The fiery call for freedom
Bangabandhu did not encourage a military conflict, nor did he push the country to the brink of war in his speech.
Which path do we want to be on?
It is imperative to bring voters to conversations pertaining to the 2023 general elections.
Why we need traditional media to survive
The role of independent media and journalism as bearers of the foundations of democratic systems, is slowly but surely diminishing.
Bangladesh cricket is in shambles, and BCB must answer for it
The administration and management of Bangladesh cricket at the hands of BCB is symptomatic of an unprofessional sport management system.
Transforming education beyond words and tokenism
Bangladesh is lagging behind its neighbours with smaller GDP sizes when it comes to education spending.
Ambivalence towards road safety: How many deaths are too many deaths?
From what we see, read and experience, there is no accountability or oversight in the roads and highways sector.
Cultivating a politically-diverse generation of leaders
It is time to ensure demographic and occupational diversity across our political system.
Imran’s ignominious innings
The postcolonial legacy of the Indian subcontinent is closely intertwined with frequent constitutional aberrations of an unnecessarily theatrical nature, by
Your freedom ends where mine begins
There is a comprehensive global perception that Canada is a nation where relative peace, justice, stability and the rule of law are institutionalised across public life; protests, riots, violence and divisiveness are associated with their southern neighbours.
The life of an international graduate is that of constant learning
University life is referred to as a critical turning point in one’s life. In all certainty, and in my experience, it is perhaps more than that.
Why is Trudeau taking Canada to the polls?
In a bid to secure a parliamentary majority and strengthen his position as Canada’s principal political architect, a confident Justin Trudeau is taking his
Storytelling through food
Bengali cuisine in its most primitive form is perhaps a paradoxical phenomenon worthy of deeper socio-cultural research.
Self-censorship and the media: Where are we heading?
Fuelled by draconian legal measures and administrative harassment against seasoned Prothom Alo correspondent Rozina Islam, the journalistic community is fuming at the humiliating and hasty actions of the health ministry—and by definition, frustrated at the supposed inaction of the government and the judiciary to address what in reality, is nothing less than an embarrassing move to stop a journalist from doing her professional duty.
Reimagining public university admissions in Bangladesh
The United Nations Committee for Development Policy (UNDP) recently recommended the graduation of Bangladesh from its Least Developed Country (LDC) status to that of a developing country by 2026.
The case for a four-day workweek
Nordic countries have earned a reputation for experimenting, and in many cases succeeding, in taking their societies beyond traditional economic systems, thereby driving them towards being progressive welfare states.
The 2020 Development Pathshala: Through the lens of BEACON
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) remains the prima facie directional narrative for our collective progression towards a more equitable economy—both at home and abroad.
Enhancing financial literacy through inclusion and education
Financial literacy is defined as the ability to recognise and effectively use diversified financial skills, tools and services, especially with reference to personal banking management, investment strategies and budgeting.
Niloufer Manzur – An Unparalleled Nation Builder
Mrs Manzur was a nation-builder in the truest sense of the word -- and this too while being surrounded by a plethora of notable personalities in her own family.
Mobilising the spirit of Ramadan in the fight against Covid-19
From a religious perspective, Ramadan has always been a time of self-reflection, restraint and altruism—and given the struggles being faced by daily wage earners and, in reality, a majority of Bangladeshis today, we have a unique opportunity to invest in our faith to collectively tackle the challenges posed by Covid-19.
Disengaged voters in a declining democracy
As Bangladesh celebrates the centennial birth anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman via the commemoration of 2020-2021 as the “Mujib Year”, it is important if not necessary for citizens to reflect on the symbolic achievements of Bangabandhu, in addition to partaking in celebratory events throughout the year.
The dominance of business elites in the political economy
The term “neopatrimonialism” is defined by political scientist Christopher Clapham as a system in which “relationships of a broadly patrimonial type pervade a political and administrative system, which is formally constructed on rational-legal lines”.
