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Time Business News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time Business News
Young Bangladeshi journalist, writer and social activist Md. Mafidul Islam Sarkar has become a member of Argentina's"Together for the Letters" group
Young Bangladeshi journalist, writer and social activist Md. Mafidul Islam Sarkar has become a member of Argentina's'Together for the Letters' group. Argentina's enlightened face, social activist, writer and poet Mirta Ramirez has supported Md. Mafidul Islam Sarkar. World-renowned American journalist Andrew Williams Jr. has written about journalist Mafidul Islam: Mafidul Islam Sarker – Journalist, Writer, and Social Commentator Islam Sarkar is a seasoned journalist based in Bangladesh, currently contributing to two of the country's leading newspapers: the Daily Sun and Daily Naya Diganta. With a keen eye for socio-political dynamics, he has earned recognition for his in-depth reporting, thoughtful analysis, and commitment to public interest journalism. Over the years, Mr. Sarker has covered a broad range of topics, including national politics, governance, human rights, and economic development. His bilingual proficiency allows him to publish in both English and Bengali, reaching diverse readerships across Bangladesh and the global Bangladeshi diaspora. A firm believer in the role of media as a pillar of democracy, Islam Sarker combinesl journalistic integrity with a passion for storytelling that sheds light on underrepresented voices. His work reflects a balance of factual accuracy and narrative depth, making complex issues accessible to a wide audience. Whether reporting from the field or offering commentary on national developments, he remains committed to advancing accountability, transparency, and social progress through responsible journalism. Azam Sarker – Journalism Focus Areas This document provides an overview of the primary topics and thematic areas covered by Bangladeshi journalist Islam Sarkar a contributor to both the Daily Sun and Daily Naya Diganta. 1. National Politics & Opposition Party Coverage Islam Sarkar regularly reports on political developments involving Bangladesh's major opposition parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. His work often focuses on electoral strategy, leadership conflicts, and internal party dynamics, especially within contexts of press and political union engagements such as the Dhaka Union of Journalists. 2. Media Freedom & Digital Security Act In response to growing concerns about press freedom in Bangladesh, Sarker has covered issues surrounding the Digital Security Act, journalistic suppression, and censorship. His writing often addresses the state of free speech, the risks journalists face, and the legal mechanisms used to curtail investigative reporting. 3. Civic Movements & Civil Society Sarker has followed major civic protests and movements such as the Shahbagh protests and Gonojagoron Mancha. His coverage includes demonstrations calling for justice in war crimes and public resistance against state actions, with a particular focus on protester rights and state responses to civil unrest. 4. Governance, Human Rights & Accountability He writes critically on themes of democratic governance, human rights, and public accountability. This includes coverage of enforced disappearances, political detentions, and abuses of power in law enforcement and governmental institutions. Islam Sarker – Journalism Samples and Traceable Contributions While full-text articles by journalist Islam Sarkar are not readily available online, verifiable traces of his journalistic activity can be found across media platforms and institutional reports. This document outlines where his work has appeared and how to locate article samples. 1. Official Affiliation Islam Sarker, also identified as Md Gulam Azam Sarkar on social media, is a correspondent for Daily Sun and has contributed to Daily Naya Diganta. He is based in Dhaka and Rangpur, Bangladesh. 2. Coverage Topics & Public References His contributions have been referenced in civil society reports and media freedom discussions. Topics include opposition politics, civic movements, war crimes discourse, and digital rights. His reporting has occasionally been mentioned in human rights and academic publications addressing the media landscape in Bangladesh. 3. How to Locate Article Samples To find articles written by Islam Sarker, consider the following steps: – Search online archives of Daily Sun ( and Daily Naya Diganta ( – Use search engines with specific queries such as ' Islam Sarkar site: – Contact the editorial offices of the newspapers to request bylined samples. – Review public social media profiles for shared links to his reporting. 4. Recommended Follow-Up For academic or institutional purposes, one may also: – Draft a formal request letter to the editorial team. – Reach out via verified social media for published links. – Request access via local libraries or journalism departments in Bangladesh. (whatsapp +8801735-632338 E-mail gulamazam96@ TIME BUSINESS NEWS
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First Post
7 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
A year after Hasina's exit, stability remains a distant dream for Bangladesh
