Bangladesh in Transition: Testing Democratization in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific

This article argues that Bangladesh’s post-crisis transition following Sheikh Hasina’s 2024 exit as prime minister marks a pivotal moment for democratization with implications for South Asia’s stability and the Indo-Pacific strategic framework. Using Stanley J. Wiechnik’s democratization framework, the study examines the phases of liberalization, transition, and consolidation in Bangladesh’s polarized and factionalized society. Drawing on news reports and policy documents, it examines domestic instability and pressures of geopolitical competition between China and India. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and military practitioners, emphasizing the need for strategic engagement to support democratic consolidation and manage regional security interests.