Special Content
Mass gatherings continue in Dhaka despite official ban
Since the interim government assumed office, mass gatherings, rallies, and blockades have become a daily occurrence in Dhaka and across the country. Despite government initiatives and strict police monitoring to maintain law and order, various groups are occupying streets every day to achieve their demands through demonstrations.
Hilsa in smuggling net: Plenty in supply, scarce on plates
Bangladesh's national fish, Hilsa, is now not just a food item; for the past few decades, it has also been identified as a political fish. Sometimes used to strengthen diplomatic relations with neighboring countries, and other times as a 'gift token' to win the favor of special heads of state, the Hilsa has been instrumentalized.
How was world’s earliest code of law, the ‘Laws of Urukagina’
In the city-state of Lagash in ancient Mesopotamia, when the arrogance of power was seizing even the last possessions of the poor, a visionary king named Urukagina emerged. He was not only a king but a revolutionary who, for the first time in human history, dared to establish a legal system to protect the rights of the people. His reforms, known in history as the ‘Laws of Urukagina’, marked the dawn of a new era in which the oppressed tasted freedom for the first time.
Govt seeks refund, amendments to one-sided Oracle deal
The Bangladesh Data Centre Company Limited (BDCCL) has sought to amend its one-sided agreement with Oracle and demanded a refund of $3.68 million. The government is also investigating allegations against Oracle of transferring official data and documents abroad.
Money not root of evil, It is source of all worldly power
We often say, “money is the root of all evil” or “money is dirt in the hand.” In such ways we tend to belittle money. But in the light of reality it must be admitted that money is in no way the root of evil. Rather, money is the source of all worldly power. In today’s age it is impossible to survive even for a moment without money. Materialists say, “money is the second god.” Though there may be some exaggeration in this statement, it is not entirely false. To obtain anything, money is needed. Even to give something, money is required. A Mercedes or BMW car costs several crores of taka. Yet however valuable the car may be, without low-priced fuel it is useless.
4 state-owned banks' non-performing loans reach Tk 1.5 lakh cr
Four state-owned banks in the country are struggling under the overwhelming pressure of non-performing loans (NPLs). In just six months, the classified loans of these banks have surged to nearly Tk 1.5 lakh crore. The latest figures from Bangladesh Bank show that by the end of June this year, the amount of non-performing loans stood at Tk 1,46,362 crore. More than 90% of these have already been identified as 'bad' or 'loss' loans—where the possibility of recovery is almost zero.
Instances of mismanagement and rigging have put JUCSU poll into question
The casting of votes in the Jahangirnagar University Central Students' Union (JUCSU) and Hall Parliament elections has ended and vote counting is underway. Four panels of progressive students have boycotted the elections, alleging widespread irregularities. Meanwhile, JU unit Chhatra Dal has also boycotted the elections, alleging rigging and brought out protest march. In view of this situation, Views Bangladesh's JU correspondent spoke to JUCSU election observer teacher Raihan Rhyne. The detailed conversation is presented below:
What message China received from Nepal protests
Nepal, the Himalayan daughter, is now effectively in turmoil. The country has no functioning government. The coalition government led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli collapsed after only 48 hours of protest. In July 2024, KP Sharma Oli took oath as Prime Minister for the fourth time. His party, UML (Unified Marxist-Leninist), formed a government in alliance with the Nepali Congress.
DUCSU poll results: What students from other institutions think
After six years, the long-awaited Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall union elections have been held. In the “mini-parliament” known as DUCSU, the panel backed by Bangladesh Islami Chhatrashibir won a landslide victory. Out of 28 posts contested across 810 booths in eight centres, Shibir-supported candidates secured 23.
Denying the Liberation War is nothing but stupidity: Badruddin Umar
Vateran writer-researcher and leftist politician Badruddin Umar was born in the city of Burdwan under British India on December 20, 1931. He died today (Sunday) at the age of 94 at a hospital in Dhaka. This interview was conducted by Views Bangladesh on the occasion of his 94th birth anniversary. The interview was published in two parts respectively on December 22, 2024 and January 5, 2025. This interview highlights Badruddin Umar's political philosophy, the fall of the Awami League government, and intellectual thoughts. The interview is republished for the readers of Views Bangladesh.