India’s political field has bent under pressure but has not collapsed. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s political field is far more fragile.
The real challenge is separation: Can parties driven by faith transform national strength without narrowing citizenship to lines of belief?
The truth is: the only path by which Islamists can succeed is exactly the path the League had chased them down. But will it be enough now that the League is history? Only time and the wisdom -- or lack thereof -- of the other political parties will tell.
What can those who hope to rule Bangladesh post-elections learn from recent events in Nepal, and what are the twin threats that it will need to face down?
Democracy depends on two simple protections: that people can speak, and that they will not be killed for speaking. In Bangladesh, labeling someone a nastik is painting a target on his back, and should be seen for the incitement to violence that it is.
The AL exaggerated the threat of extremism for political theatrics. The current government is doing the opposite -- denying its existence while catering to populist sentiments. In the process, national security is being compromised.
