In Defence of Politics

The word “politics” is much maligned and stigmatised. It suffers from a huge image problem both in the world as well as in Bangladesh.

The debate over Khaleda Zia’s parole

Ever since the imprison-ment of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, her party has systematically demanded her release. Recently, a possibility for her “parole” has come up in discussion, even amongst the leading members of the ruling Awami League.

NRC, CAA and Bangladesh

Finally the tides of uncertainty and insecurity generated by the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the Citizenship Amendment Act

Student wings of political parties: At what price?

In April 2010, when the draft of the National Education Policy 2010 was under discussion, five of the most distinguished and respected academics of the country issued a joint statement titled “Banish mal-politics from the education sphere:

18 reforms that will change Bangladesh

During last year’s road safety movement, there was a demand raised by the student demonstrators that touched a chord with a wide cross-section of the population: “repair the state.” T

Make jute sector profitable: PM

Announcing incentives for the private sector to boost production and export of jute and jute goods, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina calls upon all concerned to take effective steps for making the jute sector profitable to sustain the jute industry.

In Defence of Politics

The word “politics” is much maligned and stigmatised. It suffers from a huge image problem both in the world as well as in Bangladesh.

The debate over Khaleda Zia’s parole

Ever since the imprison-ment of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, her party has systematically demanded her release. Recently, a possibility for her “parole” has come up in discussion, even amongst the leading members of the ruling Awami League.

Manifestation of Apathy or De-facto Disenfranchisement?

Amartya Sen characte-rised “argumen-tative Bengalis” also take avid interest in politics. In 2013 the Pew Research Center found that Bangladeshis are the most politically engaged nation. 65 percent of Bangladeshis were in the “high level” political participation category and a further 29 percent at “medium level”.

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.

Low turnout: the new normal?

One question that I repeatedly faced in the last few days was: how were the elections of the two Dhaka city corporations?

Will the EC kindly answer?

The Election Commission, particularly the CEC, has been repeatedly assuring us that the upcoming elections of the two Dhaka city corporations will be free and fair.

Parliamentarians’ assault on the rule of law

In the annals of Bangladesh’s parliamentary history, January 14, 2020 has secured special significance.

NRC, CAA and Bangladesh

Finally the tides of uncertainty and insecurity generated by the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the Citizenship Amendment Act

5 crude bombs blasted at DU campus, BNP office

Five crude bombs are exploded on Dhaka University campus and in front of BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan of Dhaka.

Hasina greets Johnson; seeks support for Rohingya repatriation

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina congratulates British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the impressive victory of his Conservative Party in the national election of the United Kingdom.