State and Politics
There is no alternative to an elected government for economic progress
Under the leadership of Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the primary task of the interim government is to steer the country back to a truly democratic system through proper democratic procedures. The expectation and aspiration of the people is to be able to elect a government of their choice through the exercise of their voting rights. There is no room for deception in this process. The recent mass movement began over the demand for reforming the quota system in government jobs, but it eventually evolved into a movement for toppling the government. At the heart of the movement lies one core demand: democracy, democracy, and democracy.
People's verdict and a new horizon: Service must become the mantra of politics
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is moving towards forming the government by securing an absolute majority with the people's overwhelming votes in the 13th National Parliamentary Election. This victory is not merely the success of a political party; it is the deep trust, confidence and dream of a new tomorrow for millions of people. The people have placed their hopes and aspirations in BNP's hands with immense expectations.
Election hopes turn into disappointment, fear for women in Bangladesh
Hopes surrounding the election have turned into disappointment and fear for many women in Bangladesh, including those who were at the forefront of the July mass uprising, according to a report by the British national daily The Guardian.
The ‘Covert Politics’ debate and…
As the 13th National Parliamentary Election draws closer, political discourse in Bangladesh is becoming increasingly sharp—marked by heightened rhetoric, strategic wordplay, and intensified efforts to politically weaken opponents. A recent and notable example of this trend is the public war of words between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami over the use of the term “ Guptho (covert).”
How long the teachers will face guillotine executions?
Post-mass uprising anarchy is still visible in Bangladesh. The state machinery is still largely inactive in the backdrop of the changes. In this vacuum, at least partially, the rule of the insane continues.
Political implications of Tarique Rahman's secondcoming
Depicting a political leader, let alone any ordinary person, taking off his shoes and socks and walking barefoot on the ground, smelling the earth, when he returns to the beloved homeland after almost a decade and a half seems not to be unusual. In that sense, the sight of Tarique Rahman walking barefoot on the ground at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on December 25, after spending 17 years in exile in London, did not impress people. But what caught more attention was that he replaced the special chairs on the reception stage in the 300-foot highway area with ordinary chairs, made no negative comments about his political opponents, made no slanderous remarks, showed no egoism, and did not show people lofty dreams. Also, the political foresight and economy of words and phrases that Tarique Rahman displayed in his speech by saying 'I have a plan' in imitation of Martin Luther King, the famous civil rights leader, priest, and symbol of non-violent movement in the United States, may help understand the dynamics of his future politics.
Bangladesh's December dilemma: Rising fundamentalism or spirit of '71
Every December, a strange light ignites in the heart of Bangladesh— victory, grief and pride blend into an overwhelming emotion. The victory of 1971 was not just the end of a war, but the triumph of a nation fighting for existence, the liberation of a civilisation. Every year, December reminds us of the sacrifices of the freedom fighters and the pride of a red-green flag born through immense struggle. Yet the question arises; 53 years after victory, are we still holding on to that spirit? Or is that light fading amid political instability, social division and the currents of time? Several recent incidents have intensified this question.
Sufism, palagaan, political conflict and Baul Abul Sarkar
‘Amar saradeho kheyogo mati' (O soil, take my whole body), ‘Amar babar mukhe prothom jedin shunechhilam gaan' (The day I first heard my father singing)’ and ‘Ami tomat duti chokhe duti tara hoye thakbo' (I will be the apples of your eyes)… These songs sung by Andrew Kishore, have become immortal to the generation of the early 80s and 90s. The lyrics and melody of these songs still touch and yearn. These timeless songs are from the Bangla movie ‘Nayoner Alo’ made in 1984. Many of the 80s and 90s generations can remember this film even today.
Who would hold the political power in the future?
'Those who control Bangladesh's politics are inherently undemocratic and the standard of education and training of the ruling class here is very low.' New Age Editor Nurul Kabir came up with the observation on November 18, a day after ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death in a case of crimes against humanity, the first such case in Bangladesh's history in which a former prime minister has been sentenced to death. At the unveiling of a book by the late politician Barrister Moudud Ahmed, Nurul Kabir said, 'From the first day of the Bangladesh state to today, democracy has never existed.'
Cost of self-destructive sabotage can be enormous
On Monday morning, I was utterly shocked after watching a video clip. Filmed from a distance, the video showed towering flames rising above the trees, lighting up the night sky. At first glance, I thought the footage was from Ukraine or Gaza. But soon I realised I was wrong. According to various media reports, it was not a scene of destruction from abroad, but from Savar, on the outskirts of Dhaka—where students of Daffodil International University had vandalised and set fire to the campus of City University. As the day went on, the horror of the incident became even clearer.