 2021 recorded a continuation of previous trends. State authorities often used violence in different forms to police dissent. In addition to this, the year saw one of the worst episodes of religion-based violence, aimed against the Hindu minority, symptomatic of the rise of Islamic extremism in the country. The Rohingya crisis continued unfolding both domestically, with the Bangladeshi government relocating refugees from the mainland camps to Bhasan Char, and internationally, with the passing of a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly. Relations with China and India remained central to foreign policy, moulded by the new needs created by the pandemic, but marked by ups and downs. Anti-India sentiment was showcased in violent protests that accompanied a high-level visit to Dhaka. Moreover, as Delhi abruptly halted its vaccines supplies, Chinese «Covid diplomacy» confidently stepped in. Dhaka appeared decided to keep balancing different partners to keep its options open and avoid turning any partnership into an exclusive one.