Since the military coup in Myanmar in February, an umbrella opposition organisation called the National Unity Government has emerged, attempting to bring together Burmese and non-Burmese civilians in a formal challenge to the coup. This organization would be easily recognized as Myanmar’s legitimate government, save for one thing: it now lacks any representation from the…
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News and Analyses of events in South Asia
With the Covid-19 vaccine, Bangladesh is reversing course to begin soft power diplomacy
The sourcing of Covid-19 vaccine has pushed Bangladesh into a place of tight diplomatic manoeuvre, where the vaccine has become an insignia of different poles. Vaccines have emerged as the new emblem of soft war on the global stage, which is witnessing the emergence of newly defined paradigms and a colder war. The race for…
Read moreUnderstanding the prospects of a US-Bangladesh strategic cooperation
With the changing geopolitical equations across the South Asian belt, US-Bangladesh strategic relations will likely get new calibrations. Since the independence and during the Cold War era, Bangladesh held little strategic importance to US strategies in South Asia. The full focus of Washington was interested in containing Soviet influence through Pakistan and the Gulf monarchies,…
Read moreHow much does a greater bond with Turkey benefit Bangladesh?
Turkey and Bangladesh share a lot in common in terms of historical relations, values and culture. Relations between Turkish and Bengali-speaking peoples have deep historical and cultural roots, reaching back to the late Ottoman Empire and decades before the establishment of Bangladesh’s People’s Republic. During the First World War and the Turkish War of Liberation,…
Read moreTo avoid being caught in the crossfire of the Titans, Bangladesh should develop a Bay of Bengal strategy
On 10 May 2021, Li Jiming, the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, spoke at a virtual event with representatives of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Bangladesh (DCAB). While speaking about the bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and China, the Chinese Ambassador said that Bangladesh should not join the “Quad,” a US-led initiative and that joining it would…
Read morePakistani military should revise its protracted war in Balochistan
The 5th and the latest wave of insurgency struck Balochistan in the post-2006 period. General Pervez Musharraf’s crackbrained and impulsive killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti instigated the once peaceful province, eventually turning it into a no-go area. In fact, Musharraf was responsible for transfiguring Bugti into a living legend. Since then Musharraf’s successors have continued…
Read moreDebunking the delusion of an independent Balochistan: Policy Options for Baloch youth
Geo-strategic significance of Balochistan cannot be condoned. Its prime location isphenomenal for Pakistan’s security apparatus and subsequently its very existence. The strategic depth (or lack thereof) is heavily reliant on Balochistan. The vast swath of land mollified Pakistan’s vulnerabilities vis-a-vis India; amplifies its second strike capability through swift mobilization and provides a best response against…
Read moreBangladesh accommodates China and India at Payra seaport
China, with its enormous economic and technical supports, is one of the largest development partners of Bangladesh. Especially, the country is highly involved in developing Bangladesh’s infrastructure sector and improving the capacity of existing infrastructure. However, the Bangladesh-China development partnership has great geopolitical and economic implications in South Asia. China’s policy and involvement regarding Bangladesh’s…
Read moreTrump-twist and Indo-Chinese periodical border drama
A short and confused fight broke out between Indian and Chinese troops at the Pangong Tso lake on 5 May 2020. The lake is located over 4 km above the sea level in the Himalayan region of Ladakh. Several media reported that the incident injured 11 soldiers from both sides. Three days later another fight…
Read moreCOVID-19, Muslims and Migrants: Knotted destine, Flare-up Hatred and Shortfall of Love
Religion is a faith in human mind. It teaches us the purpose of life, discipline our body and groom our soul. A prayer from each heart is very deep and full of hope. The chief and sole motto of every religion is ‘God is one and adores mankind’. A religious brotherhood and spread of affection…
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