Politics

No to a “Second Republic” -- Reform, Not Reinvention (and a True National Archive)

We don't need a new constitution, we need targeted reforms to preserve and improve it. And 2024 was not a repudiation of 1971 -- it was a continuation of its ideals.

Slouching Towards Democracy

A one-year assessment on the government’s performance would find it has performed adequately, and the country is firmly on the road towards democracy

One Year Report-Card for Professor Yunus

An assessment of the Chief Advisor as a leader in a transitional government context hinges on his ability to remain neutral, engage effectively with the public at all levels, and implement fair policies

The Far-Right Spectre and a Liberal Politician

Mirza Fakhrul raised an important and honest concern about the growing influence of extreme right-wing ideas. Instead of blaming him, we should be talking about it.

Who is calling the shots in Gopalganj?

Sometimes, it’s not about what you say, but what you stay silent about that defines your politics

Thoughts on Gopalganj

In the coming weeks and months, there are likely to be other similar confrontations involving rival political factions as elections approach. The pro-democracy forces need to understand this and avoid playing into the hands of those who want to turn back the clock.

Relative Strength, Absolute Stubbornness: Mapping the Politics of Deadlock

If we are serious about democracy, the path of confrontation must be abandoned. Someone must blink -- not to lose face, but to lead. It is time to reimagine strength not as stubbornness, but as the courage to compromise.

Holding the Line for Democracy in Bangladesh: One Year Since the July Revolution

One year after the July Revolution, the memory of brave young lives lost continues to light the path toward a just, democratic, and united Bangladesh

If BNP Seizes This Moment, Bangladesh’s Youth Will Lead a New Golden Era

Bangladesh’s 50 million young voters are restless, ambitious, and eager for real change -- not just promises. If BNP seizes this moment with bold reforms and youth-led leadership, it could spark a new era where opportunity, dignity, and democracy thrive together.

One Year On: How Bangladesh Defied Dictatorship and Reclaimed Its Future

The July 2024 protests began as a stand against injustice and ended with the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime. Today, Bangladesh is led by an interim government under Professor Yunus, backed by global support and committed to restoring democracy and accountability.

NCC is a bad idea. But there is a better option.

BNP is not entirely wrong about the NCC. But there is a solution: reinstate the Citizens Coalition’s all-party parliamentary committee proposal. That solves all the problems.

Of jamdanis and sherwanis

The time has come for Tarique Rahman to exercise leadership and guide his party through the reform process. Leaving it to local leaders threatens to put BNP on the wrong side of history.

The Two-Term Itch

Prime ministerial term limits are a red herring. The Consensus Commission is getting played if it allows BNP to accept them instead of more substantive reforms.

BNP Needs to Play the Long Game

PR-based upper house is not only good for the country, it will serve BNP's interest as well. The sooner the party understands why opposing PR is self-defeating, the better for everyone. Most crucially, for itself.

Israel, Iran, and America Are Sliding Toward a Forever War. Here Is What That Could Mean.

There will be no winners but plenty of losers from a protracted war targeting Iran. Paradoxically, it is almost certain that the biggest losers would be Israel, and, if it gets sucked into the quagmire, America.

The Mother of All Reforms

An Upper House based on proportional representation would be the single most valuable reform that all sides could agree to that could truly make a difference to the Bangladeshi body politic. The BNP should take that deal.