State and Politics
Administrative reform essential before Proportional Representation can be effective
Sweden holds elections under the Proportional Representation (PR) system. In this system, parliamentary seats are distributed according to the proportion of votes cast. As a result, no single party can monopolise power; coalition-building becomes essential for governance.
How Durga Puja of Bengalis turned into a social festival
The biggest festival of Bengali Hindus is Durga Puja. Usually the five-day festival begins on the sixth day of the bright fortnight in the month of Ashwin, from Shashthi to Dashami. These five days are known respectively as Durga Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami and Bijoya Dashami. This year Durga Puja began with Maha Shashthi on 28 September. Maha Saptami was on 29 September, Maha Ashtami on 30 September, Maha Navami on 1 October and the immersion of the idols will take place on Bijoya Dashami, 2 October, marking the end of the celebrations.
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.
Why do country’s politicians not wish to improve people’s cultural standards
Everyone will admit that the standard of culture is not rising; rather, it is in steady decline. It is not that culture is never spoken of, but it is not discussed with the importance it deserves. Culture is, in fact, greater and deeper than civilisation. It is greater in its breadth, for culture embraces almost everything. Economics forms its foundation, but geography, human relationships, understanding of nature, values, customs, education, food habits, art and literature—nothing is excluded. Civilisation itself is a part of culture. In short, culture is the self-identity of a people. This identity is more trustworthy than any other. Education is often called the backbone of a nation, but in truth it is not education, it is culture. Education itself is a rightful part of culture.
Heroic deeds of Bengali soldiers in 1965 India-Pakistan war
The 17-day India-Pakistan war that took place from 6 to 22 September 1965 was an extremely significant event of that time. This conflict is also known as the “Second Kashmir War”. In this war, the officers and soldiers of the first East Bengal Regiment, which was predominantly Bengali, and the Bengali airmen—particularly pilots—of the Pakistan Air Force, displayed such courage and valour that they shattered the notion of the so-called “non-martial race theory” and earned Bengalis a new recognition in military history. At the same time, it also became a matter of wide discussion that then East Pakistan was extremely vulnerable in terms of defence. This article briefly highlights the heroism and achievements of Bengali soldiers during that war.
UNGA, egg throwing, and few questions from conscious citizens
Every September, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meets in New York. Heads of state and government from almost every country gather there. They present their country’s position, challenges and priorities, seek international support, and take part in various meetings. For Bangladesh too, this visit has never been an exception. Since independence, almost every government has given special importance to the UNGA trip and highlighted it heavily.
Govt must prove thru action, not words, what election will be like
Chief Adviser of the interim government Professor Muhammad Yunus has said, “The election will be held in the first half of February. It will be a festive election, if we can reach a decision through consensus. This election is not just an ordinary election; it will be the rebirth of the nation.” On 14 September, at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital, during ongoing dialogue with political parties organised by the National Consensus Commission, he once again declared his firm stance on the 13th National Parliamentary Election.
Norwegian politics versus reality of Bangladesh
Norway has just completed a national election. The entire process was transparent, peaceful and exemplary by democratic standards. After the results were announced, a remarkable political culture was on display.
Why unity of political parties only in words, not in action
In the politics of our country, full unity is still absent. On many important political issues, enough conflict among political parties is becoming visible. Besides, political unrest is also increasing significantly. It is not unusual for ordinary people to be worried about these matters. Naturally, the subject of elections has become everyone’s main expectation. Yet, disunity remains among political parties over the method of elections. There is even considerable doubt as to whether political parties are properly reaching the people or even trying to do so. Yet, in a democratic state, the main function is a change of government through elections. According to the constitution, elections are held in Bangladesh with the objective of changing government. Of course, at times this continuity has been disrupted in the context of the country’s political situation and conflicts among political parties.
Why Iran’s Chabahar Port has become new centre of geopolitics
To rein in Russia, US President Donald Trump has imposed a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods. Washington’s demand is that India stop buying oil from Russia. India buys crude from Russia, refines it and then exports it. The United States believes it is by selling oil to India that Russia is able to sustain its war in Ukraine. Now, to corner Iran, the US is moving with a new strategy. It wants to impose fines or sanctions on anyone using Iran’s Chabahar port. For India, Iran’s Chabahar seaport is extremely important, both commercially and strategically. At present, India is jointly running the port with Iran under a 10-year agreement.