A country that was once exemplified by development and progress is now sliding into political turmoil and economic volatility—underscoring the importance of strong central leadership, despite its flaws read more Bangladesh, given the history of coups and regime changes, witnessed another dramatic turn of events on August 5, 2024, when its Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, was made to resign and flee the country as a sequel to massive nationwide student protests. Her government's decision to reserve 30 per cent jobs for the children of 'freedom fighters' triggered the protests, as it would have taken the reservation quota to 56 per cent, thus further adding to the high rate of unemployment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This marked an end to Sheikh Hasina's 15 years of uninterrupted rule wherein she wielded immense political control, although her authoritarian tendencies and electoral manipulation drew deep dissent. Incidentally, Bangladesh witnessed significant economic progress during her tenure and was hailed as the rising tiger of South Asia. Immediately after Sheikh Hasina fled to India, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker Uz Zaman declared the army takeover. Soon he announced the formation of an interim government to be headed by Mohammad Yunus, a Nobel Laureate who was based in Paris and known as a critic of Sheikh Hasina. The majority of the members of the Yunus government are those who had played a key role in the student protests. The primary task of the interim government is to facilitate the process of electing the new government. However, Yunus is engaged in taking major policy decisions, including the electoral reforms and foreign policy reset. Bangladesh politics over the last five decades have been dominated by two main political parties – Awami League (AL), led by Sheikh Hasina, and Bangladesh National Party (BNP), led by Khalida Zia. The sudden political vacuum due to Hasina's departure led to the internal turbulence. Khalida, who was under house arrest and long marginalised by the BNP, has attempted to stage a comeback. Currently, both political parties lack coherence due to internal fissures and power struggles. With the political environment highly fractured, there is marked erosion of democratic institutions in Bangladesh. The judiciary seemingly is politicised and ineffective, as is also the election commission. A large number of office bearers, civil servants, media personnel and academics from the minority community or those who were seen to be AL sympathisers were forced to resign after being humiliated and thrashed. The 'Digital Security Act' continues to be used by the new entities to clamp down on the critics. The temples and minority-owned businesses have been frequently attacked by the radical elements and local mobs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Islamist elements and extremist groups like the Jamaat-Ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh and Hefazat-e-Islam, against whom Sheikh Hasina had taken a firm stand, sensing opportunity, are now reasserting themselves. Incidentally, its cadres were part of a paramilitary force (Razakars) who supported the Pakistan Army's nine-month genocide and loot in 1971. In view of the recent violent incidents in Rajshahi, Sylhet and parts of Chittagong, there is growing apprehension amongst the public about the return of Islamist terror that plagued Bangladesh in the mid-2000s. While there have been protests and demonstrations during the past year, the Yunus government has not faced major challenges, as the main political parties are in disarray. Recently, the newly formed National Consolidated Party (NCP) workers led a march to Gopalganj with the intent to desecrate the tomb of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, which was resisted by the locals. This was resisted by the army and police along with the elements of NCP and Jamiat functionaries, resulting in the arrests of over 4,000 people with many missing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The military had adopted a neutral stance during the protests against Sheikh Hasina but now is playing an increasing role in the nation's governance. The security apparatus evidently is either compromised or paralysed. The police and law maintenance agencies are facing internal corruption and lack of coordination. Law and order has broken down in several districts, with armed groups and political militias seizing control of local governance structures. Bangladesh's steady economic boom during the last couple of years was largely driven by the 'ready-made garment' sector, remittances and a growing middle class. Due to the internal political crisis and global economic slowdown, Bangladesh's economy is showing signs of crumbling, marked by inflation, currency depreciation (the taka depreciated by 15 per cent against the dollar this year) and declining investor confidence. Power shortages and hikes in fuel prices have led to protests in urban areas. The IMF has raised concerns about Bangladesh's rising debt levels. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With Dhaka's political leaning towards Beijing, the Dragon is rapidly expanding its economic and strategic tentacles in Bangladesh. Infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the sale of defence equipment and joint exercises between the two militaries are indications of growing proximity between Bangladesh and China. Bangladesh is gradually walking into the 'debt diplomacy trap', vindicating the IMF's concern, as brought out earlier. Yunus has taken pains to mend relations with Pakistan. A military delegation from Pakistan had visited Bangladesh a few months back. Direct trade between the two countries has also commenced, with the process of normalisation being facilitated by China. Recently, a meeting of foreign ministers of China, Pakistan and Bangladesh was held in Kunming (China). It is evident that a new Beijing-Dhaka-Islamabad trilateral is emerging, and Turkey's growing engagement in the region could well make it a quad. The India-Bangladesh ties today are in limbo due to the rise in anti-India rhetoric and pro-Pakistani narratives, tacitly supported by the current dispensation in Dhaka. There is apprehension in India about the cross-border spillover of the violence in Bangladesh, especially to its northeastern states. