Nilofar Suhrawardy : Paradoxically, it is primarily during electoral phase that significance of Indian vote appears to matter most strongly...
Badrul Huda Shohel : When the presence of any iota of humanity in our country today is tantamount to finding...
The first phase of the country’s sixth Upazila Parishad Election held on Wednesday revealed some very concerning issues. Voter turnout was as usual low like the last January national polls with many polling stations practically empty. This raises serious questions about whether the results truly reflect the people’s will. Furthermore, reports of violence and irregularities during the election process cast doubt on its fairness. Elections are supposed to be a peaceful way for citizens to choose their representatives, not battlegrounds...
Khalid Saifullah : A plethora of sand covering the landscape across the horizon of the Teesta riverbed bewilders the visitors,...
Bangladesh faces a sobering reality as revealed in the recent launch of the World Migration Report 2024 in Dhaka. A shocking 12 per cent of fatalities this year on the treacherous Mediterranean Sea route to Europe involved Bangladeshi citizens, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This stark statistic lays bare the desperation and vulnerability pushing people towards illegal migration. Bangladesh has been lauded for its efforts in reducing poverty and fostering economic growth, even being recognised as a...
Prof MM Shahidul Hassan, PhD : Bangladesh has set an ambitious yet achievable goal to become a developed country by...
Bangladesh’s economic success story is intertwined with the exodus of millions of male workers seeking opportunities abroad. Remittances sent back home fuel countless families and the national economy. However, this migration boom comes at a hidden cost – the social strain placed on families left behind. Professor KS Farid’s research paints a concerning picture published in an English newspaper yesterday. Traditional family structures, the backbone of society, are fracturing due to the impact of absence of the guiding member on...
A recent discussion hosted by Citizen’s Platform for SDGs highlighted the critical need for a national budget that reflects the aspirations of the people and tackles the harsh economic realities plaguing Bangladesh. The spectres of inflation and a ballooning national debt cast a long shadow on the economy of Bangladesh. Speakers at the discussion rightly pinpointed the need to curb capital flight, dismantle syndicates manipulating prices, and optimise the capacity of government institutions. These are essential steps towards ensuring the...
Dr. Matiur Rahman : Bangladesh, a nation steeped in rich traditions and a vibrant cultural heritage, is witnessing a fascinating...
Bangladesh’s railway system stands at a critical juncture. Recent accidents, like the one at Joydebpur junction, expose the persistent issue of train disasters. While commendable efforts are underway to modernize and expand the network, passenger safety remains a primary concern. The reasons behind these recurring accidents are multifaceted. Outdated infrastructure, malfunctioning signals, and a lack of personnel for proper monitoring create a dangerous environment. The focus seems to have shifted towards expansion, neglecting renovation. This skewed priority is evident in...
Al Mamun Harun Ur Rashid : Climate change is wreaking havoc all around the world. Taking the matter most seriously,...
Thousands of Bangladeshi workers, lured by the promise of a better life in Europe, have found themselves trapped in a web of deceit in Romania. The story is familiar: false promises of high salaries and secure employment by unscrupulous recruiting agencies. Upon arrival, these dreams are shattered. Promised jobs vanish, and wages fall far short of expectations. Many are left scrambling, forced to seek work in other European countries. The blame game is a tangled mess. Recruiting agencies point finger...