With parliamentary politics once again becoming vibrant and engaging, a clear fault line is gradually emerging between the ruling party, BNP, and the opposition, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI). Not too long ago, these two parties were political allies—both in government and in opposition—jointly leading street movements against the rise of authoritarian rule under Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League. Their eventual split largely stemmed from a redrawing of the country’s political landscape following the uprising against Hasina’s dictatorial regime, which ultimately consigned her party to political irrelevance. Both parties have been victims of egregious abuses of power, including the criminalisation of state institutions under Hasina’s rule. They endured severe persecution—enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, fabricated charges, prolonged detention without trial, and brutal physical violence. At one point, their political futures appeared nearly extinguished due to ...

As the country moves towards the much-anticipated 2026 general election—promised to be an exemplary one by the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus—early signs of political intolerance and toxicity have become increasingly alarming. Amid this volatility, journalists are raising concerns about a hostile reporting environment, ranging from online harassment to physical threats, even at this early stage of election coverage. A new study, "High Risks, Low Preparedness: Journalist Safety in 2026 Elections," reveals that an overwhelming 89 percent of journalists expect to face physical assault while covering the polls. Based on a survey of 201 journalists across 19 districts, the research paints a picture of a deeply polarised and volatile landscape ahead. It shows that  89 percent of journalists anticipate high levels of physical violence ; 76 percent expect verbal harassment, while 71 percent fear intimidation. The outlook appears even more troubling for women journ...

  Journalism today faces unprecedented attacks worldwide, targeted by powerful actors regardless of the size or influence of the targeted media outlet . Politicians, security forces, and individuals wielding technological tools are simultaneously undermining legacy or mainstream media (MSM). Donald Trump set the tone when he branded journalists “enemies of the people.” In his second term, the attacks have only grown more brazen. Politicians across the globe have followed suit, no longer willing to face scrutiny, dismissing investigations as nothing but conspiracies. On the battlefield, the situation is even grimmer. In Israel, the campaign to silence coverage of atrocities has broken all records. According to the United Nations Israel killed more journalists in the past two years than in the two World Wars, wars in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq combined. Elsewhere, too, journalists are routinely targeted by security forces who operate with impunity, thanks to weak civilian leaders...

  As political negotiations intensify across party lines, the possibility of a national reform consensus—once unthinkable—now appears within reach. Over the past weeks, Bangladesh has witnessed a marathon of political dialogues involving all openly active parties—ranging from allies to adversaries—aimed at reaching common ground on vital constitutional, electoral, and institutional reforms. These discussions,under the aegis of the National Consensus Commission created by the interim government, mark a significant departure from past political norms. Until recently, talks were verging on a deadlock, particularly over key constitutional issues: limiting the Prime Minister’s term, creating a National Constitutional Council, and establishing a second chamber in the Jatiya Sangsad. Encouragingly, parties have begun softening their stances, suggesting that consensus may be possible. Such agreement is essential for drafting what is being called the July Charter—a foundational document bas...

  The insurrection that toppled the autocratic regime of Sheikh Hasina has cost at least 800 deaths including 92 children. It has also taken the lives of five journalists, according to Voice of America. The extreme brutality employed by the security forces and the supporters of Awami League also maimed thousands of others, and again those injured include journalists, though their exact numbers are yet to be determined.  Though those victims belonging to the media were largely being targeted by police and AL activists, regrettably there were quite a few who were subjected to protesters’ backlash. Several TV channels and newspaper offices have been attacked, disrupting their broadcasts and publications. In Khulna, the press club was set on fire. In Chittagong and several other places, there have been attempts to attack and set fire to press clubs.  It is, therefore, crucial to introspect why democracy-supporting protesters attacked one of the most important institutions of ...