The BJP’s ability to rebuild trust with the West during this period will be under scrutiny. This is crucial, as the West, particularly the United States, has significant geopolitical interests in the region. In these cases, the US is using the pre-election period, which is typically open to political pressure, dialogue, and negotiation. The goal seems to be to curb anti-Western sentiments within the BJP. The US thinks those could be achieved through various means, such as diplomatic pressure, discussions, policy negotiations, or even public statements that signal the US’s stance without damaging the BJP to the core.
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News and Analyses of events in South Asia
How the US Indo-Pacific Strategy Appears as a Threat to Small Littoral States like Bangladesh
Therefore, countries like Bangladesh must reevaluate their relationships with Western countries, especially the US. Bangladesh has no intention of containing or assisting in the containment of any country in the region. Bangladesh must frankly tell the US that its unwise policies of hi-tech weaponization of one country against another will be detrimental to the security, sovereignty, and sustainability of small, coastal, and vulnerable countries like Bangladesh. The country must urge the US to ensure mutual respect within the region by prioritizing regional forums over a particular country. This is the only way to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Read moreIt Is High Time for Bangladesh to Rein the Social Engineering Media
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Smart Bangladesh vision promises a future of boundless potential, yet beneath the gleaming veneer lies a crucial question: can a nation be truly smart if its citizens are not safe online?
Read moreCan India Be Bangladesh’s Friend and Partner in a Free Indo-Pacific?
Let’s be clear: Bangladesh understands the need for border security. However, India’s approach to securing its frontier with Bangladesh often feels excessive and disrespectful. Equating our shared border with the US-Mexico situation is a dangerous fallacy. Our two nations share a long history and cultural ties, a stark contrast to the US-Mexico dynamic. Here’s where…
Read moreHow the West-backed Indian Publishers are Impacting on Bangladesh’s Book Industry
In the contemporary literary landscape, where globalization has ostensibly bridged gaps between cultures and narratives, the dissemination of Indian English literature through Western publishing houses has cast a long shadow, particularly over countries like Bangladesh. Let’s dive into the complex labyrinth of this literary exchange, focusing on how Western-backed Indian writers’ books, including non-fiction, are…
Read moreAerial Strikes on ‘Terrorism’ and the Need for China’s Diplomatic Manoeuvring in the Pakistan-Iran Conflict
The international community has not forgotten the numerous instances of the US violating Pakistani airspace under the pretext of targeting radical militants, yet there has been no comparable Pakistani retaliation against US interests. Given the current tensions with three of its four neighbours—India, Afghanistan, and now Iran—it would be imprudent for Pakistan to let the situation escalate, as this could invite interference from these powerful neighbours and extra-regional actors.
Read moreA Geostrategic Perspective of the Decline of Hegemonic Stability Theory and Emergence of Augmentism
The proposed “Augmentation Theory” or “Augmentism” represents a comprehensive approach to geostrategy that integrates key elements from the Theory of Defensive Realism, the Theory of Balance of Power, the Theory of Neoclassical Realism, and the Theory of Liberal Institutionalism. Augmentism is a very delicate balancing act that will seek to work only on the positive and sustainable growth of international relations, not otherwise, but one that can lead an emerging power into a more secure and influential position in the global arena.
Read moreCrisis at the Border: How Myanmar’s Unrest Threatens Bangladesh
The crisis in Myanmar poses a significant threat to Bangladesh’s national security. The influx of refugees, the spillover of violence, and the potential for regional instability all contribute to the urgency of addressing this issue. Bangladesh must tread carefully in its dealings with the various warring factions in Myanmar and northeastern India, while also strengthening its border security and defense capabilities. Additionally, working closely with international partners is crucial to effectively address the crisis in Myanmar and protect Bangladesh’s interests.
Read moreUnveiling the Underbelly of Civil Societies in Bangladesh: A Call for Action
The compromised state of civil society in Bangladesh is disconcerting. It has destroyed civil society’s ability to function as a robust, neutral, and independent watchdog. Furthermore, civil society has not only depleted the country’s profound cultural heritage but has also birthed security and sovereignty challenges. The Rohingya crisis serves as a poignant example where civil society, buoyed by Western and local media, pressured the government to shelter Rohingyas, compromising the nation’s security.
Read moreBeyond Ballots: Reimagining Democracy in Bangladesh for Social Justice in Global Contexts
The influence of external actors, including former colonial powers and international corporations, are skewign the priorities of Bangladesh. These influences often reinforce a narrow conception of democracy, emphasizing electoral processes over the broader democratic principles of accountability, transparency, and inclusivity. As a result, the potential of democracy to serve as a vehicle for social justice is compromised, and the concept becomes a tool for maintaining the status quo rather than a means of transformation.
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