Today: Jan 15, 2026
LEAD ANALYSIS
With Bangladesh’s First Female Prime Minister’s Passing, America Lost a True Friend
Bangladesh is mourning the loss of Begum Khaleda Zia, its first female prime minister – and the United States has lost a true friend. Khaleda Zia, who passed away at age 80, was a trailblazer for women in South Asian politics. Rising to power through Bangladesh’s first post-military rule elections in 1991, she shattered glass ceilings to become her country’s first woman premier and only the second woman ever elected to lead a Muslim-majority nation (after Pakistan’s Benazir Bhutto). Her historic victory marked a triumph for democratic aspirations in a region long dominated by male leaders and authoritarian regimes. Khaleda
Making Sense of Bangladesh’s Political Transition
There was no template for Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus when he accepted the responsibility of leading Bangladesh’s interim government
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
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
July-August Revolution: An Opportunity for Justice and Dignity
What started as a demand for reform soon turned into a broader call for accountability and democracy. The government responded with brutal force.
Future of Democracy and Interim Government in Bangladesh
The interim government under the leadership of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus is working with utmost sincerity to bring the country back on track.
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
With Bangladesh’s First Female Prime Minister’s Passing, America Lost a True Friend
Bangladesh is mourning the loss of Begum Khaleda Zia, its first female prime minister – and the United States has lost a true friend.
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
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.
Myanmar Crisis: Gaining Strategic High Ground Is the Key for Bangladesh
Bangladesh has long relied on reactive diplomacy to respond to the Rohingya crisis. However, Myanmar's tactics of stalling the negotiations, spreading false narratives and
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
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
Donation by Heart to Heart International
Headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas, Heart to Heart International (HHI) is a global humanitarian organization focused on improving access to health. HHI responds to natural
Freedom of Expression in Bangladesh is under serious threat
In a panel discussion entitled “Freedom of Expression in Bangladesh and Future Challenges,” organized sponsored by the Washington-based rights organization ‘Right to Freedom,’ on
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:
Rise of Radical Narratives in Bangladesh Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Both scenarios pose significant risks to Bangladesh’s stability.
Chinese Soft Power Deficit in Bangladesh
What international observers everywhere else saw as proof of flagrant election rigging and democratic backsliding, what even domestic pro-Awami League intellectuals had a hard
Police Raid Rights Group in Delhi
Escalating Crackdown on Activists Contesting Hate Speech.
Innovation-Led Development: Bangladesh’s BEAR and Semiconductor Strategy
The strategy is grounded in six core values: integrity, innovation, inspiration, inclusion, equity, and people-centric governance. These principles serve as the ethical infrastructure of
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
AI and the Future of Democracy: Reclaiming Trust and Integrity in the Digital Age
Consider this: with AI, anyone can create a convincing yet fake video of a public figure, manipulate audio, and spread false information as if
China’s Belt and Road: Economic Crisis, Chain Reaction from Sri Lanka to Pakistan in South Asia
Under President Xi, China has stressed shared growth and common prosperity. This has focused on business, trade, and economic development, and ignored global values
Editorial Winter 2024 Edition
While maintaining a focus on implementing reforms, the interim government also continues efforts to attract foreign investment and address concerns about the risk of
Editorial Vol 2 | Issue 4 | Jun-Aug 2024
In focusing this issue of SA Perspectives on South Asia’s current election season, we have also highlighted the challenges facing the Biden Administration as
India’s authoritarian turn raises serious questions at home and abroad: Experts at Panel Discussion on India
Experts at a panel discussion held in D.C on Friday highlighted domestic and global challenges as India’s voters go to the poll amidst rising
Pathways of Autocratization: The Tumultuous Journey of Bangladeshi Politics
Right to Freedom (R2F), a Washington-based nonprofit, organized a Book Discussion webinar on ‘Pathways of Autocratization: The Tumultuous Journey of Bangladeshi Politics’ on May
Elevator Speech for Bangladesh’s Interim Government
In the before times, I provided examples of the “elevator speeches” I would have given to former Bangladesh Prime Ministers Sheikh Hasina and Begum Zia and their colleagues in the run up to the January 2024 elections. In the same spirit, I have been thinking about what advice I would give to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and his Cabinet if I happened to have a few minutes alone with them on an elevator as they take on their new responsibilities. My sense is that the best I could do is highlight some of the most critical mistakes that the 2007-08 Caretaker
Healthcare in Crisis: The Urgent Need for Communication Reform and Systemic Solutions in Bangladesh
Recent research published in the Journal of Primary Care &
Bangladesh’s Struggle to Attract Large Institutional Investment Will Continue
Despite its booming economy, Bangladesh attracted only around $2 billion
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
With Bangladesh’s First Female Prime Minister’s Passing, America Lost a True Friend
Bangladesh is mourning the loss of Begum Khaleda Zia, its first female prime minister – and the United States has lost a true friend.
July-August Revolution: An Opportunity for Justice and Dignity
What started as a demand for reform soon turned into a broader call for accountability and democracy. The government responded with brutal force.
Future of Democracy and Interim Government in Bangladesh
The interim government under the leadership of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus is working with utmost sincerity to bring the country back on track.
Innovation-Led Development: Bangladesh’s BEAR and Semiconductor Strategy
The strategy is grounded in six core values: integrity, innovation, inspiration, inclusion, equity, and people-centric governance. These principles serve as the ethical infrastructure of
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
India is Broken: A People Betrayed, Independence to Today
The book, perhaps, calls to action for policymakers, scholars, and citizens alike to recognize and rectify past mistakes in hopes of steering India towards
In Teardrop Diplomacy: China’s Sri Lanka Foray
“In Teardrop Diplomacy, Asanga Abeyagoonasekera does a masterful job in outlining China’s engagement with Sri Lanka and the resultant impact on regional relations, “great
Ali Riaz’s ‘More than meets the eye’ and a writers responsibility
I have been following Professor Ali Riaz’s writing for quite some time, and I stand amazed by the prolificity and eclectic scope of his
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
A World Without Journalism Is A World Without Truth
Commemorating the World Press Freedom Day, the SAP Executive Editor Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey talked to Asia Coordinator of Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Beh
What IMF says about the govt-fed media reports on Hasina-Kristalina meeting
“The Fund values its close relationship with Bangladesh and the Managing Director reinforced the Fund’s continued support for the country in realizing its aspirations,”
Bangladeshi Journalist Murdered Violently by Local Official’s Thugs; Urgent Action Required
Several of the attackers have been identified through the use of surveillance camera footage, according to law enforcement officials in Jamalpur. At least three
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