But let’s not forget the bigger picture here. As Israel continues to bomb Gaza with impunity, flattening entire neighborhoods under the guise of “precision strikes,” the rest of the world mostly sits by, watching in muted horror. The destruction in Gaza is brutal, indiscriminate, and tragically predictable. Entire families are being wiped out, civilian infrastructure destroyed, and yet, the global community’s outrage is, at best, a flicker. And now, just a few hundred miles north, pagers are blowing up, courtesy of a country that’s mastered the art of victimhood while simultaneously turning the occupied territories into dust.
Read moreHypocrisy in International Relations is the World’s Favorite Double Standards
Countries that pride themselves on being champions of human rights have barely lifted a finger to meaningfully intervene. Thousands of Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh, which has been left to shoulder the burden of this humanitarian disaster with minimal support from the very countries that love to talk about refugees and justice. Europe, the U.S., and other global powers loudly criticize the atrocities, but conveniently remain silent when it comes to putting real pressure on Myanmar. They’re too busy with trade deals and political maneuvering to actually stand by the principles they so eagerly promote. The Rohingya crisis is a glaring example of how the world’s most powerful nations are willing to let human rights violations slide when it doesn’t suit their interests.
Read moreNeoliberalism: How America Got Rich, Lost Its Morals, and Built a Delusional Deep State Along the Way
The U.S. may have lost its moral compass somewhere in the neoliberal haze, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. The key to reversing the damage is remembering that not everything has to revolve around profit margins and stock prices. There’s still time to write a new story—one where collective wisdom triumphs over corporate greed, and where the American Dream means more than just getting rich while everyone else sinks.
Read moreGeopolitics of South Asia and the Birth of Bangladesh (1945-1975): A Comprehensive Analysis
The US-China-Pakistan axis had significant implications for the 1971 war. The United States, under President Nixon, was reluctant to pressure Pakistan over its actions in East Pakistan, largely because of Pakistan’s role in facilitating the US-China rapprochement. This reluctance was evident in the US response to the humanitarian crisis in East Pakistan, where reports of atrocities committed by the Pakistani military were downplayed by the US government. The Nixon administration’s support for Pakistan, despite the unfolding genocide in East Pakistan, remains a controversial aspect of US foreign policy during the Cold War.
Read moreBangladesh’s Future Hinges on Steering Through Uncharted Waters in the Post-Hasina Era
On the other hand, the end of Hasina’s rule presents an opportunity for political renewal. If political parties and civil society groups seize the moment, they can push for a broad-based coalition government committed to greater political freedom, transparency, and accountability. However, achieving this will require significant political will and compromise among Bangladesh’s traditionally polarized parties. The international community, including regional powers like India and global actors like the United States, may also play a crucial role in the process.
Read moreBangladesh: The Crimson Tide of a Color Revolution
Disclaimer: This essay offers a particular geopolitical perspective. I invite you to read it to gain insight into the current state of affairs, focusing more on objective analysis than on emotional or agitated viewpoints. According to Bangladesh’s Home Minister, Asaduzzaman Khan, the ongoing conflict and violence related to the student movement for quota reform has…
Read moreQuestioning the Future of the Bangladesh-China Relationship
The nature of the MoUs also raises critical questions. Most MoUs in the joint statement speak of hope rather than tangible outcomes, reflecting a diplomatic failure from an economic diplomacy perspective by the newly formed government of Bangladesh. The inability to secure substantial financial commitments or concrete project agreements indicates a gap in effectively conveying Bangladesh’s economic needs and strategic importance to China.
Read moreReimagining Australia-Bangladesh Ties from Recognition to Partnership
With an eye to fortifying its Indo-Pacific strategy, Australia seeks to expand its South Asian engagement beyond its current focus on India. Bangladesh, a nation pulsating with economic potential and a population exceeding 160 million, is seen by Australia as a potential “Asian tiger” poised for a future leap. Recognizing its strategic stake in the northeast Indian Ocean’s stability, Australia is invested in maintaining maritime security and supporting regional nations against external pressure. To this end, Australia desires to cultivate a rapport with the Bangladeshi military through targeted exchanges and educational opportunities. Furthermore, Australia is keen to assist in bolstering Bangladesh’s maritime capabilities in select areas. These endeavors represent the core of Australia’s strategic interests centered on Bangladesh.
Read moreTeesta River Tussle: Can the Netherlands Help Untangle Rivers in Bangladesh?
Bangladesh faces a strategic dilemma. Engaging either India or China, both interested in Teesta River projects, presents its own set of challenges. India views the Teesta as part of its strategic “backyard,” with the river flowing close to the “Chicken Neck” corridor, a vital link connecting India’s Northeast with the mainland. Indian concerns center on maintaining regional stability and influence. China, on the other hand, sees the Teesta as an opportunity to expand its economic footprint in South Asia. However, Chinese involvement raises eyebrows in India, who fears a potential shift in regional power dynamics.
Read moreA Transformational Partnership or Power Play in the India-Bangladesh Relationship?
To translate the vision of a transformational partnership into reality will require overcoming several hurdles. Historical disputes, such as those surrounding water rights and enclaves, can create friction. Furthermore, bureaucratic hurdles on both sides can impede progress. Effective and transparent communication between the leaders and their respective bureaucracies is crucial to ensure smooth implementation of agreed-upon initiatives.
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