Bangladesh Awami League
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.
How professional is journalism in Bangladesh?
The International Workers’ Day, or May Day, was observed in Bangladesh with considerable fanfare, in step with global celebrations. Various organizations held rallies, meetings, and seminars focusing on labor rights. Everywhere, strong speeches were delivered, and hopeful words were shared. We hear these hopeful promises every year, yet not even a fraction of them gets implemented. In fact, injustices against workers seem to increase with each passing year. A visit to the Department of Labour makes this reality clear—protests by workers with demands and grievances are an almost daily affair.
How justifiable is the report tabled by the Media Reform Commission?
As a professional journalist, I have read the report of the Media Commission led by journalist Kamal Ahmed with immense attention. In my 29-year career, I have faced many challenges while reporting on the field for 27 consecutive years in one city, I always felt the need for reforms in the media to overcome those challenges. I have been waiting with great interest to read the report of this reform commission as no such commission has been constituted during the tenure of any political government.
The old trick of holding onto power
“When people on the street say you should stay for another five years”—this remark by Home Affairs Advisor Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury closely resembles a Facebook status posted by Sarjis Alam, the Northern Regional Chief Coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP).
How relevant is the independence declaration debate today?
Even after 54 years of independence, the debate over who declared Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 remains unresolved. The inability to reach a political consensus on such a nationally significant issue raises serious questions about political failure. Avoiding this question is not an option, as it remains a matter of national importance. Therefore, revisiting the discussion on the declaration of independence and its proclaimer is necessary.
Stop extortion at every level
It is no secret that many businesses in Bangladesh rely on extortion. This has been a terrible cycle of corruption in Bangladesh for a long time. Successive governments come and go; but the pattern of extortion remains the same. When various reforms are being carried out in the state after the popular July uprising, it was hoped that extortion would also decrease somewhat; but there is no sign of a decrease, in some cases it has even increased. A businessman in Dhaka recently told the media, “Earlier, extortion had to be paid to one person, now it has to be paid to four or five people.”
Reform commission's proposals must ensure fair election
To ensure free and fair elections, the Reform Commission has recommended reinstating the caretaker government system and the provision for a referendum. The Constitutional Reform Commission has also made similar recommendations. Recently, the possibility of the caretaker government system returning automatically has emerged following a High Court ruling. However, the system cannot be implemented until a review petition on the Appellate Division’s order that annulled the Thirteenth Amendment—through which the caretaker system was introduced—is resolved.
Foreign language use must follow national language policy
A state remains dynamic through internal and interstate conflicts and synthesis. Within a state, separate groups arise based on factors such as tribes, religious communities, regional characteristics, linguistic differences, etc. Diversity prevails in the state’s populace. By acknowledging this diversity and adhering to the principle of unity and coordination within diversity, the government must address the issues arising from this diversity in the internal demographic of the state. While advocating for pluralism in culture, if divisions are created within the nation, unity will break down, and the state will not endure. This undermines the very conditions necessary for the state's existence.
Lack of consensus may derail reform efforts
The interim government, led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus as the Chief Adviser, took office during a crisis moment. However, it received strong support from students, the general public, and major political parties. The expectations from this government were high, which made fulfilling them inherently challenging. Although some inefficiency and weakness were evident in the administration, the primary reason the interim government was unable to meet these expectations was the widespread corruption, mismanagement, and the tendency of the previous government to cripple key state institutions
Anti-discrimination student movement redefines political dynamics
In the recent political landscape of Bangladesh, the anti-discrimination student movement is adding a new dimension. The organization, which led the July uprising, is set to soon emerge as a new political party. The move to form this party has already heated up the political arena of the country. Although it may appear to be a student movement at first glance, its political intentions have become increasingly clear.
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