Mahfuz Anam

THE THIRD VIEW

Editor and publisher, The Daily Star

As a nation, we are not focused on education

We have had so many reform commissions, but none on education, reflecting our own sense of priority.

1m ago

Please don't resign: An appeal to Prof Yunus

A captain cannot abandon ship, especially when the sea is turbulent

1m ago

What are we building after dismantling the AL regime?

Democracy does not seem to be our focus today. Because if it were, then shouldn’t we have been talking about elections more?

1m ago

The elephant in the room no one is talking about

Reform of political parties is of urgent need

2m ago

Unhealthy election controversy must be resolved

Just as the fundamental reforms are necessary for the country, so is an elected government.

2m ago

Stability is the need of the hour

Right now, there are two major issues: progress of reforms, and the prospect of election

3m ago

Will the new party spark a new political culture?

Bangladesh needs a new political party with youthful energy, spirited patriotism, and genuine love for the poor and downtrodden.

3m ago

Editor's Note

Welcome to the latest issue of Your Property Guru, brought to you by The Daily Star. In this quarterly edition, we are excited to explore the emerging trends shaping Bangladesh’s real estate sector, equipping you with valuable insights to navigate this dynamic and ever-evolving market.

3m ago
March 12, 2021
March 12, 2021

Column by Mahfuz Anam: A self-defeating obsession with ‘image’

At 50, it’s time we acted in a manner that reflects a confident country, not one that is nervous and insecure fearing that the slightest criticism will cause us harm.

March 9, 2021
March 9, 2021

Commentary by Mahfuz Anam: An appeal to the chief justice

In Bangladesh, when we think, talk and seek justice, we think of the courts. And that is how it should be. Among the courts, the higher we go -- meaning the High Court, the Appellate Division -- the more important they become as symbols of justice.

March 5, 2021
March 5, 2021

Column by Mahfuz Anam: Why is personal freedom such a plaything of the law enforcers?

Isn’t personal freedom one of the most cherished and universally celebrated principles of our civilisation? Isn’t guaranteeing this freedom the most sacred task of a modern state?

March 2, 2021
March 2, 2021

Commentary by Mahfuz Anam: Celebrating our graduation

There are two realities of today’s Bangladesh – the reality of graduation to a developing country and that of the repressions of digital security act, the former we celebrate and the latter we condemn. Today, however, we only celebrate.

February 27, 2021
February 27, 2021

Commentary by Mahfuz Anam: DSA - the law that jails now kills

Mushtaq Ahmed, the writer, the commentator, the socially conscious citizen, the articulate but moderate voice of dissent and a critical observer of current events is dead.

February 26, 2021
February 26, 2021

Column by Mahfuz Anam: Restoring Jatiya Sangsad’s moral high ground

In the recent past, our honourable members of parliament have been known more for their legal actions against journalists—first under the ICT Act, then the Digital Security Act (DSA)—than for any consequential legislation in any of the vital fields of economic, social or democratic advancement.

February 25, 2021
February 25, 2021

Tribute by Mahfuz Anam: Syed Abul Maksud -- demise of an authentic voice of dissent

He was a journalist, turned writer, turned columnist, turned public intellectual -- meaning he devoted all his intellectual and physical abilities to promoting public causes.

February 19, 2021
February 19, 2021

Column by Mahfuz Anam: Some comments require clarification

We commend the army chief, General Aziz Ahmed, for having the moral courage and fulfilling his duty to explain to the public, through a press gathering, his own position regarding the recent media reportage on his brothers and his links with them.

February 12, 2021
February 12, 2021

Column by Mahfuz Anam: Snapshots from the past, thoughts for the future

Thirty years ago, the coming together of a regionally famous editor and a near-novice at journalism along with some visionary investors—Azimur Rahman, AS Mahmud, Latifur Rahman, A. Rouf Chowdhury, Shamsur Rahman—gave birth to what we called in our first editorial the “Independent Voice”.

February 5, 2021
February 5, 2021

Column by Mahfuz Anam: Al Jazeera story, government’s response and the state of our journalism

The Al Jazeera report on Bangladesh titled “All the Prime Minister’s Men”, aired early Tuesday morning, revealed some vulnerabilities of our power structure that pivots around connections, cronyism and corruption. It has also, inadvertently, exposed the weaknesses of our media and the state of its freedom.