Professor Ali Riaz recently commented on a Bangladesh public opinion poll conducted by Democracy International (DI). Published in the The Daily Star, Riaz argues that the public’s disturbing plunge in support for the opposition party says more about the political climate than it does about public opinion. Noting that significant numbers of people chose not to reveal their support for a political party reflects an atmosphere of fear taking over in a purportedly democratic country.

It is loud and clear that a sense of fear is prevailing which precludes citizens from expressing their opinions. –Ali Riaz

Riaz is a top scholar in Bangladeshi politics and is often sought out by the international media for commentary. His most recent book is Bangladesh: A Political History of Bangladesh Since Independence (London: I B Tauris, 2016)Read the entire article here.