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Podcast Title: Inside Bangladesh Politics with Ronju

Tagline:
"Cutting through the noise – honest insights into Bangladesh’s political landscape."

Episode 1: “Setting the Stage – A Brief History of Bangladeshi Politics”

[Intro Music Fades In]

Ronju (Host):
Hello and welcome to Inside Bangladesh Politics, the podcast where we break down the country’s complex political landscape into stories that matter. I’m your host, Ronju — here to explore the past, present, and future of Bangladeshi politics with you.

Today, we’re setting the stage. Whether you're a student, a researcher, or just curious, this episode will give you a foundation in understanding how we got to where we are today.

Segment 1: The Origins of Modern Politics in Bangladesh

Bangladesh was born in 1971 through a war of independence from Pakistan. The dream was democracy, equality, and secularism. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, often called the Father of the Nation, became the country’s first prime minister.

But early hopes were soon tested. Political unrest, economic hardship, and governance challenges paved the way for coups and authoritarianism.

Segment 2: The Two-Party Dominance

Fast forward to the 1990s — democracy returned, and two main players emerged: the Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Khaleda Zia. Their rivalry has shaped the country for decades. Elections became fiercely contested, and often violent. Institutions remained weak, and mistrust ran deep.

Segment 3: Politics Today

As of now, the Awami League has been in power since 2009, with Sheikh Hasina serving as Prime Minister. Critics argue democracy is backsliding, citing curbed press freedom, weakened judiciary, and the sidelining of opposition.

Supporters, however, point to economic growth, infrastructure development, and relative stability.

So where do we go from here? That’s the journey this podcast will take — examining the key issues, talking to experts, and keeping the conversations real.

[Outro Music Fades In]

Ronju:
Thanks for listening to Inside Bangladesh Politics. In our next episode, we’ll dive into the role of youth in political movements — from Shahbagh to today’s digital protests. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and follow us on social media.

This is Ronju, signing off — until next time, stay informed and stay curious.

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