Meer Ahsan Habib

Meer Ahsan Habib is an IVLP and Hubert Humphrey fellow. His X handle is @meeriyadh

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. 

11m 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
December 1, 2023
December 1, 2023

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. 

September 3, 2023
September 3, 2023

Navigating biases, power dynamics and media integrity

A closer examination reveals the existence of substantial limitations to freedom of expression in Bangladesh.

April 3, 2023
April 3, 2023

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.

March 20, 2023
March 20, 2023

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.

February 19, 2022
February 19, 2022

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.

November 16, 2020
November 16, 2020

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.

October 13, 2020
October 13, 2020

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.

July 15, 2020
July 15, 2020

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”.

June 19, 2020
June 19, 2020

Tax small taxpayers but let the giants go? We can do better.

For decades, the regulatory authorities in Bangladesh have opted for the easiest path of collecting revenue by imposing additional taxes on existing products or services enjoyed by people in their everyday life.

June 11, 2020
June 11, 2020

Press freedom must be protected at all costs

When I first met Mizan in Dhaka, he was wearing an elbow crutch to help him walk, accompanied by his elderly father.