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Chiroranjan Sarker

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The malpractice of secret politics
secret politics

The malpractice of secret politics

It seems a new stage has emerged in the politics of Bengal. Once upon a time, politics meant open struggle – who could chant slogans the loudest, who could bring the largest procession, who could stir up the crowd by crying out “Joy Bangla” or “Bangladesh Zindabad” in the highest voice. Back then politicians did not hide their identity, rather they were proud to say: “I am a worker of such-and-such party, I am a follower of such-and-such ideology.” But times have changed. Such simple declarations now appear old-fashioned. On the political stage there is now a new wave – not what is open, but what happens behind the scenes is the real thing; its name is secret politics.

Lament of white stone and an epic plunder
stone and an epic plunder

Lament of white stone and an epic plunder

Bangladesh is a country where history, politics, and theft seem to have walked hand in hand since birth. Here, the flow of honesty, like that of a river, sometimes runs dry. Just as nature gradually loses its beauty, honest people too are on the path to extinction.

Dr. Yunus’s Speech: Lofty vision or recycled reassurance?
Dr. Yunus’s Speech

Dr. Yunus’s Speech: Lofty vision or recycled reassurance?

One year after the July Uprising, Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus delivered a speech to the nation outlining an ambitious vision for the country’s future. At first glance, it might appear that this government genuinely intends to bring about change. However, as the colorful narrative of hope unfolded, it also triggered a sense of déjà vu—we’ve heard these promises before. Different governments, different faces, and different regimes have repeatedly assured the people of new beginnings, only to abandon those very beginnings when it no longer served their interests. Rooted in that collective experience, the people today listen not with hope, but with skepticism. The question naturally arises: Is this yet another version of the old game, only with a new spokesperson?

Extortion: A postmodern revolutionary culture
revolutionary culture

Extortion: A postmodern revolutionary culture

The very word 'extortion' evokes a mixed feeling. As if it is a folk tradition unique to Bengal, which, through sweat, blood, and the dust of the streets over generations, has taken on a distinct form in today’s modern society. There are numerous types of extortion: hall gate extortion, procession extortion, iftar party extortion, and the latest addition—movement extortion.

Students must not become tools for interest of any particular group
interest of any particular group

Students must not become tools for interest of any particular group

The student community is the most vibrant and dynamic part of a nation. Among them resides idealism, the courage to stand against injustice, and a spontaneous attitude to devote themselves to change. They are not merely a specific age group, but can emerge as messengers of transformation. In our country’s history, the student movement has played a glorious role. A glance through the pages of history shows that students led many significant movements in Bangladesh, including the Bengali language movement and the struggle for independence. They were the sentinels of the nation, standing for truth and justice.

Roots of rape culture lie within society
Roots of rape

Roots of rape culture lie within society

In today’s Bangladesh or anywhere in the subcontinent, no one is shocked anymore upon hearing news of rape. Words like “rape”, “gang rape”, “murder after rape”, in newspapers or TV screens, have become familiar entries in our everyday vocabulary. When a rape occurs, blame is placed on the government, law enforcement is put on trial, and some people vent their anger on the administration. There seems to be a kind of self-satisfaction within this act of blame— “Look, we are protesting”, “We are not responsible”.

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