Reasons behind Trudeau’s slim victory
A second term in office awaits the incumbent Canadian prime minister, as the centre-left Liberal Party managed to secure enough parliamentary seats to ensure that a
A story less told: Bangladesh’s success in green RMG production
Earlier this month, Made in Bangladesh, a film that brings to light the predicament of workers in Bangladesh’s readymade garments (RMG) industry, was screened amidst much anticipation at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The film features a
Cricket World Cup and a policy of exclusivity
Since the commencement of the tournament in 1975, the one-day international World Cup has traditionally been the flagship event of the International Cricket Council (ICC) whilst both the Test and T20 formats of the game have their own unique features.
Turning a blind eye?
Nusrat Jahan Rafi’s murder is a gruesome tale of the systematic violation of basic fundamental rights of children and, particularly, young girls in Bangladesh.
'It was the community which made history'
In June 2018, at the age of 29, Doly Begum became the first member of the Bangladeshi expatriate community in Canada to be elected
Why criminal justice reform is a must
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has recently directed prison authorities to engage inmates in commercial production as a means of rehabilitation; her words were echoed by Iqbal Hasan, an additional Inspector General of prisons,
Good governance, a prerequisite for solving youth unemployment
The "Asia-Pacific Employment and Social Outlook Report 2018" published by the International Labour Organization (ILO) suggested that the youth unemployment rate in Bangladesh had increased from 6.32 percent in 2000 to 12.8 percent in 2018.
Key challenges for the education minister
President Abdul Hamid appointed 47 members to the new cabinet of Bangladesh this month with Dr Dipu Moni taking over the reins of
Increasing the capacity of Community Clinics
Ever since the early 1990s, Bangladesh has witnessed visible strides in several human development indicators, especially with relation
Looking at climate change from the lens of international security
A milestone report by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned the global community of the expository risks our planet faces, if international stakeholders fail to portray environmental protectionism front and centre in their policy programmes.
The need for equitability
The Bangladesh government proudly promotes the notion that the country is going through a rapid spell of socio-economic development—encapsulated by real GDP growth rates of over seven percent since 2016.
A case for cautious optimism
Recent reports in the media have suggested that retail giant Walmart and e-commerce heavyweight Amazon are expected to enter the Bangladeshi market in the next couple of years.
Addressing mental health: Lessons from Toronto
Toronto is a city which wholeheartedly accepts inclusivity, diversity and progressive thought as the foundational norms of its everyday journey. This Canadian cosmopolitan city posits a wide array of multicultural settings—from the famous Danforth-Victoria Park region which houses a high number of Bangladeshi immigrants, to the globally acclaimed financial district in Downtown Toronto.
Making private universities more affordable
Education remains the cornerstone of success for societies around the world—with the recent quota movement in Bangladesh showcasing some of the ensuing tensions between various stakeholders within our growing economy.
Taking a step back to move forward
Bangladesh celebrated its 48th Independence Day recently, and today we stand proud to be able to call ourselves a sovereign and independent nation. Yet, one questions whether we successfully practise the spirit of our liberation movement, imbued in the ideals of Mujibism as it was called. Socialism, secularism, nationalism and democracy are, in reality, big words which most have no idea about.
Is there any hope for the Left?
Unfortunately, leftist leaders in our country remain in the periphery of such TV talk shows, and unlike the traditional reach of the two major parties across the Bangladeshi diaspora, the reach of the Left remains low and unconvincing.
Entrepreneurship to the rescue!
In 2016, OXFAM released a report that categorically stated that the wealth of the richest 1 percent of individuals was equal to that of 99 percent of the global population.
Wooing talent
When one is a soon-to-be graduate of a university, they rush around from place to place, website to website, seminar to seminar, and people to people, to figure out a career path.
Water pollution: Solutions that actually work
As the incumbent Awami League government gears up for crucial parliamentary elections to test its popularity, it continues to face numerous questions about its administrative successes and failures.
