bangladesh politics 2023
All the King’s Men
Our political leaders' reluctance to engage in dialogue and to uphold the tenets of democracy may erode public trust in them.
No excuse good enough for forgoing dialogue
Politicians must give talks a chance to break stalemate
Politics of Fire
Let the truth be known: no one has any idea what’s going to happen to Bangladeshi politics.
Compromise, not violence, must be the way out
Saturday’s violence may only be a premonition of much worse days to come
Did BNP make the wrong call?
BNP’s real loss in announcing the sit-ins without proper coordination was giving the upper hand to the ruling party
For every rally, there is a counter-rally
Although it happens to be a prevailing practice, this culture of 'counter-programme' only indicates moral insecurity.
Rising AL-BNP confrontation is most disturbing
It doesn't bode well for our democracy
Hostility will only lengthen the political deadlock
Authorities must prevent violence and legal intimidation targeting BNP activists
Dialogue not on AL’s mind at the moment
The Awami League at this point is not considering talks with the BNP to solve the current political impasse over the next general elections.
What will it take for our next election to be credible and acceptable to all?
It must be recognised that the election is not a one-day phenomenon – it is a process involving multiple interrelated steps
EC must do more to empower voters
Business-as-usual approach to dealing with the opposition will not create the right condition for free polls
Khaleda Zia in politics: Missed chance for BNP?
The BNP’s current risk-averse behaviour is not conducive to running a successful campaign
EC in second year must do a better job
Restoring trust in the electoral process remains the biggest challenge
No change in tune for the EC in its first year
Regaining public confidence and trust in the Election Commission, which have been systematically destroyed by two previous commissions, is undoubtedly a tough task. Unfortunately, it seems the current EC, too, is failing us miserably.
Our democracy won't survive another controversial election
We deserve free and inclusive polls.
US to focus on polls atmosphere
There was a lot of interest in US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia Donald Lu's visit to Dhaka. Before leaving early yesterday, he held a series of meetings with the top ministers, labour rights, and civil society leaders. What were the discussions and outcomes? Lu shared with Porimol Palma in detail.
BNP’s Caretaker Movement: Final phase when Dhaka units ready
The BNP wants to make a final push to realise its demand for holding the next general election under a neutral caretaker administration only after the top brass finds the party’s Dhaka city units fully prepared for an all-out movement.
AL sketches out a ‘Smart Bangladesh’
The Awami League envisions a “Smart Bangladesh” by 2041, seeking to build a country that would be cost-effective, sustainable, innovative and knowledge-based.
Leaving 2 seats for alliance members: AL’s efforts to revive a fading friendship
Awami League's decision to not compete for two of the recently vacated seats, rather letting its allies vie for them, is aimed at strengthening its relations with partners ahead of the 12th national election, slated for January 2024.