“American people are going to emerge from this moment stronger, more determined, and better equipped to unite the world in fighting to defend democracy.” The newly elected US President Joe Biden’s speech delivered at the U.S. Department of State Headquarters on the fourth of February, 2021, may have sounded too optimistic in a world where …
Global Democratic Backsliding and the Rise of Authoritarianism Read More »
Understandably, Tagore’s vision for tolerance and humanism was instrumental for the Bengali intellectuals and political leaders, to envision a separate nation of Bengalis in opposition to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. It was a logical course of action to create a discourse for a new nation. In real life, Tagore’s tolerance was remarkable. He claimed …
The pandemic has pushed iconic democracies like the US and India too. It has tested the strengths of their democratic institutes and pluralism, as reports have suggested rising social xenophobia (sometimes backed by ruling party men) against minorities, racism and rise of conspiracy theories in partisan line. It is not new news that worldwide, freedom …
Can Joe Biden Reverse the Dwindling Trend in Democracy and Freedom? Read More »
So how did we reach this point where freedom is so fragile? I argue that the problem goes beyond the government and its multimodal efforts of suppressing critics by force, law and through promoting fear. The problem is deeply rooted in the society, and in some sections of the international community; they too are very …
The Pandemic and the Fate of Freedom in Bangladesh Read More »
Bangladesh, which became independent from Pakistan in 1971, is a young country. Only 7 percent of the 160 million people in this South Asian country – which is home to more Muslims than Iran, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia combined – are over the age of 60, according to a 2016 United Nations Development Program report. It is young, but not hopeful. Youth unemployment …
Bangladeshi rappers wield rhymes as a weapon, with Tupac as their guide Read More »