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a recent instance, an Islamic group in Dhaka, 'Saltanat-e-Bangla (SeB)', known to be backed by a Turkish NGO, 'Turkish Youth Federation', put out a map of so-called 'Greater Bangladesh' that included parts of India. The map in question was displayed in Dhaka University, although the Bangladesh government has denied any evidence of SeB operating in the country. The strained relations with Bangladesh undermine India's 'Act East Policy'. Security of the 4,096 km-long porous India-Bangladesh border is a major challenge for Delhi, especially the large-scale surge in illegal migration into India's northeastern states, impacting the demographic profile and thus giving rise to local tensions and identity politics. The situation is further compounded with the smuggling of narcotics, arms and human trafficking. Bangladesh harbours nearly a million Rohingya refugees, and there is consistent effort to push them into India. In Bangladesh's stability and prosperity, India has high stakes, being a close neighbour and once a strategic partner. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A year after Sheikh Hasina's exit, Bangladesh is in a state of flux, grappling with internal disorder and uncertainty. A country which was once exemplified by development and progress is now sliding into political turmoil and economic volatility. This underscores the importance of strong central leadership, despite its flaws. The Yunus government has announced holding elections in April 2026. With AL banned and radical forces gaining ground, it is to be seen whether Bangladesh will transition into a more inclusive democracy or revert to an authoritarian military rule. The current state of uncertainty and turbulence in Bangladesh is cause for serious concern, as it stands on the edge, with the road to stability rather arduous. It is imperative that the nation's political class adopt a bipartisan approach to rebuild institutions, restore democratic norms and address the root cause of the socio-economic discontent to obviate the likelihood of prolonged chaos and even the risk of fragmentation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The author is a war veteran, former Assistant Chief, served as Defence Attaché in China and North Korea; currently Professor of Strategic-IR & Management Studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
The Hindu
04-08-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Post-Hasina Bangladesh records 230% increase in attacks on journalists, says rights body
Bangladesh, after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, recorded a 230% increase in attacks on journalists, a New Delhi-based rights group said in its report released on Monday (August 4, 2025). The Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) stated that press freedom in Bangladesh deteriorated under Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, with attacks on 878 journalists between August 2024 and July 2025, almost 230% more than the 383 journalists attacked from August 2023 to July 2024, when Ms. Hasina was the Prime Minister. The RRAG said that the number of criminal cases against journalists increased by 558% from 35 cases during 2023-2024 to 195 cases during the first year of Dr. Yunus as the Chief Advisor. 'While the Hasina regime was not known to have denied any accreditation to journalists, Dr. Yunus used accreditation as an instrument to punish the journalists allegedly associated with the previous regime and denied accreditation to 167 of them,' RRAG director Suhas Chakma said. 'Unlike the Hasina regime, the interim government under Dr. Yunus let loose the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit, the country's anti-money laundering agency, against 107 journalists. Finally, while 348 journalists faced acts of violence and criminal intimidation under Sheikh Hasina's regime, mostly during the July 2024 uprising, 431 journalists faced acts of violence and criminal intimidation under Dr. Yunus,' he said. The RRAG listed a few cases of murder of journalists this year. They included Khandaker Shah Alam, a correspondent of Daily Matrijagat, killed in a targeted retaliation on June 25 after he was released from prison. The report cited the arrest warrant against three journalists of Bangladesh Pratidin under the Digital Security Act on July 27, despite Asif Nazrul, the Law Advisor to the government, declaring that all cases under the Act had been withdrawn. Another case highlighted by the report is that of Konkon Karmakar, who was dismissed by The Daily Star on April 21 after he reported on the death of Bhabesh Chandra Roy, a Hindu, which was picked up by multiple Indian media outlets and flagged by India's Ministry of External Affairs. Mr. Chakma said Dr. Yunus established the 'CA Press Wing Facts', a de facto censorship authority, to 'manufacture the government version of truth and intimidate the media houses and NGOs through disinformation'. The RRAG report stated that a part of the £474,468 provided by the British Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office to strengthen the office of Dr Yunus was used to support the CA Press Wing Facts. The group said Britain should review its support to the interim government of Bangladesh on governance issues and consider withdrawing bilateral support in the light of the silencing of the media in the country.
