Bangladesh is rated the most corrupt country in South Asia, apart from maybe Afghanistan. Under Sheikh Haseena, Bangladesh's democracy has taken a hit. Other political parties are hounded by the police. The degree to which institutions like the police, like the courts have been suborned by her party seems to be driving some of the corruption.
Over two decades in office, the prime minister and her Awami League party have overseen impressive growth and reforms in a notoriously corrupt country—but that same firm hand may now be limiting Bangladesh’s progress. Our correspondent visits the frontier of a potentially transformative technology for reducing atmospheric carbon: direct air capture. And a listen to the astonishing boom in Spanish-language music.
For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer