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Rayhan Ahmed Tapader

Researcher and Columnist 

Europe, US: A fractured relationship
Europe, US.
Diplomacy

Europe, US: A fractured relationship

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.

Pohela Boishakh must be celebrated as a non-communal festival
Rayhan Ahmed Tapader
Special Content

Pohela Boishakh must be celebrated as a non-communal festival

Boishakh is the first month of the Bengali calendar. April 14, or Pohela Boishakh, marks the first day of the Bengali New Year — a celebration deeply rooted in the hearts of Bengalis. As Boishakh approaches, the end of spring is adorned with golden flowers lighting up the surroundings, spreading the radiant beauty of nature. Marigolds fade away, leaving behind their turmeric-hued petals. Unseasonal rain brings forth stunning new blooms, covering green leaves as if to announce their arrival.

To reform the state, political culture must change
political culture
State and Politics

To reform the state, political culture must change

Implementing the desired reforms in Bangladesh is extremely difficult, primarily due to the complexities of political and social realities. The main political parties' reluctance, the influence of vested interests, and the weak social demand play significant roles in obstructing the reform process. Although Bangladesh has taken initiatives for policy reform at various times, these efforts have failed to take structural and effective shape. The existing political culture and the centralized nature of power have become major obstacles to implementing reforms. Since the major political parties in Bangladesh lack internal democracy, they are also disinterested in implementing democratic and governance reforms at the national level. The overwhelming dominance of party leaders, hereditary leadership, and the irregular process of decision-making within political parties are significant barriers to political reform.

Democracy today is shattered by the conspiracy of world leaders
Democracy today
State and Politics

Democracy today is shattered by the conspiracy of world leaders

The United States’ commitment to promoting democratic values worldwide has never stopped Washington from supporting military dictators and authoritarian rulers. Yet, Washington’s policy was supposed to oppose this. During the Cold War, one by one, developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America surrendered to the advanced capitalist world. At that time, these developing countries were subjected to massive military authoritarianism by Washington and its allies. Even today, the situation is not much different. Despite the massive contradiction between the ideals of the state and the harsh reality, there is nothing more important in politics today than democracy. However, there remains a vast difference between classical democracy and the democracy we witness around the world.

How significant is the UN secretary-general’s visit?
UN secretary-general
Diplomacy

How significant is the UN secretary-general’s visit?

The visit of the UN Secretary-General to Bangladesh commenced on March 14 with a meeting with the head of the interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus. During the meeting, the Chief Adviser briefed the UN Secretary-General on Bangladesh’s political situation, various reform initiatives undertaken by his government, the country’s economic status, the Rohingya issue, Bangladesh’s role in global peacekeeping, regional politics, and more. He also discussed the possible timing of the national elections, explaining that their timing—whether this year or the next—would depend on the implementation of ongoing reforms. The Chief Adviser reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring free, fair, and participatory elections.

Where is the global geopolitical tension heading ?
global geopolitical tension
Diplomacy

Where is the global geopolitical tension heading ?

The global order has been in disarray for some time. With Western hegemony already eroding and multilateral institutions increasingly under strain, global power is shifting in many directions. The role of centrist powers in shaping geopolitics will increase as the global balance of power shifts. One of the biggest questions for this year is whether the second term of newly elected President Donald Trump will usher in a more turbulent era in global affairs. Some of his policies threaten to be even more disastrous for an already chaotic world. How the United States deals with its allies, adversaries, and competitors under Trump will be one of the most important indicators of geopolitical developments. The future course of U.S.-China relations is the most important strategic aspect of the coming year. Trump’s unpredictable and volatile personality will either lead to increased tensions in U.S.-China relations or lead to major deals being made by Trump.