State and Politics
There is no alternative to an elected government for economic progress
Under the leadership of Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the primary task of the interim government is to steer the country back to a truly democratic system through proper democratic procedures. The expectation and aspiration of the people is to be able to elect a government of their choice through the exercise of their voting rights. There is no room for deception in this process. The recent mass movement began over the demand for reforming the quota system in government jobs, but it eventually evolved into a movement for toppling the government. At the heart of the movement lies one core demand: democracy, democracy, and democracy.
Before looking at others, let’s first look in the mirror
If it has taken 54 years for a nation to descend into decay, how can we expect it to be transformed in just one year? If the people of Bangladesh truly wish to become free from corruption, honest, educated, just, and creative, can that really happen within a single year? The truth is—one cannot extinguish the fire of 54 years of corruption in a single year and expect good outcomes.
Stop stone extraction frenzy in Sylhet
The Sada Pathor (White Stone) Tourist Center near the zero line of the Bholaganj border in Companiganj upazila of Sylhet is one of the most attractive places for domestic and foreign tourists. This is the must visit spot in the area. This tourist center is spread over an area of about 15 acres near the Bangladesh-India border. The main attraction of this tourist center is the stream of water flowing over numerous small and large stones. Thousands of tourists from home and abroad flock there every day to see this beauty; but the area has recently started to become empty of stones due to the stone extraction. Today (May 3) media reports say that the gang has started looting stones in the white stone area since April 23.
'Inevitable reasons' for news shutdown and journalist's dismissal
Just four days before World Press Freedom Day on May 3rd, on April 29th, what happened at three television channels in Bangladesh raised serious questions not only about the statements of the interim government's Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and the former Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam but also about journalists' freedom to ask questions, their authority, and the boundaries of that freedom.
No progressive force can be found in the country now
In seeking an answer to the question of which path Bangladesh is on, we must examine the clear objective of establishing a powerful, prosperous, and democratic state. Mere protest and resistance against malevolent forces yield no significant benefit; at best, they may only replace one corrupt power with another. Constructive thought and action are necessary. We must break the existing laws, regulations, and structures to establish better ones, not to perpetuate disorder. We need to break down the old to build anew, not just to destroy. The focus now must be on building.
Strengthening the demand for employment on May Day
Civilization has advanced through the blows of the worker’s hammer. While it is true that one becomes a worker through labor, the term “worker” typically conjures the image of an industrial laborer. Yet, the scope of working people is far broader, because every human being is involved in some form of work, and every task requires labor. In that sense, all people on earth could be considered workers. From a Marxist perspective, the working class is the most modern class, destined to lead the revolution. Karl Marx gave special status to factory workers as a revolutionary class—liberated from feudal bondage, yet united under one roof and one collective interest within the factory system.
Why the neglect in enforcing labour laws despite existence?
Three driving forces underpin Bangladesh’s development and progress: high-yielding rice in agriculture, labor-intensive export-oriented garment manufacturing, and remittances from overseas employment. At the core of all three lies labor and the working population. However, in the development equation, the share of the working class remains minimal. According to international standards, the rights and dignity of workers in Bangladesh have not been established in state, social, or economic spheres. Workers and employees in the country are still deprived of living wages, the right to freely form trade unions in accordance with ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and other legitimate rights, social recognition, and protection.
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.
When will Bangladesh overcome the culture of denial?
On April 1, 2025, The New York Times published a report titled “Islamist Hardliners Seize Opportunity to Shape New Bangladesh.” The Press Wing of the interim government’s Chief Advisor termed the report “misleading,” claiming it highlighted selective incidents without considering the broader reality of Bangladesh’s current situation, thereby creating confusion on the global stage.
Pahalgam and the aftermath
On April 22, in a terrorist attack at Baisaran in Pahalgam of Indian Kashmir, 26 Indian tourists were killed. This incident was tragic and horrific, and we have received individual and collective expressions of grief about it, which need not be repeated here. It is yet another heinous crime against humanity—a statement that is also redundant because such crimes continue to happen, whether in Palestine, Ukraine, or in smaller forms in Bangladesh. Our shock, surprise, condemnation, and disgust persist, but such crimes are continuing without regard for anything.
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