A legal but illegitimate election will not serve the people
Legitimacy is all about inclusion and participation of voters and parties, and how people view the election.
12m ago
Navigating biases, power dynamics and media integrity
A closer examination reveals the existence of substantial limitations to freedom of expression in Bangladesh.
1y ago
DSA and the quest for an obliged press
A free and independent press is essential for any democratic society, and journalists must be allowed to report on issues of public interest without fear of retaliation or censorship.
1y ago
Without support from bureaucracy, EC can’t hold fair elections
Even if the outcome seems predetermined, it is essential to exercise the right to vote and make one's voice heard.
1y ago
How is shrinking media space affecting our democracy?
The media is often considered to be the fourth pillar of a democracy—while the other three pillars are the legislature, executive and judiciary.
2y ago
Declining trust in democratic institutions
The Chief Election Commissioner of the Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has made it clear that we have an electoral system that is in many ways performing better than that of the United States.
4y ago
Why do we have to take to the streets for justice?
Eleven people have so far been arrested in connection with the Noakhali gang rape. Most of the suspects were arrested within days after the video of the heinous crime landed on social media.
4y ago
Regent and JKG scams: Is this the face of a new normal in healthcare?
Installed on the boundary wall of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) located at the ever-busy Gulshan-Mohakhali Link road, the illuminating electric signboard reads “Healthcare will leap several steps forward in the Mujib Year”.
4y ago
August 3, 2017
Rape, impunity and power—then and now
The Banani rape case that took place in March this year is yet another example of how our faulty system tends to work in favour of the criminal. The media's exposure of these crimes helped the protesters gain some ground. But one wonders why things have to move this way.
July 27, 2017
How far can the rights of the aggrieved extend?
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina did a commendable job when she asked the administration and her party leaders to inquire into...
July 18, 2017
Why not a code of conduct for the lawmakers?
A CoC is important not only for ensuring justice but also to establish a lawmaker's accountability to the people and the parliament. There should also be a clear accountability system under the purview of the Ethics Committee led by the Speaker of the Parliament as its Chairman.
May 3, 2017
Let the press do its job
As a commu-nication for development professional, I have always had an interest in press freedom and freedom of expression.
April 17, 2017
The Lady of Justice
The sculpture at the Supreme Court premise does not represent any idol. Rather, it is an inspiration and solidarity with the world in its respect for truth and justice.
February 27, 2017
Protecting press freedom
In a historic moment on September 8, 2000 the United Nations (UN) adopted the Millennium Declaration that urged for “efforts to promote democracy and strengthen the rule of law, as well as respect for all internationally recognised human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to development.”
June 28, 2016
The law of lawlessness
With two recent deaths of suspected militants in crossfire, and 11,312 arrests in less than a week, the law enforcing agencies seem to have turned a blind eye to the Appellate Division's directive on Section 54 and 167 that upheld a 2003 judgment of
May 24, 2016
Justice is yet to be done
We are extremely grateful for the timely initiative of the education minister, whose ministry reinstated Shyamal Kanti Bhakta, the
May 3, 2016
Where we stand on media governance
A legal framework is a prerequisite to forming a commission, but it would be good to keep it focused on the formation of the commission, its scope or work, status and accountability mechanism. These things are either missing or unclear in the proposed Act.
April 26, 2016
GDP or Happiness?
Imagine a world where you earn a decent living, the state treats you with fairness, there is little carbon emission in the environment...
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