Today: Jan 21, 2025
OP-ED
Lead Stories
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 the political parties once it announced that elections would take place by the end of 2008. While my views regarding the importance of the reform effort have not changed, and while I remain concerned about unrepentant politicians simply waiting out the interim government and giving lip service to reform, I understand that the uncertainty regarding the timing of elections does have a cost. This includes its impact on the economy, where potential investors may be waiting for further
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
US Watching to Ensure Burma Crisis Doesn’t Threaten Regional Stability
The United States is closely monitoring the deteriorating security situation in Burma as the Arakan Army consolidates control over Rakhine
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
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
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,
Hundreds Rally Outside White House to Protest Authoritarianism, Minority Persecution in India under PM Modi’s Rule
Lien Gangte, senior Leader of the North American Manipur Tribal Association (NAMTA), spoke about recent ethnic violence in India’s Manipur state.
Rights & Media Perspectives
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
Halt ‘Pilot’ Plan to Return Rohingya, Rights group urges Bangladesh govt
“For future returns to be truly voluntary, the Bangladesh authorities need to allow Rohingya to live freely, without enforcing pressures pushing them to go back,” Ganguly said. “Donors should increase support for
HRW Report Internet Shutdowns in India Have a Severe Impact on Vulnerable Groups
Internet shutdowns have a disproportionate impact on marginalized populations, which depend heavily on government programs and social protection systems. For example, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), which provides
Hundreds Rally Outside White House to Protest Authoritarianism, Minority Persecution in India under PM Modi’s Rule
Lien Gangte, senior Leader of the North American Manipur Tribal Association (NAMTA), spoke about recent ethnic violence in India’s Manipur state.
Articles
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 in Bangladesh and tens of thousands of people around the world, yet very few know his life story. And that life story is as inspiring as are the multifaceted results of his leadership. This biography by Cathy Burke follows Badiul’s life from his childhood in abject rural poverty, through his two decades as a graduate student, professor and consultant in the US, then back to Bangladesh when that nation returned to democracy in 1991. Just like Mahatma Gandhi, the leadership that Badiul is known for didn’t begin until he was
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 &
India is Broken: A People Betrayed, Independence to Today
The book, perhaps, calls to action for policymakers, scholars, and
In Teardrop Diplomacy: China’s Sri Lanka Foray
“In Teardrop Diplomacy, Asanga Abeyagoonasekera does a masterful job in
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