Each December, The Economist names a “Country of the Year,” highlighting the nation that has shown the most remarkable improvement over the past year. This year, Bangladesh has claimed the title, topping a shortlist that included Syria, Argentina, South Africa, and Poland.
In its report published on Thursday, The Economist clarified that the accolade is not about being the richest, happiest, or most virtuous country, but about making significant strides in the last 12 months.
The final decision was made after a “vigorous debate” among the publication’s correspondents. Bangladesh emerged as the winner, with Syria named runner-up.
Why Bangladesh stood out
The report lauded Bangladesh for its political transformation in 2024. It noted, “Our winner is Bangladesh, which overthrew an autocrat this year. In August, student-led protests forced the resignation of Sheikh Hasina, who had ruled the country of 175 million for 15 years. A daughter of an independence hero, she once presided over swift economic growth. But she became repressive, rigging elections, jailing opponents and ordering the security forces to shoot protesters. Huge sums of money were stolen on her watch.
Bangladesh has a history of vengeful violence when power changes hands. The main opposition party, the BNP, is venal. Islamic extremism is a threat. Yet the transition has so far been encouraging.”
The report highlighted the role of a temporary technocratic government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, stating, “A temporary technocratic government, led by Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel peace prizewinner, is backed by students, the army, business and civil society. It has restored order and stabilised the economy.”
Looking ahead, the report acknowledged the challenges Bangladesh faces, including the need to rebuild ties with India and lay the groundwork for credible elections in 2025. “In 2025 it will need to repair ties with India and decide when to hold elections—first ensuring that the courts are neutral and the opposition has time to organise. None of this will be easy. But for toppling a despot and taking strides towards a more liberal government, Bangladesh is our country of the year.”
Other contenders
Syria was the runner-up after ousting its autocrat, Bashar al-Assad. Argentina earned recognition for economic reforms, while South Africa and Poland were praised for rejecting ‘bad government’ and forming new administrations.
A prestigious lineage
Bangladesh joins an esteemed list of past winners. Greece took the title in 2023 for overcoming a protracted financial crisis and re-electing a moderate government.
Other notable winners include Colombia (for ending a decades-long civil war), Ukraine (for resisting an unprovoked invasion), and Malawi (for democratising).