With the easy access to international media and the expanding international awareness of the country, democratic values are increasingly known in Bangladesh. Regionally, India's progress in creating a viable and decentralized democratic system is very visible in Bangladesh, as is the negative example set in Pakistan with its current military rule. Efforts by international organizations, other governments, and regional trading partners to stress human rights and democracy are increasingly coordinated and high profile. Yet reforms will largely come as a result of internal demand for good governance and enlightened leadership.

Political developments in Bangladesh also will affect the external environment. Northeast India, Bangladesh, and Nepal represent a large portion of the hardcore poverty in South Asia. With Maoist rebels gaining strength in Nepal, insurgencies still bubbling in the northeastern states of India, and the Communist Party of India/Marxist in West Bengal remaining firmly in power, a major crisis in Bangladesh could add greatly to regional instability. India would perhaps be the most affected by largescale unrest on its northeast border, which also could complicate resolution of issues in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Such a turn of events also would be significant with respect to U.S. geopolitical interests in South Asia.

In spite of its shortcomings, Bangladesh is one of the most democratic states within the Muslim world and a leading voice among the least developed countries (LDCs). It also has taken on an increasingly active role in international peacekeeping operations. Given the importance of democracy for the advancement of LDCs, continuing to support the development of democracy in Bangladesh should remain an international priority.