Time Business News
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Time Business News
Bangladeshi journalist Md. Mafidul Islam Sarkar is always involved in social work alongside journalism
clear own representative Journalist Mafidul Islam Sarkar, who always keeps himself involved in social real profession is journalism. Journalist Mafidul Islam Sarkar has been involved in various types of social work since a young Mafidul Islam Sarkar has always been helping helpless people since a young age. Journalist Mafidul Islam Sarkar said, I give school bags as gifts to students with the help of local donors. I also give clothes to different groups. He said, I give school bags as gifts to students. I give clothes to different groups. I cook rice, flour, dates, fish and meat among the poor and helpless and deliver them to their homes. In winter, I give blankets, jackets, sweaters, Punjabis etc. as gifts to winter clothes. I bear the education expenses of the students. He said, those who are interested in participating in my social work can send money directly to the bank. Bank Account No. 20503330200019007 Md. Mofidul Islam Sarkar Islami Bank Dhap Branch, Rangpur Bangladesh. Islam Sarkar is a seasoned journalist based in Bangladesh, currently contributing to two of the country's leading newspapers: the Daily Sun and Daily Naya Diganta. With a keen eye for socio-political dynamics, he has earned recognition for his in-depth reporting, thoughtful analysis, and commitment to public interest journalism. Over the years, Mr. Sarker has covered a broad range of topics, including national politics, governance, human rights, and economic development. His bilingual proficiency allows him to publish in both English and Bengali, reaching diverse readerships across Bangladesh and the global Bangladeshi diaspora. A firm believer in the role of media as a pillar of democracy, Islam Sarker combinesl journalistic integrity with a passion for storytelling that sheds light on underrepresented voices. His work reflects a balance of factual accuracy and narrative depth, making complex issues accessible to a wide audience. Whether reporting from the field or offering commentary on national developments, he remains committed to advancing accountability, transparency, and social progress through responsible journalism. Azam Sarker – Journalism Focus Areas This document provides an overview of the primary topics and thematic areas covered by Bangladeshi journalist Islam Sarkar a contributor to both the Daily Sun and Daily Naya Diganta. 1. National Politics & Opposition Party Coverage Islam Sarkar regularly reports on political developments involving Bangladesh's major opposition parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. His work often focuses on electoral strategy, leadership conflicts, and internal party dynamics, especially within contexts of press and political union engagements such as the Dhaka Union of Journalists. 2. Media Freedom & Digital Security Act In response to growing concerns about press freedom in Bangladesh, Sarker has covered issues surrounding the Digital Security Act, journalistic suppression, and censorship. His writing often addresses the state of free speech, the risks journalists face, and the legal mechanisms used to curtail investigative reporting. 3. Civic Movements & Civil Society Sarker has followed major civic protests and movements such as the Shahbagh protests and Gonojagoron Mancha. His coverage includes demonstrations calling for justice in war crimes and public resistance against state actions, with a particular focus on protester rights and state responses to civil unrest. 4. Governance, Human Rights & Accountability He writes critically on themes of democratic governance, human rights, and public accountability. This includes coverage of enforced disappearances, political detentions, and abuses of power in law enforcement and governmental institutions. Islam Sarker – Journalism Samples and Traceable Contributions While full-text articles by journalist Islam Sarkar are not readily available online, verifiable traces of his journalistic activity can be found across media platforms and institutional reports. This document outlines where his work has appeared and how to locate article samples. 1. Official Affiliation Islam Sarker, also identified as Md Gulam Azam Sarkar on social media, is a correspondent for Daily Sun and has contributed to Daily Naya Diganta. He is based in Dhaka and Rangpur, Bangladesh. 2. Coverage Topics & Public References His contributions have been referenced in civil society reports and media freedom discussions. Topics include opposition politics, civic movements, war crimes discourse, and digital rights. His reporting has occasionally been mentioned in human rights and academic publications addressing the media landscape in Bangladesh. 3. How to Locate Article Samples To find articles written by Islam Sarker, consider the following steps: – Search online archives of Daily Sun and Daily Naya Diganta. – Use search engines with specific queries such as ' Islam Sarkar site: – Contact the editorial offices of the newspapers to request bylined samples. – Review public social media profiles for shared links to his reporting. 4. Recommended Follow-Up For academic or institutional purposes, one may also: – Draft a formal request letter to the editorial team. – Reach out via verified social media for published links. – Request access via local libraries or journalism departments in Bangladesh. (whatsapp +8801735-632338 E-mail gulamazam96@ TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Indian Express