Reflections of an international student
My 24-hour journey from Canada to Bangladesh comprises of an eight-hour transit in Dubai, where the anticipation of going back home supersedes any and all expectations of sleep, food, shopping or moving around the city. Hence, I sit and wait for that Emirates flight to take me back home.
Young students must be part of public life
Given the natural tendencies for middle-income countries such as Bangladesh to inherit or adopt architectural public policy designs from the West, domestic stakeholders in our country must surely push the state towards creating a holistic academic environment, catered solely towards and for the younger generation of our country.
Preserving integrity of the electoral process
The media in Bangladesh has traditionally played a pivotal role in all of our great national movements.
Engaging the youth in electoral process
As Bangladesh gears up for what may very well turn out to be the most crucial political exercise in its history, questions have arisen about the level of youth participation in electoral politics.
Tackling the learning deficit
Our society has quantified the education process so enthusiastically that we have forgotten to consider the risks of the regressive models of rote memorisation and lack of conceptualisa-tion across almost all subjects being taught at public schools.
Rohingya crisis and the norm of R2P
Overeignty is sometimes an overused yet largely exploited concept in the world of international relations. In its truest sense, sovereignty is a fundamental term designating supreme authority over a certain polity.
Remembering Razzak as I saw him
There is no doubt that the nation adored him. Many of his fans and friends even worshipped him. Film lovers in India and Pakistan also highly respected his skills and versatility as an actor. Yet Razzak was a humble man and gave our film industry everything he possibly could without asking much in return.
Promoting Brand Bangladesh abroad
When a country has a population of over 160 million people, it is only natural for pockets of ever-growing expatriate communities to spring up across the world.
August 19, 2021
Why is Trudeau taking Canada to the polls?
In a bid to secure a parliamentary majority and strengthen his position as Canada’s principal political architect, a confident Justin Trudeau is taking his
July 26, 2021
Storytelling through food
Bengali cuisine in its most primitive form is perhaps a paradoxical phenomenon worthy of deeper socio-cultural research.
May 30, 2021
Self-censorship and the media: Where are we heading?
Fuelled by draconian legal measures and administrative harassment against seasoned Prothom Alo correspondent Rozina Islam, the journalistic community is fuming at the humiliating and hasty actions of the health ministry—and by definition, frustrated at the supposed inaction of the government and the judiciary to address what in reality, is nothing less than an embarrassing move to stop a journalist from doing her professional duty.
March 19, 2021
Reimagining public university admissions in Bangladesh
The United Nations Committee for Development Policy (UNDP) recently recommended the graduation of Bangladesh from its Least Developed Country (LDC) status to that of a developing country by 2026.
January 28, 2021
The case for a four-day workweek
Nordic countries have earned a reputation for experimenting, and in many cases succeeding, in taking their societies beyond traditional economic systems, thereby driving them towards being progressive welfare states.
December 29, 2020
The 2020 Development Pathshala: Through the lens of BEACON
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) remains the prima facie directional narrative for our collective progression towards a more equitable economy—both at home and abroad.
November 24, 2020
Enhancing financial literacy through inclusion and education
Financial literacy is defined as the ability to recognise and effectively use diversified financial skills, tools and services, especially with reference to personal banking management, investment strategies and budgeting.
May 26, 2020
Niloufer Manzur – An Unparalleled Nation Builder
Mrs Manzur was a nation-builder in the truest sense of the word -- and this too while being surrounded by a plethora of notable personalities in her own family.
May 6, 2020
Mobilising the spirit of Ramadan in the fight against Covid-19
From a religious perspective, Ramadan has always been a time of self-reflection, restraint and altruism—and given the struggles being faced by daily wage earners and, in reality, a majority of Bangladeshis today, we have a unique opportunity to invest in our faith to collectively tackle the challenges posed by Covid-19.
February 7, 2020
Disengaged voters in a declining democracy
As Bangladesh celebrates the centennial birth anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman via the commemoration of 2020-2021 as the “Mujib Year”, it is important if not necessary for citizens to reflect on the symbolic achievements of Bangabandhu, in addition to partaking in celebratory events throughout the year.
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