Just as the fundamental reforms are necessary for the country, so is an elected government.
Right now, there are two major issues: progress of reforms, and the prospect of election
Bangladesh needs a new political party with youthful energy, spirited patriotism, and genuine love for the poor and downtrodden.
We must renew our pledge to journalistic ethos and commitment to democracy, freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and public service.
Sadly, some very disturbing signs can still be seen that are posing a new set of threats against free press.
We need legal frameworks to prevent their future misuse
Those who place the election above reforms undervalue the vital need for the latter.
Our initial study of the reports of the four commissions indicates that the recommendations are quite substantive.
Never on the soil of independent Bangladesh would anyone ever have to suffer because of his or her religion.
The contribution of the Daily Ittefaq to the formation of our nationhood is well-known. Its editor-publisher, Tofazzal Hossain Manik Miah, remains an icon of journalism in this part of the world, and a source of inspiration and pride for those of us who have tried to follow in his footsteps.
Our next election is not due for two years—at the end of 2023. For many countries, it is too early to talk about it. But not in our case. To hold a proper election, there will be endless talks, mostly one-sided, as we have not made any progress in sitting together and accommodating each other’s positions and moving on.
We are delighted that Jhumon Das finally walked out of prison on Tuesday, after being incarcerated for nearly seven months for a Facebook post in which he criticised Hefazat-e-Islam leader Mamunul Haque.
What happened recently in Barishal between a local mayor and an Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) is not the real story. Why it happened is. And in that story is hidden many facets of the crucial issue of the state of our governance.
We journalists have some experience of fighting governmental repression of the media.
History unfolds in ways that may appear to be totally incomprehensible to us. It may not fit into our logic, may appear to be contrary to the facts that are at hand and our own analysis, which, often guided by our prejudice, may have indicated a different outcome.
If the section of the government dealing with the overall management of the Covid situation continuously flip-flops on its decisions, then doesn’t the image of the government suffer?
Simplistically put, it is a “procedure vs patient” issue—meaning a “bureaucracy vs ultimate beneficiary” tussle. We, of course, need procedures to work within, otherwise systems would collapse.
Expatriate workers are our goose of Aesop’s Fables that lays the golden eggs.