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
With charges against Sheikh Hasina, ICT in Bangladesh has come full circle
Written by Sreeradha Datta It is an ironic twist of fate to see the International Criminal Tribunal (ICT), formed in 1973 and revived by Sheikh Hasina herself to try those who had committed crimes during the Liberation War of 1971, now poised to indict her. Hasina, the longest-serving prime minister of Bangladesh, is being held accountable for the alleged crimes committed during her last tenure, specifically during the students' anti-quota uprising that led to her overthrow. Earlier this May, investigators submitted their report on the July–August 2024 killings, naming her as the one who issued the orders for the security forces to open fire on the protesters. To recall briefly, Sheikh Hasina took office in January 2009 with a huge mandate. To consolidate power, she ushered in amendments, including the abolition of the caretaker government (CTG) system in 2011 — a system unique to Bangladesh, which had served well in assisting the Election Commission to hold free and fair elections. Ironically, it was Hasina who had insisted on legally introducing the CTG in 1996. While she believed Bangladesh was ready to hold elections without a CTG, the opposition disagreed. Hasina then went on to use the Digital Security Act to silence any dissenting voices. The government's impunity was exemplified by elections marred by allegations of rigging, and the use of state apparatus to undermine the autonomy and independence of institutions, enabling a coterie that wielded disproportionate influence over policymaking. During the July–August uprising, security forces initiated a brutal crackdown on protesters. In the face of growing public anger and the Army's inability to guarantee her safety, she fled to India, where she continues to reside, reassuring her supporters of her return in glory to her homeland. Within days of Hasina's escape, the Interim Government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took over, promising to bring the accused to justice. The ICT, which has previously executed four Jamaat leaders and a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader, will now hear the five charges filed against Hasina. A three-judge tribunal — comprising Golam Mortuza Mozumder, Md Shofiul Alam Mahmood, and Mohammad Mohitul Haque Anam Chawdhury — will be hearing the charges. Two others charged are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and the then IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. The latter is in police custody, while Hasina and Khan remain outside the country. This is the first time Hasina has been formally charged by the ICT in connection with the crackdown that took place during the July-August protests. She has also been accused of running secret detention centres. The Interim Government has further alleged that she orchestrated the disappearance of more than 3,500 people. A report by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights highlighted the excesses that occurred under her watch. The report also reiterated that up to 13 per cent of those killed during the uprising were children. Hasina will be tried on five specific charges, including the killing of unarmed protester Abu Sayed at close range, shot in the chest without provocation. The next hearing is scheduled for June 16. Whether physically in Bangladesh or tried in absentia, Hasina will be prosecuted under the ICT Act of 1973. Bangladesh has already requested India to extradite Sheikh Hasina. There will now be a renewed attempt at a higher diplomatic level. However, the likelihood of India agreeing to extradite Hasina is low. Although a bilateral extradition treaty exists, the caveats are significant. From the Indian perspective, Hasina's trial, given the prevailing political atmosphere in Bangladesh, is unlikely to be free and fair. Apart from the ICT, requesting the involvement of the International Criminal Court is also an option for Dhaka. The writer is Professor at the Jindal School of International Affairs, O P Jindal Global University, and a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore
