As we mark the first anniversary of the people's uprising—led by the country's youth, fondly known as Generation Z—it is clear that the greater task now lies ahead: rebuilding a nation with little preparation for the monumental responsibility. But then again, how could anyone truly prepare for an uprising of such magnitude, one that surged like a tsunami, defying all expectations? Over the past 15 years, prior to the changeover, the opposition—most prominently the BNP—tried repeatedly, with meticulously crafted strategies, to unseat the regime. Yet none of their efforts could rival the spontaneous July-August uprising, which reshaped the political landscape in ways that no planned agitation ever could. By systematically denying citizens their right to vote in three consecutive elections and holding power for fifteen years and seven months through sustained repression, Sheikh Hasina secured her place among the world's most notorious autocrats. And yet, even her loyal Special...

Did you know that mind-reading was an essential trait for the job of an election commissioner? I did not. But, now we know it since one of our election commissioners, Md Alamgir has said that those who are opposing the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs), in the upcoming general election do have faith in the EVMs in their hearts. He also claimed that 120 million voters have faith in the EVMs. Who, other than a mind reader or an expert in public psychology, can be so certain that the opponents of EVMs, in fact, are not telling the truth, or at the least not revealing what they really think or believe?  Election Commissioner Alamgir has experience in election management since the introduction of EVMs, the most controversial voting tool in the country, as he worked at the Election Commission on deputation from the civil service. He first came into media limelight in 2020, when he as the Secretary at the Election Commission, set a new precedent by telling journalists that returnin...