Researcher and Columnist
In the face of a challenging global economy, creating a budget in a densely populated country like ours is a difficult task. It cannot be confined within the conventional rules of economics. Among the sectors essential for the social, economic, moral, and intellectual development of a nation, education is one of the most important.
Globally, it is recommended that national budgets allocate at least 20% or 6–8% of GDP to the education sector. However, in Bangladesh, education consistently receives less than what is necessary. Crafting a national budget for a densely populated country like ours, amid global economic uncertainty, is undoubtedly a complex task. It cannot be strictly guided by conventional economic rules. Education remains one of the most crucial sectors for the social, economic, moral, and intellectual development of a nation. It is directly tied to the awakening of citizens’ intellect, thought processes, strength, and sense of purpose. Unfortunately, the state continues to fall short in taking the necessary measures for the development of this vital sector.
Since February 8, 2018, when BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was imprisoned, Tarique Rahman has been leading the party as its Acting Chairman. Despite being barred from returning to the country, speaking publicly, or having his speeches aired due to court restrictions, he has continued to move forward. His unwavering resolve has dealt a significant blow to his persecutors. He has played a pivotal role in stabilizing the post-2024 uprising political scenario. While many feared that, as a victim of persecution, he might turn vengeful or aggressive, the reality proved otherwise. He consistently called for calm.
In the history of every nation, there comes a time when certain events outshine all others—moments shaped by personalities who alter the course of destiny, inject momentum into national progress, offer new directions, and inspire deep introspection. One such figure in Bangladesh's political landscape is Begum Khaleda Zia, the uncompromising leader and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), who has long been a symbol of the country’s sovereignty and independence.
Three driving forces underpin Bangladesh’s development and progress: high-yielding rice in agriculture, labor-intensive export-oriented garment manufacturing, and remittances from overseas employment. At the core of all three lies labor and the working population. However, in the development equation, the share of the working class remains minimal. According to international standards, the rights and dignity of workers in Bangladesh have not been established in state, social, or economic spheres. Workers and employees in the country are still deprived of living wages, the right to freely form trade unions in accordance with ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and other legitimate rights, social recognition, and protection.
The relationship between Europe and the United States traces its origins back to the battlefields of World War II. From those war-torn grounds emerged the foundations of geopolitical blocs. In the post-war world, the growing influence of the socialist bloc led by the Soviet Union heightened anxiety and sparked escalating tensions. A multi-dimensional competition took shape between the two blocs, each accusing the other of trying to destroy its internal unity. Just as American troops couldn’t establish a presence in Eastern European countries, Soviet tanks couldn’t roll into the Prussian fields due to the U.S.'s opposition. This attempt to separate the U.S. from Europe was once termed “decoupling.” What decades of Cold War hostility failed to accomplish, former U.S. President Donald Trump has moved to achieve within mere weeks.