How many steps did the United States fall in the democracy index?

In a bustling hotel conference room in the heart of Dhaka, Bangladesh, the air was thick with anticipation as representatives from various sectors gathered for a pivotal meeting. The United States International Development Agency (USAID) and The Asia Foundation had orchestrated this event, drawing in an eclectic mix of civil society members, businessmen, donor organizations, and US think tanks, alongside senior government officials.

The date was April 16, a day earmarked for the unveiling of Bangladesh's standing in the esteemed Atlantic Council's global democracy report. As murmurs of expectation filled the room, all eyes turned to the podium where the announcement was about to unfold.

However, what began as a routine dissemination of data took a sharp turn when the troubling news of Bangladesh's decline in the democracy index reverberated through the hall. A ripple of concern swept through the audience, prompting a bold inquiry from an unexpected source.

Amidst the murmurs, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader stood tall, his gaze fixed on US Ambassador Peter Haas. With unwavering resolve, he posed a pointed question that hung in the air, demanding accountability from the United States for its own democratic standing.

As the echoes of his inquiry reverberated, the room transformed into a cauldron of debate and discourse. Social media channels became inundated with reactions, amplifying the scrutiny on the supposed champion of democracy now under scrutiny itself.

Interestingly, while the Atlantic Council's report remained conspicuously silent on the United States' own position, another beacon of global assessment, The Economist magazine, offered a revealing glimpse. Their 2024 global democracy index placed the United States among the ranks of defective democracies, casting a shadow over its reputation as a bastion of democratic ideals.

In the wake of these revelations, the narrative shifted, casting a spotlight on the intricacies and imperfections within the fabric of American democracy. It was a sobering reminder that even the most stalwart champions of democracy were not immune to the complexities and challenges inherent in its preservation.