State and Politics
Corruption amid post-movement silence
We are a strange nation - we can wake up, we can burst into protest, we can stand on the streets. But is the achievement of that movement limited to banners, posters, and police baton charges? We have proven time and again, 'we can'; but have we ever thought - what exactly can we do? What else can we not do? Why can't we? For years, we have seen - that the student community of Bangladesh has sometimes roared against quota reform, sometimes against educational inequality, sometimes against salary inequality, admission corruption, question paper leaks, or housing problems. The Raju Sculpture of Dhaka University, Shahbagh, Press Club, and the protest sites in Chittagong are silent witnesses to these movements.
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.
Can we overcome this destructive mentality?
On April 7, Bangladesh witnessed a disturbing incident when a group of individuals attacked Bata and KFC showrooms, supposedly in protest against the ongoing massacre in Gaza and in solidarity with the Palestinian people. At least 16 establishments in six districts were targeted for allegedly selling Israeli products.
What kind of protest is looting?
There is no doubt that the occupying Israel is carrying out the greatest massacre of the century in Gaza. A completely planned genocide. The Israeli aggression is no longer limited to occupation; it is a well-planned blueprint to completely annihilate the Palestinians. Gaza is now a huge mass grave. One after another family is buried under the rubble.
Rohingya repatriation: Reality vs hue and cry
A hue and cry has been raised recently from Bangkok to Dhaka centring the issue of Rohingya repatriation. Discussions are going on from international diplomatic circles to the country's media - Myanmar has agreed to take back 180,000 Rohingyas.
Double Standards-Based Ethnic Cleansing Has Been the Policy
US President Donald Trump's Middle East policies have been unwavering support for Israel, aligning closely with Zionist strategies in the region. His administration's approach mirrored Israel's military and geopolitical objectives, including the targeted elimination of resistance leaders in conflicts spanning Yemen, Iran, and Palestine.
Rapes and argument over 'exemplary' punishment
Four youths arrested on charges of gang rape of teenager in Bandarban; rape accused snatched from police in capital's Khilkhet beaten up; mob beat up man, handed him over to police on charges of raping a child in Nawabganj; female journo gang raped overnight while being held in an under-construction building in capital's Pallabi; housewife allegedly raped, videotaped by miscreants in Narsingdi, etc. These are some of the recent news headlines. If you search online, you will find much more news of such incidents that happened in March.
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.
I wish to be a minister once
The realm of politics involves intricate calculations. This complex calculation of politics turned convoluted when the maharaja of the state of 'Sukhinagar' announced to appoint of his minister for dejection. In his declaration, the King expressed his desire to appoint such a person as the dejection minister who in a real sense has the experience of enduring pain and can contain it at the bottom of his heart. Following the announcement, several individuals claimed to be in a somber mood and made a long queue outside the palace with the desire to assume this new ministerial post. However, during the interviews, the maharaja observed that none of the candidates neither went through intense pain nor possessed any significant experience of somberness. Consequently, the appointment of a minister for the ministry of dejection became Maharaja's new-found preoccupation.
Ukraine war: Behind the scene and Trump's triumph
As soon as the contentious meeting ended, White House staff bluntly told President Zelensky, "Mr. President, you should leave now." There was no dinner! Without any formalities, Zelensky quickly left the White House and headed for Europe. Upon arrival, he immediately met with the British Prime Minister, and Britain extended him an overwhelmingly warm welcome. King Charles III received him at the Sandringham House salon in Norfolk and held discussions with him for nearly an hour. Through this warmth, Britain effectively sent a message to the United States that not only the British government but also the King himself fully supports Zelenskyy and Ukraine.
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