democracy

You have crushed fascism, now strengthen democracy and press freedom

The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam's appeal to the ‘new generation leaders’

We must build a foundation for genuine democracy

Democracy cannot operate as a simple majority steamroller, as we also saw in the early days of our independence.

International Day for Tolerance / A global wake-up call

The idea of dedicating a day to promote harmony and peaceful coexistence—a day that fosters diversity, justice, and understanding across borders, cultures, and beliefs—seems promising in theory.

World Freedom Day / Freedom is more than the absence of oppression

Dissent in Bangladesh has been met with hostility, with individuals being labelled as traitors or enemies of the state for expressing opposing views.

Opinion / Are we trying to get ‘everything, everywhere, all at once’?

The euphoria of August 5, and the momentous days leading up to it, especially since July 15, are now being overshadowed by a cloud of uncertainty.

Navigating economic crisis and political unrest: Lessons Bangladesh and Sri Lanka can share

There is much to learn from both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, two South Asian countries, as they navigate their shifting landscapes.

Youth leading the way to good governance in Bangladesh

Young people have been at the centre of a major political transition.

2024 Sri Lankan Presidential Election / A victory for democracy that Bangladesh can learn from

Sri Lank's neighbours have to come to terms with the fact that AKD was the democratic choice of the mass people.

Int’l Day of Democracy / Quest for democracy: Bangladesh at crossroads again

More than half a century after its independence, Bangladesh still finds itself at the crossroads of crafting a state built on durable democratic foundations.

July 9, 2023
July 9, 2023

Why tie up EC’s hands further?

The amendment of the Representation of the People Order (RPO) comes at a critical juncture when the demand for holding a free and fair election in Bangladesh is getting louder at home and abroad

May 3, 2023
May 3, 2023

‘Democracy means empowering people'

South Korea, like Bangladesh, was a poor country in the 1960s. It has now become a highly developed nation and supports other countries in their development process

April 4, 2023
April 4, 2023

A farewell to EVMs

While the decision to scrap the EVMs is a step in the right direction, the EC must not lose sight of the fact that there are many other pressing issues that it must address for a free, fair and participatory elections.

February 11, 2023
February 11, 2023

AL's counter-programmes reveal its own insecurities

Announcing counter-programmes on the same day as the BNP, and often at a venue close to the BNP’s, raises the possibility of tension at best and outright violence at worst.

February 6, 2023
February 6, 2023

Who will defend our public property defenders?

Over the past month, journalists and activists have been subjected to an amplified scale of threats, intimidation, and incarceration at the hands of powerful group.

January 29, 2023
January 29, 2023

Protest against the decision to not allot a stall for Adarsha

Adarsha owner Mahabub Rahman, activist Baki Billah, journalist Bithy Shoptorshi and artist Arup Rahee have spoken to The Daily Star Opinion.

January 25, 2023
January 25, 2023

‘Special train’ for Awami League, ‘transport strike’ for BNP

Why should two political parties of the same nation receive polar opposite treatments?

January 18, 2023
January 18, 2023

How can breaching citizens’ privacy be lawful?

We should be concerned about the deployment of surveillance tech without any judicial oversight

January 6, 2023
January 6, 2023

Mahfuz Anam writes: What is the state of Awami League as a political party?

This election year, the question that will inevitably come to the fore is of how successful AL has been in keeping its promises.

January 4, 2023
January 4, 2023

Will pre-election politics remain peaceful or become violent?

A consensus among political parties is essential for holding a good election.