Politics and Bureaucracy
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.
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.'
From hope to uncertainty: Path of interim govt
Fourteen months ago, a mass uprising had raised a wave of hope across the nation. The arrival of the interim government under Dr Muhammad Yunus had inspired dreams of a new dawn. Many described it as a “government of morality” or a “bridge of change”.
What to do to overcome political doubts over ‘July Charter’
The present state of Bangladesh’s political structure after the people’s uprising of 2024 can be called an exceptional arrangement.
How far Bangladesh progressed in eliminating discrimination
Discrimination means showing bias or prejudice towards someone based on race, religion, caste, gender, or age. It does not necessarily have to be linked with good or evil.
Who was the architect of partition of Bengal
At the same time, he imposed strict restrictions on the free flow of news. Under the Official Secrets Act, press freedom was curtailed. The British role in spreading education was never without purpose; it served state policy. They had no intention of creating a highly educated Indian nation.
Is Israel becoming like ‘South Africa’
The war is ongoing in Gaza. In the meantime, Israel seems to be moving day by day towards international isolation. This has raised the question: is Israel’s situation then becoming like that of ‘South Africa’?
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.
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.
‘Festival’ of votes and ‘rebirth’ of nation
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has astonished the nation in almost a poet’s tone. He has announced that elections will be held in the first half of February. But it will not be just an ordinary election, rather a festival of elections.