Politics and Bureaucracy
Cease the 'Mob Devils'
Since taking office, the interim government has been dealing with mobs and protests almost daily. However, its success in handling such situations has been questionable, with the latest example unfolding at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair. On Monday, February 10, a group of enraged individuals targeted writer Shatabdi Bhav at the fair, accusing Sabyasachi Publications of displaying books by the "controversial" author Taslima Nasrin. The police had to escort Shatabdi Bhav out of the premises, and he was forced to apologize publicly. Following this, the stall was temporarily shut down. The Bangla Academy later stated that the stall was reopened, but a final decision would be made after a task force meeting.
Tarique Rahman rules people’s heart as a hero
President Ziaur Rahman founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on September 1, 1978, in a time of national crisis. The establishment of the BNP at that historical juncture was in response to the nation’s needs. It played a crucial role in the restoration of democratic politics and filled the political vacuum at the time. To understand the necessity and underlying purpose of the establishment of the BNP, it is essential to discuss the context in which the party was formed.
Plummeting vegetable prices: Farmers in distress
In the past calendar year, vegetable production was disrupted due to prolonged droughts, followed by floods and excessive rainfall. As a result, prices soared abnormally. However, thanks to the relentless efforts of farmers, production has reached an expected level. Now, it is the peak season for vegetables, and markets are filled with an abundance of winter vegetables. Vendors have set up stalls showcasing a diverse array of vegetables, and supply is increasing daily. Consequently, vegetable prices are gradually declining, making them affordable for consumers.
Citizens seek unhindered voting rights
The ordinary citizens of the country desire a government and governance system that will act in the welfare of the people. A government is an institution entrusted with the responsibility of governing the state on behalf of the people. A government administers the state based on its own perspective and ideology. According to our country’s current constitution, the political party elected through the direct vote of the people is the one that will govern the country. The only legitimate path to state power is to be elected through the direct vote of the people. It is expected that the political party which receives the support of the majority in the national parliamentary elections will govern the state.
When the state is the offspring and sustainer of inequality
You, Rabindranath, did not believe in the state; you believed in society. In India, society was paramount, and the state was a particular nuisance — this was part of your philosophy. The state was external, while society was ours. You had faith that we would shape this society according to our own will.
Election Commission Overhaul: Aligning with Public Aspirations Through Reform
Recently, a significant and troubling event occurred in Bangladesh's history. The previous government systematically dismantled the electoral system to ensure its continued grip on power, effectively dismantling every state institution in the process. This destruction of democratic norms meant that citizens were deprived of their ability to express their opinions through elections, eradicating the fundamental process of government change based on public sentiment.
The House at 32, excavator, and Thursday morning
As we moved a little further west along 32 number Street, we noticed a crowd of people. There were numerous people on the footpaths on both sides of the road. Many were facing north, holding up their mobile phones. Some were taking selfies, while others were live-streaming on social media.
Excessive arrogance, over-talking, and stubbornness sow the seeds of isolation
At this moment, the Awami League is facing its most severe crisis in Bangladesh's political landscape. Due to misgovernance, corruption, and an excessive policy of party favoritism, the party has encountered intense public outrage. Following the departure of its president and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from the country, the party's leaders and activists have been left in disarray, facing an uncertain future.
Interim government's failure threatens alternative governance ideas
Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the head of the interim government, has grand aspirations based on the recommendations of various commissions. He believes that the charter created by the consensus of political parties, excluding the Awami League, will be inviolable and eternal, and no political party will be able to deviate from it. While Dr. Yunus is a knowledgeable and accomplished individual, it is necessary to assess his political maturity. Lacking experience in the intricate realities of politics, he seems to be more inclined towards dreaming than dealing with the practicalities of implementing those dreams. From this desire, he wants to leave behind some directives for the nation. However, it is difficult to predict the longevity of the charter once signed in agreement.
How 'Baksal' was approved in 1975
In a war-torn country facing famine and complex political conditions, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman moved forward with a new type of economic plan—what he referred to as the 'Second Revolution.' As part of this revolution, on January 25, 1975, the Fourth Amendment Bill to the Constitution was passed in Parliament. This amendment brought about the much-discussed (and controversial) establishment of a one-party system in the country.