Ukraine
United Nations : On verge of collapse or at threshold of reform?
Born out of the ruins of the Second World War in 1945, the United Nations was created with the hope of ensuring peace, justice and security for humanity. Its aim was to establish a global platform where all states would participate equally and disputes would be resolved through dialogue, not conflict. But after nearly eight decades the question arises—has the UN fulfilled its mission, or is it now standing at the edge of collapse?
UNGA, egg throwing, and few questions from conscious citizens
Every September, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meets in New York. Heads of state and government from almost every country gather there. They present their country’s position, challenges and priorities, seek international support, and take part in various meetings. For Bangladesh too, this visit has never been an exception. Since independence, almost every government has given special importance to the UNGA trip and highlighted it heavily.
Why Iran’s Chabahar Port has become new centre of geopolitics
To rein in Russia, US President Donald Trump has imposed a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods. Washington’s demand is that India stop buying oil from Russia. India buys crude from Russia, refines it and then exports it. The United States believes it is by selling oil to India that Russia is able to sustain its war in Ukraine. Now, to corner Iran, the US is moving with a new strategy. It wants to impose fines or sanctions on anyone using Iran’s Chabahar port. For India, Iran’s Chabahar seaport is extremely important, both commercially and strategically. At present, India is jointly running the port with Iran under a 10-year agreement.
Trump–Putin meeting: Balance of success and failure
In the middle of the night on 15 August Bangladesh time, the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin took place in Alaska, United States. International media are reporting that there was no solution to the Ukraine war, no agreement, and that the Putin–Trump talks failed. Since the announcement of the meeting, the matter had been the talk of the world; but no one has clearly said what the agenda of the talks was, or what the aim was. Mainly, the discussion was about Ukraine; but there was no question of any agreement or treaty.
Trend of reduced high inflation must be maintained
In recent years, the issue that has raised the most concern in Bangladesh’s economy is the trend of high inflation. There seemed to be no way to curb this trend of high inflation. Just as the post-COVID global economy was recovering, the Russia-Ukraine war broke out. This unexpected war caused major disruptions to the global economy. The global supply chain nearly collapsed. As a result, due to transportation crises, the prices of various products around the world rose abnormally. In the year the Russia-Ukraine war began, food and other product production worldwide were normal. Therefore, there was no opportunity to identify the trend of high inflation as a problem caused by a shortage in production.
Possibility of a future war between India and Pakistan
For four days from May 7 to May 10, fear and panic prevailed for four days not only in the subcontinent, but also among people all over the world. During these four days, the missile, drone, and airstrikes exchanged between India and Pakistan brought the two nuclear-armed nations to the brink of a full-scale war. Despite the global panic, no mediator was seen between the two sides during the first three days after the war began. At that time, neither India nor Pakistan showed any sign of compromise in their body language. Amidst the war cry, a statement by US Vice President JD Vance further alarmed peace-loving people worldwide where he said, “The India-Pakistan war is not our business.”
Pete Seeger: A protester against war
Amid the global wars of the 20th century, one of the most vocal voices against them was American folk music legend Pete Seeger. A passionate singer devoted to folk music, Pete was a tireless advocate for peace.
Will the Russia-Ukraine war end?
As of April 28, 2025, the Russia-Ukraine war has dragged on for three years, three months, and five days—a total of 1,159 days. In terms of casualties and destruction, it is the most devastating conflict in Europe since World War II. While Ukraine has borne the brunt of the damage, the war has affected the entire world economically and politically—particularly Southeast Europe and Asia. Since returning to office, U.S. President Donald Trump has been calling for an end to the war and promising to support a peaceful resolution.
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.
Inside the US President's working method
There is no doubt that the United States remains the world’s greatest superpower.