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Rayhan Ahmed Tapader

Researcher and Columnist 

Challenges Tarique Rahman must confront
Challenges Tarique Rahman must confront

Challenges Tarique Rahman must confront

We are passing through a time when Bangladesh stands at a crucial crossroads in its history. In 2024, a historic mass uprising ended the Awami League government’s fifteen-year rule, and within a few months, Bangladesh is moving towards an election. Just as the country’s history holds the glorious chapter of the Liberation War, it also bears the cries of justice lost in the dark alleys of power. More than half a century after independence, the nation is still searching for a stable democracy in which every branch of the state works for the people’s welfare, and politics reflects ethics and morality. Yet the people of this country have repeatedly witnessed electoral farce, capture of polling centres, ballot-stuffing and violence. From national to by-elections and countless local polls, many have been questioned over time. Political disputes centring on elections have become a permanent feature of Bangladesh, eroding public trust in the process and often putting democracy itself in doubt.

Why is Nobel Prize revered worldwide
Why is Nobel Prize revered worldwide

Why is Nobel Prize revered worldwide

The Nobel Prize, established in 1901, is the most prestigious award in the world. Every year, it is given to individuals and institutions for outstanding original research, discovery, and innovation. The Nobel Prize is awarded in five categories—Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, and Peace. It is given according to the will of Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel. The laureates receive a gold medal, a certificate, and a significant monetary prize in an official ceremony. This recognition of scientists, writers, and peace advocates devoted to the welfare of humanity guides the world towards new directions

Why this reality persists even after 151, out of 193, UN member states recognised Palestine
UN member states recognised Palestine

Why this reality persists even after 151, out of 193, UN member states recognised Palestine

In October 2023, Israel launched yet another indiscriminate attack on Gaza. Almost two years on, the death toll in Gaza has already exceeded 65,000. Nearly all of the 2.1 million residents of the besieged enclave have been displaced multiple times. Recently, Israel began a full-scale assault on Gaza City, the largest city in the territory. The objective is clear — to empty this densely populated city completely and seize control of it. In this situation, international pressure on the United States, the United Kingdom, and other Western countries to force Israel to end the war and genocide is steadily increasing.

Is Israel becoming like ‘South Africa’
Is Israel becoming like ‘South Africa’

Is Israel becoming like ‘South Africa’

The war is ongoing in Gaza. In the meantime, Israel seems to be moving day by day towards international isolation. This has raised the question: is Israel’s situation then becoming like that of ‘South Africa’?

Expatriates struggling to live amid unhealthy political culture
political culture

Expatriates struggling to live amid unhealthy political culture

After independence, the people of any country need to learn patriotism, civic responsibility, human duty, self-reliance and the use of conscience. But in Bangladesh we were taught politics. Where all those words are almost absent. And because they are absent, we cannot escape partisan political activities even abroad. Not only us, but our country too is being tarnished. Even while living in highly developed countries such as London and America, our overly patriotic politicians want to preserve or have preserved the unhealthy domestic political culture instead of practising advanced politics. This causes me deep pain. What more can be said about the country’s unhealthy politics. We all have some experience of this sick politics. Therefore, my advice to our over-enthusiastic and patriotic expatriate politicians would be that it is good to engage in politics, but let it be above party politics and in the interest of the country and the nation.

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