Ahmed was recently interviewed by the European Center for Populism Studies about the recent election result in Bangladesh, which, according to the article, has been "widely framed as a democratic turning point." However, in his analysis, Samzir pushes back on this framing, suggesting instead that the election should be situated within a "deeper historical pattern in which Bangladesh oscillates between depoliticization and renewed political mobilization." He explains, "the country had been experiencing 'a long trend of depoliticization,' and the July uprising marked a rupture that represents primarily 'a restoration of politics itself.' In his words, 'democracy, however, remains far away.'"
The whole piece is certainly worth reading in full, especially for those interested in Southeast Asian and, more specifically, Indian & Bangladeshi politics. It can be read here.
March 09, 2026