STRAIGHT LINE
Behind the pre-eminence of bureaucrats
The question is one of making the bureaucracy more responsible and responsive.
Mechanisms to hold the police accountable do exist; why aren't we using them?
It is imperative to bring the police under a system of accountability that earns public confidence.
Was Jinnah the real villain in the story of partition?
On June 3, 1947, Lord Mountbatten, the last viceroy of India, announced his plan for the partition of the subcontinent—in particular that of Punjab and Bengal.
Getting out of the extrajudicial mode
Of late, media reports that indicate that the infamous phenomenon of extrajudicial killings has been resorted to more by the mainstream police outfit than the elite unit of the law-enforcing apparatus should bring no comfort, and indeed should be viewed with concern.
What ails our local governments?
The unfortunate fact of our times is that all reports on Bangladesh’s socio-economic progression almost invariably point to the lack of good governance as a significant deficit in our developmental strides.
The ‘crossfire’ controversy
The piece “No ‘crossfire’ deaths since US sanctions” published in this newspaper on January 11 will definitely engage all thinking minds, especially those entrusted with the maintenance of law and public order.
Understanding the spirit of the Liberation War
In recent times, there have been many discussions, discourses and deliberations on “muktijuddher chetona,” wherein passionate and eloquent speakers have emphasised the imperative of holding aloft the spirit of our great Liberation War.
The invisible struggles of constables
Historically speaking, repression was the dominant feature of colonial policing, at least between 1930 and the Partition in 1947, and one cannot be certain if the attitude of the ruling establishments in the subcontinent has significantly changed insofar as the use of police powers is concerned.
A daunting investigation
November 3 shall remain as one of the most ignominious day in the annals of Bangladesh’s political history because on this day in 1975, four national leaders, undoubtedly some of the brilliant minds in our body politic, were most brutally murdered while in custody.
Ominous attack in Bhola and the imperatives
In this newspaper it has been editorially observed that “circumstantial evidences gathered so far leave no doubt in our mind that the Bhola incident did not happen, i
Flashes of good governance
It is quite often that we are reminded of the pre-eminent virtues of good governance. Academics and practitioners of all categories have not missed any opportunity to apprise that all our efforts for socio-economic development will be set at naught if we cannot ensure good governance. As of now, experts are telling us that our ambitious and forward-looking budget will not bear the desired fruit if we cannot ensure propriety and discipline in the actual expenditure process.
The worrisome delinquency of law enforcement officials
In recent times, offences and excesses committed by some police officials have become a matter of grave concern for the citizens as well as the controlling authorities.
The reasons behind police deviance
An article titled, “The audacity to do what is right” (April 5, 2019), in this newspaper has implored the leaders of Bangladesh to help in the massive clean-up of the police force wherein “the biggest blemish on their image has been the blatant politicisation of the police by successive governments,
Police must follow the law before enforcing it
The disgraceful spectacle of four law enforcement officials being apprehended for committing crimes like abduction, demanding ransom and rape have shaken public confidence to its core.
A citizen's expectations from the police
As the Police Week 2019 commences today, it seems like an opportune moment to compile the thoughts of citizens on what they expect from their police force.
FM's call to generate revenue
One can justifiably expect a lot from our newly inducted finance minister, for he is a chartered accountant by training, a seasoned politician with the experience of holding important public offices
Our expectations from the new leadership
The prime minister's call to party-men and supporters to remain calm and exercise restraint after assuming office for the third consecutive term strikes well with the ethos of a responsible democratic polity.
What our 'political masters' need to realise
The staggering number of nomination seekers, more than 4,000 for the 300 seats in the National Parliament, from the two major political parties that have ruled the country for the better part of our independent existence, gives rise to hope and concern.
