Today: Apr 17, 2025
OP-ED
Lead Stories
South Asia’s Readiness for a Post-Tariff Pivot: Who Can Fill the China Gap?
The 90-day tariff pause is more than a diplomatic overture—it might be a geopolitical reset for global trade. While the clock ticks, South Asia must assess and act. India and Bangladesh have a unique chance to rise as alternative hubs. For others, the path requires deep structural reforms, investment in infrastructure, and long-term strategic planning.
Former US diplomats Milam, Danilowicz call on Chief Adviser
This view has been informed by my evaluation of the 2007-08 Caretaker Government, which lost all of its leverage over
Vox Populi, Vox Dei
This view has been informed by my evaluation of the 2007-08 Caretaker Government, which lost all of its leverage over
U.S. Welcomes Bangladesh’s Election Timeline and Calls for Justice in Enforced Disappearances
The United States has welcome Bangladesh’s announcement of national elections scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026. Addressing questions at
Democracy
Bangladesh’s July Revolution Is a Real Threat—But Not Against India
If the Modi-aligned media is to be believed, then Bangladesh's July Revolution should be portrayed as a threat. But the stark reality is this:
Rebirth of accountability: From the Arno to the Buriganga
A lot has been written about accountability and governance, However, it's not that complicated. Successful leaders exhibit humility, whether they believe it or not.
Bangladesh’s Authoritarian Descent: A 15-Year Tale of Democratic Decay
In the midst of this turmoil, some have taken, thankfully, a stand for democracy and human rights. The U.S. State Department expressed deep concern
US hopes India and Bangladesh resolve disagreements peacefully
Miller spoke in the wake of consultations between the Indian and Bangladeshi Foreign Secretaries in Dhaka on the full range of the two neighbors’
Politics
Diaspora
Right to Freedom Bids Farewell to Founding Executive Director
Right to Freedom (R2F) recently bade farewell to Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, founding Executive Director of the organization. Nicole A. Chulick, Deputy Assistant Secretary of South and Central Asian Affairs, President of
From Brain Drain to Brain Gain: Revitalizing Bangladesh Through Diaspora and National Engagement
Now fifty-three years post-independence, Bangladesh stands at a pivotal crossroads, poised to reverse the historical trend of brain drain that has been driven by the pursuit of higher education, superior healthcare, enhanced
Electing President Trump: Fresh Outlook into South Asian Diaspora
A striking example emerged in California, where Governor Gavin Newsom recently vetoed a caste discrimination bill that would have addressed systemic bias among South Asian communities. Many grassroots activists expected Vice President
New York street named as “Bangladesh Street”
Earlier, another street in Jamaica, New York, was renamed ‘Bangladesh Avenue’, and Stalling Avenue in the Bronx was renamed ‘Bangla Bazar Avenue’.
Why South Asia Perspectives?
Welcome to the inaugural issue of SA Perspectives, a monthly publication focusing on human rights and democracy in South Asia. As a new year dawns and we embark upon this journey together,
Rights & Media Perspectives
Echoes of Injustice: Unveiling the Atrocities of Sheikh Hasina’s Mirror Room
The Press Wing of the Chief Advisor has provided some parts of the report from the Commission to the media. The full report has not been published, only the 'publishable parts' have
Taliban’s Campaign of Persecution Against the Hazara Minority in Afghanistan Intensifies
The investigation revealed that since regaining power in August 2021, the Taliban has razed 1.56 square kilometers (385 acres) of Kabul under the pretext of urban redevelopment.
AP’s Balsamo elected 118th president of the National Press Club
Mike Balsamo, national law enforcement editor for The Associated Press, was elected on Dec. 6 as the 118th president of the National Press Club. Balsamo ran unopposed and received 238 votes. He
Rohingya community facing gravest threats since 2017
Newly arrived Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh need urgent access to food, shelter and medical attention after enduring the worst violence against their communities since the Myanmar military-led campaign in 2017, Amnesty International
Articles
Bangladesh–Pakistan Relations in a New Context: Why Shared Values Matter
Spoken enthusiastically about launching exchange programs between the two nations—ranging from cultural and academic exchanges to collaborations between think tanks. At just 38, Mr. Tarar is one of the youngest ministers in Pakistan’s cabinet, and his tone was optimistic. “Bangladesh and Pakistan share a historical past,” he said. “Let’s advance it to a shared future.”
Today I Saw a Revolution – From Grassroot to Global Change: The Badiul Majumdar Story by Cathy Burke
Prof. Badiul Alam Majumdar is known by millions of people
Defender to Deceiver: How the Awami League Betrayed Bangladesh’s Secular Promise
The Awami League, once the champion of secularism and Bengali
Bangladesh’s Struggle to Attract Large Institutional Investment Will Continue
Despite its booming economy, Bangladesh attracted only around $2 billion
Healthcare in Crisis: The Urgent Need for Communication Reform and Systemic Solutions in Bangladesh
Recent research published in the Journal of Primary Care &
Videos
New York Times investigative story titled “Strangers in Their Own Land: Being Muslim in Modi’s India”
New York Times investigative story titled "Strangers in Their Own Land: Being Muslim in Modi’s India," which describes how the world's largest #Muslim community in #India is raising their families and children with fear and uncertainty
Is State Dept aware of India’s PM Modi’s claim to stop #Israel’s attack in #Gaza?
Is State Dept aware of #India’s PM Modi's claim to stop #Israel’s
StateDept’s response on a question by Mushfiqul Fazal about US Visa Policy, as local election is ongoing.
StateDept’s response on a question by Mushfiqul Fazal about US Visa Policy,
Concerning trend of BSF Killing Bangladeshi civilian at india-bangladesh border.
The US is aware and urges both BSF & BGB to communicate
U.S. Remaining Concerned about Yunus
“We continue to closely monitor developments in the case against Dr. Yunus.
U.S. Waves Off Reports on Bangladesh Pressure
“Is Sheikh Hasina shooting too many arrows towards the US as you
Modi’s Election: US-India Delicate Diplomacy
Recently, the United States has found itself navigating delicate diplomatic waters with