The J-Z Show। Ep. 2। July Anniversary, tariffs, reforms and election
Episode 2 of The J-Z Show reflects on Bangladesh’s democratic transition, U.S. trade tensions, and the road ahead to national elections.
In its second episode, The J-Z Show turns to the shifting ground of Bangladesh’s politics and its place in the global order. Jon F. Danilowicz, recently back from Dhaka, shares his impressions of the country’s journey one year after the fall of the Hasina regime. His takeaway: there has been real progress toward democracy and reforms, but the challenges remain significant as the nation edges closer to a crucial election.
Together with Zafar Sobhan, the conversation looks at the difficult task of rebuilding institutions weakened by years of authoritarian rule. Are the reforms meaningful, or are they only on the surface? Can accountability take hold quickly enough to convince a skeptical public? These are the questions the episode wrestles with—questions that will ultimately decide how credible the next election will be.
The discussion also steps outside Bangladesh’s borders. The Trump Administration’s newly announced tariffs highlight just how exposed the country is to shifts in global trade. Yet both hosts point to the resilience of Bangladesh’s negotiators, who have worked hard to defend the country’s economic interests on the international stage.
Episode 2 reminds us that Bangladesh’s future cannot be separated into neat boxes of “domestic” and “foreign.” Strengthening democracy at home and protecting economic standing abroad are two sides of the same struggle—and both will determine the path forward.
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