democracy

Bangladesh Genocide of 1971: Time for the West to walk the talk

The genocide that Pakistan’s occupational forces committed in Bangladesh in 1971 has yet to get due recognition.

Lifespan of the Leviathan

Who would want to move for democracy and risk losing it all?

Inequality and democracy

Should we be surprised that so many people view the growing concentration of wealth with suspicion, or that they believe the system is rigged?

Opinion / A people sidelined by its politicians

Shouldn't our politicians focus on how to best serve the people?

Cambodia elections / The old political playbook needs a major upgrade

One would be wise to throw away the old playbook and get tips from democracies that provide leaders with the greatest power of all: the true mandate of the people

The attack on Hero Alom: A lost opportunity

Our failure to defend Hero Alom points only to our intellectual bankruptcy

Why are human rights defenders being targeted?

The state must protect their rights unconditionally

July 9, 2023
July 9, 2023

Why tie up EC’s hands further?

The amendment of the Representation of the People Order (RPO) comes at a critical juncture when the demand for holding a free and fair election in Bangladesh is getting louder at home and abroad

May 3, 2023
May 3, 2023

‘Democracy means empowering people'

South Korea, like Bangladesh, was a poor country in the 1960s. It has now become a highly developed nation and supports other countries in their development process

April 4, 2023
April 4, 2023

A farewell to EVMs

While the decision to scrap the EVMs is a step in the right direction, the EC must not lose sight of the fact that there are many other pressing issues that it must address for a free, fair and participatory elections.

February 11, 2023
February 11, 2023

AL's counter-programmes reveal its own insecurities

Announcing counter-programmes on the same day as the BNP, and often at a venue close to the BNP’s, raises the possibility of tension at best and outright violence at worst.

February 6, 2023
February 6, 2023

Who will defend our public property defenders?

Over the past month, journalists and activists have been subjected to an amplified scale of threats, intimidation, and incarceration at the hands of powerful group.

January 29, 2023
January 29, 2023

Protest against the decision to not allot a stall for Adarsha

Adarsha owner Mahabub Rahman, activist Baki Billah, journalist Bithy Shoptorshi and artist Arup Rahee have spoken to The Daily Star Opinion.

January 25, 2023
January 25, 2023

‘Special train’ for Awami League, ‘transport strike’ for BNP

Why should two political parties of the same nation receive polar opposite treatments?

January 18, 2023
January 18, 2023

How can breaching citizens’ privacy be lawful?

We should be concerned about the deployment of surveillance tech without any judicial oversight

January 6, 2023
January 6, 2023

Mahfuz Anam writes: What is the state of Awami League as a political party?

This election year, the question that will inevitably come to the fore is of how successful AL has been in keeping its promises.

January 4, 2023
January 4, 2023

Will pre-election politics remain peaceful or become violent?

A consensus among political parties is essential for holding a good election.

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