Post-Hasina Bangladesh
Bangladesh has moved up the date for its general elections from April 2026 to February after a barrage of criticism over the delays in the country's return to democracy after the ouster of the authoritarian former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, in August 2024. Officially, however, the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, said it moved up the date to ensure the new government is in office before the start of Ramazan.
The interim government has cited the need for reforms after over a decade of Hasina's authoritarian rule eroded many institutions, including the civil service, judiciary and election authorities. Yunus has also replied to criticism from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and others by insisting that thorough preparation is essential to avoid repeating past "flawed elections" that entrenched autocracy — it is worth noting that since the fall of the military regime in 1990, only BNP chief Khaleda Zia and Awami League chief Hasina have served as elected prime ministers.
Analysts have also noted that for elections to be competitive and fair, the Awami League should not be completely excluded. Accountability is vital, and those involved in the violent repression of protests in 2024, or any other crimes against the people of Bangladesh, should face the music, but excluding the entire party, rather than only its criminal elements, risks disenfranchising millions of its supporters. Meanwhile, over 7 million overseas Bangladeshis are complaining about the lack of feasible voting mechanisms for them, despite promises of reform.
Whatever happens, it is becoming increasingly likely that the improvement in ties with Pakistan will continue, partly due to the genuine earnest efforts of both countries' incumbent governments, and because of India's refusal to hand over Hasina to stand trial for murdering thousands of her critics, including at least 1,400 people, during the 2024 protests.
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Business Recorder
2 days ago
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SUPARCO, though underfunded, laid early groundwork for satellite development. In medicine and philanthropy, figures like Abdul Sattar Edhi and Dr. Adeeb Rizvi built institutions that rival global benchmarks. Pakistan also produced two Nobel laureates whose achievements continue to inspire. Dr. Abdus Salam, a theoretical physicist, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his pioneering work in electroweak theory. Malala Yousafzai - the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate - became a beacon for youth empowerment and gender equity. Karachi, once the beating heart of Pakistan's commercial enterprise; Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was not only a symbol of national pride - it was a global leader; helping launch Emirates, Air Malta, and other carriers. Culturally, Pakistan's literary, musical, and artistic heritage flourished. From Faiz Ahmed Faiz's poetry to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's qawwali, Pakistan projected soft power that transcended borders. 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The time for transformation is now. The article does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Business Recorder or its owners.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
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BD court hears graft case against Hasina
A court in Bangladesh on Monday heard cases brought by the anti-corruption organisation against ex-leader Sheikh Hasina and her family, including her daughter who has served as a top UN official. Three officials from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) read out testimonies in three separate cases over an alleged land grab of lucrative plots in a suburb of the capital Dhaka. Hasina, 77, fled Bangladesh by helicopter on August 5, 2024, after weeks of student-led protests against her autocratic rule. She has defied orders to return from India, including to attend her separate and ongoing trial on charges amounting to crimes against humanity, over the deadly crackdown on the uprising. Hasina has been named in six corruption cases, along with her US-based son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and her daughter Saima Wazed, who has been serving as the World Health Organization's Southeast Asia chief in New Delhi. "If found guilty, Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and Saima Wazed could face up to 14 years in prison," ACC lawyer Khan Mohammad Mainul Hossain told AFP. Wazed is on leave from the WHO and a new official has taken up a post as "officer-in-charge". In total, six cases have been filed of alleged corruption connected to Hasina. Among those named in other cases, some slated to be heard later in August, are Hasina's sister, Sheikh Rehana, and her children -- including British lawmaker Tulip Siddiq. Tulip Siddiq resigned as the UK government's anti-corruption minister in January, denying any wrongdoing after being named in multiple probes in Bangladesh. Siddiq's lawyers have said the allegations against her are false.
Express Tribune
07-08-2025
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Post-Hasina Bangladesh
Listen to article Bangladesh has moved up the date for its general elections from April 2026 to February after a barrage of criticism over the delays in the country's return to democracy after the ouster of the authoritarian former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, in August 2024. Officially, however, the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, said it moved up the date to ensure the new government is in office before the start of Ramazan. The interim government has cited the need for reforms after over a decade of Hasina's authoritarian rule eroded many institutions, including the civil service, judiciary and election authorities. Yunus has also replied to criticism from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and others by insisting that thorough preparation is essential to avoid repeating past "flawed elections" that entrenched autocracy — it is worth noting that since the fall of the military regime in 1990, only BNP chief Khaleda Zia and Awami League chief Hasina have served as elected prime ministers. Analysts have also noted that for elections to be competitive and fair, the Awami League should not be completely excluded. Accountability is vital, and those involved in the violent repression of protests in 2024, or any other crimes against the people of Bangladesh, should face the music, but excluding the entire party, rather than only its criminal elements, risks disenfranchising millions of its supporters. Meanwhile, over 7 million overseas Bangladeshis are complaining about the lack of feasible voting mechanisms for them, despite promises of reform. Whatever happens, it is becoming increasingly likely that the improvement in ties with Pakistan will continue, partly due to the genuine earnest efforts of both countries' incumbent governments, and because of India's refusal to hand over Hasina to stand trial for murdering thousands of her critics, including at least 1,400 people, during the 2024 protests.
