Democracy
Why participants of mass uprising turning into extortionists
In Bangladesh, the story of state development nowadays is heard in newspaper pages, television announcements or from the mouths of leaders—“The country has changed,” “Development is visible,” “The dream Padma Bridge has been built,” or “Digital Bangladesh is a reality.” While these words sound striking, in reality, a cruel question also arises—who are the beneficiaries of this development? And by development, do we only mean buildings, bridges, or GDP, or is there any standard for people and humanity as well?
Ensure punishment for crimes committed by political party leaders, activists
The practice of occupying others’ property to establish party political offices has long been prevalent in Bangladesh. Numerous incidents of murder, killing, and violence have occurred over this issue. Recently, the nation witnessed yet another brutal killing of this nature. According to news reports, in an area of Narayanganj, a local office of a political party had long been set up inside an individual's personal shop. The actual owner of the shop, despite repeated requests, could not get the office removed. Eventually, when he demanded the rightful rent for the shop, he was brutally beaten to death.
Extortion: A postmodern revolutionary culture
The very word 'extortion' evokes a mixed feeling. As if it is a folk tradition unique to Bengal, which, through sweat, blood, and the dust of the streets over generations, has taken on a distinct form in today’s modern society. There are numerous types of extortion: hall gate extortion, procession extortion, iftar party extortion, and the latest addition—movement extortion.
The main problem in Bangladesh is inequality
Is there any need to state the obvious that poverty lies behind all of our problems and failures? Take, for example, family planning. It is true that a small family is a happy family; but a greater truth is that a wealthy family is automatically a small family.
Sweden’s proportional election and reality of Bangladesh
Democracy in Bangladesh stands today at a difficult crossroads. On the one hand, we move forward with a constitutional promise of democracy; on the other hand, in reality, political occupation, dynastic rule, party extortion, and one-party authoritarian governance obstruct our path. Elections are no longer a reflection of public opinion—they have become a cruel strategy for consolidating power. To resolve this crisis, structural reform of the electoral system is now the demand of the time. The Proportional Representation (PR) system, used in many democratic countries around the world, is now a timely and realistic alternative for Bangladesh. In my four decades of experience as a citizen, researcher, and voter in Sweden, I have seen how a PR-based parliamentary democracy can lead a society towards justice, peace, and progress.
Why citizens still worried during interim govt period
We, the common citizens, have for the first time supported an interim government without a referendum - which may be somewhat controversial according to the constitution; but in terms of reality, we have had to accept it as necessary. Because, despite 54 years of independence, Bangladesh has never been able to build a complete, effective and sustainable democratic system. Instead, lust for power, corruption, enforced disappearances and murders, rape, extortion, and administrative failures of the country's political parties for a long time have pushed the nation into a deep pit of distrust.
Speaking from a place of ownership
If there's another election in Bangladesh, then hear me out—I will cast my own vote, not you. I will not sell my rights, nor will I become anyone’s slave. If you sell your vote, you're not just betraying yourself—you are enslaving millions like me. No more of this! I can't even go back to Bangladesh, because what awaits me there is humiliation and insult. Do you know why? Because I refuse to be anyone’s servant—I cannot, and I will not! We fought for our independence, not to bow down to new masters.
Why a candidate with the most votes can lose in the US election
Citizens of the United States will vote to elect their next president on November 5. However, it is possible that the candidate who receives the most votes may not be declared the winner. The US democracy has some unique aspects that raise various questions. For a long time, the United States has portrayed its democracy as exemplary, particularly after achieving independence or removing autocratic leaders, serving as a model for countries rebuilding their democracies. Today, while Democrats embrace the idea of a multicultural democracy, Republicans are trying to revive the old white supremacy to make the country great again. As a result, the concepts of multicultural democracy and white supremacy are now at a conflicting juncture.
Our economy and the nobel in economics
Since the change in power, a climate of uncertainty has pervaded the country. Instability is evident in law enforcement and administration, affecting the economy. There is a state of paralysis in business and trade, which has been ongoing even before the interim government took office. While businesses are closing one after another, the amount of non-performing loans is rising.
ISPR requests not to get misled by rumours over security of St. Martin’s
Inter Services Public Relation Directorate (ISPR) has urged all not to be misguided by rumours spreading through social media over the security of St. Martin’s island centering Myanmar's ongoing internal conflict near the island.