Sunday, 19 Jan, 2025

Open forum

Living with a Disability

Despite the declaration and commitment enshrined in the Bangladesh constitution and declaration in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the inclusion and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) participation in every sphere of the government is seriously missing. According to the National

Let's bring a new perspective to building a humane state

The recent uprising of students and citizens has created an opportunity for state structural reform. To capitalise on this, it is essential to move beyond popular and mainstream political and electoral concepts. Alongside establishing a democratic state, good governance, a fair electoral

Safe Food: Responsibilities of Society and State

Vegetable and animal-based foods are essential for healthy living. However, the entire process, from production to consumption, including distribution and waste management, must prioritize public and environmental health.  Ensuring the sustainability of the agricultural and food

Effects of climate change in Bangladesh and strategies for mitigation

Impacts of climate change in Bangladesh and pathways to overcome Climate change has become an inevitable crisis worldwide. However, its effects are particularly severe in Bangladesh, where annual natural disasters are increasingly disrupting lives and livelihoods. The natural calamities

July 2024 movement was uprising, not revolution

The anti-fascist mass movement in July-August last year was an uprising and not a revolution, but it still is markedly more significant than previous mass uprisings in modern day Bangladesh. Firstly, the movement was led by apolitical youths seeking massive state reforms, secondly, it

Cultural development can build non-communal Bangladesh

While many might not have a keen interest in politics, politics has an undeniable interest in people. The mass uprising of 2024 united the people of Bangladesh under one flag. Amid the routine highs and lows of life, this moment represented an extraordinary collective awakening. On the

Women should get same facilities as men

We want many reforms in the state and society, but first and foremost we must nurture the notion that our country is Bangladesh, not any dream foreign land, and it is our responsibility to take care of our homeland. The country I am witnessing now is very young compared with its

Where should healthcare reforms begin?

The government has initiated health reform efforts, prompting various proposals and analyses from different sectors. Multiple committees have been formed and dissolved, indicating diverse perspectives on the approach to health reform. Nonetheless, the ongoing discussions at various levels

Next goal: Establishing a welfare state

The student and public uprising of July-August 2024 has ignited hope for the emergence of a new Bangladesh. This uprising was not only an expression of frustration with the previous government but also a movement that ignited immense hope among the masses. The student

The communication system we long for

No city worldwide has managed to control traffic congestion solely through infrastructure development. Effective traffic management requires strategic policy decisions at the planning level. Despite achieving improved mobility over the past two decades, economic benefits remain limited

Policy of partisanship must be ended

An ideal democratic state operates transparently, with accountability, and incorporates direct or indirect public participation in its governance. We aspire to a nation where political leaders embody honesty, competence, and patriotism, supported by a free, fair, and transparent electoral

Political power shift essential to end corruption, inequality

Over the past 15 years, Bangladesh has been governed under the policy of 'Development, not Democracy,' with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina focusing on mega projects, which have often led to mega corruption. A recent white paper, led by Professor Debapriya Bhattacharya, reveals that

The need of the hour: Ethical and responsible journalism

Bangladeshi people once had deep faith in journalists, looking up to the media sector for upholding untainted truth, but gone are the days, thanks to the 15-year Awami League autocratic rule. Media flattery and self-censorship favouring government policies were prevalent even under the

Tomorrow's Administration: Today's Thoughts

Bangladesh’s administrative framework is a legacy of British colonial rule. While it carries some positive attributes—such as merit-based recruitment through competitive examinations, in-service training, internal discipline (with a few exceptions), regulatory provisions, and

Megaprojects required to elevate education standards

Successive governments, including the current interim one led by Nobel Laureate Prof Yunus, have consistently ignored the education sector, leaving discriminations intact among rich-poor institutions, many children suffering from poor facilities, and a gap between the job market demand

Youth will be the driving force of tomorrow's society

Through the collective efforts of students and citizens, we have brought about a new Bangladesh. Our aspiration is to create an equitable society where education plays a key role in eliminating inequality. Ensuring equal rights, opportunities, and dignity for all individuals must be our

Boosting trade connectivity: A strategy for national economic growth

  Over the past few decades, Bangladesh has achieved remarkable economic progress, with an average GDP growth of 6% since 2000. Consistent increases in per capita income, significant achievements in human development, and strong macroeconomic management have contributed to reduced

What kind of banking sector do we need?

To realise our aspiration of becoming a high-income nation, it is imperative to develop the financial sector. A significant component of this sector is the banking industry, whose advancement is crucial for economic progress and the transformation of the country into a high-income

Society, nation cannot thrive with politics devoid of principles

Idealistic politics, efficient governance, and national development are deeply intertwined. A society or nation cannot prosper under a political system devoid of principles, as it weakens the very foundation of democratic processes. Despite more than five decades of independence, the

Dreaming of a new prosperous Bangladesh

The July-August revolution ended over 15 years of misrule, exploitation, and oppression. On 5 August 2024, the flight of the tyrant Sheikh Hasina liberated the common people from immense suffering. Bangladeshis learned to smile again, daring to dream once more. This dream envisions a