No change in tune for Bangladesh’s Election Commission in its first year
Regaining public confidence and trust in the Election Commission is undoubtedly a tough task, but it seems the current commission is failing miserably.
Kamal Ahmed
Why the raid at BBC offices in India should worry us all
The Income Tax (IT) department’s sudden raid at the BBC premises in India has drawn widespread condemnation.
Calling the by-polls ‘free and fair’ dims hope for 2024
The writer says these by-elections are nothing more than a mere fulfilment of legal obligations, as it won't be able to bring in any change in parliamentary balance.
How can breaching citizens’ privacy be lawful?
Without legal safeguards, putting in place such surveillance systems aimed at suspected anti-state activities carries serious risks of innocent victims being harassed.
Will pre-election politics remain peaceful or become violent?
Whether the BNP and other opposition parties will be able to maintain this policy of avoiding confrontation would be one of the telltale signs of what is to come in the rest of…
Why sleepwalk into more sanctions?
It must be understood that in a democracy, citizens within and outside the country are entitled to express their opinions freely, though such opinions may not be palatable for the…
Electric voting machines and a mind-reading election commissioner
In the absence of a national consensus, any attempt for a forced introduction of these machines will only increase suspicion about the Election Commission's intent.
What makes Bangladesh 7th saddest nation in the world?
The writer says Bangladeshis are not thriving, not even struggling, but are suffering.
How the politicisation of courts and judgements weakens democracy
Two verdicts - in United States on abortion and in India on the Prime Minister's role in riots in 2022 - have turned the spotlight on judiciary.
Twitterdom with a new king should worry us all
The role of social media for free expression is crucial in general, but especially important in countries where democracy is weakening.