The expected shift in political parties’ conduct and electoral democracy has not materialised despite the July uprising two years ago, while women’s once-visible political participation has steadily faded in the post-July period, speakers said yesterday.

President Shahabuddin’s resignation should clear the way for electing someone widely acceptable

The rule of any government is difficult to judge within 100 days, but it is enough time to observe and learn about the instincts of the new leadership.

We are outraged by the attack on freedom of expression through the misapplication of Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025.

In Bangladesh’s political history, perhaps the most defining years are 1971, 1990, and 2024. Much has been said about the political, military, and social dimensions of these watershed moments.

Renewed politicisation of laws must be avoided

When reflecting on broken promises, people sometimes refer to Sunil Gangopadhyay’s poem “Keu Katha Rakheni” (Nobody kept their promise), whose protagonist received numerous assurances and pledges over his 33 years of life but none were apparently kept.

With the parliamentary politics once again becoming vibrant and engaging, a clear fault line is gradually emerging between the ruling party, BNP, and the opposition, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI).

We don’t need more violence, not even in the name of punishment.

Both the Awami League and BNP have treated parliament like a stage that can be deserted whenever negotiations stall, criminal cases are filed, or street pressure seems more useful than parliamentary debate.

It is tempting to draw dramatic parallels between the Arab Spring and contemporary South Asia, especially as Bangladesh is, at the time of writing, holding the much-anticipated parliamentary elections.

Since independence, Bangladeshi politics has been shaped by a narrow set of familiar narratives.

Even in Bangladesh’s fluid political scene, Shah Mohammad Abu Zafar stands out for his frequent shifts in loyalty.

Bangladesh is not unfamiliar with the image of women in power. In fact, two women have governed this country for nearly the entirety of its democratic era.

When we speak about Bangladesh today, we often pretend as if there is one clear national story.

Her last speeches call for a politics of ‘no vengeance’.

Recently, a deeply upsetting narrative has been circulating on social media.

Many people think that the old authoritarian chapter is over and a new era has begun.

We urge all parties to rise above narrow partisan interests

The July Charter reproduces the same patriarchal structures that continue to hinder women’s political empowerment.