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Created: 05 March 2025

On August 5, the political landscape in Bangladesh changed dramatically, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reportedly leaving the country with military support. Following her departure, a constitutionally illegitimate Advisory Council led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus and backed by the military took control. A cabinet composed of student advisors was formed, marking a significant departure from the traditional governance structure.

At the same time, the country witnessed an unprecedented wave of judicial action, with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) beginning to handle hundreds of cases, including allegations related to the deaths of more than 800 students and civilians who had been actively involved in the movement before the regime change. Dr. Yunus acknowledged that the movement leading to this change was meticulously planned. However, subsequent events have been marked by widespread reports of police brutality, persecution of minorities, sexual violence, arson, extrajudicial killings, and mass arrests of political figures and activists linked to the previous administration.

The new government faces significant challenges, including an economic downturn, diplomatic failures, and increasing reliance on fundamentalist groups and Pakistan. The rising tensions have also strained Bangladesh's historically strong alliance with India, which could lead to broader geopolitical consequences, including military conflict.

Civil Wars in Historical Context: Civil wars have shaped the political, social, and economic landscapes of nations throughout history. While internal conflicts are usually internal, they often attract international attention due to their far-reaching effects. This section examines the causes, consequences, and political dimensions of civil wars, including historical and contemporary examples.

Historical Summary of Civil Wars: From ancient times to the modern era, civil wars have played a significant role in changing national trajectories. The Peloponnesian War (431–404 BC) saw the Greek city-states engaged in a struggle that bore the characteristics of a civil war. Similarly, the Roman Civil War (49–45 BC) led to the fall of the republic and the rise of imperial rule.

In the following centuries, internal conflicts such as the Wars of the Roses in England (1455–1487), the English Civil War (1642–1651), and the American Civil War (1861–1865) reshaped governance structures. The 20th and 21st centuries saw the Russian Civil War (1917–1922), the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), and the Chinese Civil War (1927–1949), all of which had lasting global effects. Recent conflicts, including Syria (2011–present) and Yemen (2014–present), illustrate the ongoing nature of civil wars.

Causes of civil wars

Civil wars arise from a variety of political, economic, and social factors, including:

Political oppression: Authoritarian rule and suppression of dissent often lead to civil wars, as seen in Syria and Libya.

Ethnic and religious divisions: The conflicts in Rwanda (1990–1994) and Nigeria (1967–1970) show how deep divisions can trigger violent struggle.

Economic inequality: Disputes over resources, as in Sudan, can lead to civil wars.

Colonial legacies: Arbitrary borders drawn by colonial powers have led to long-standing internal conflicts in Africa and the Middle East.

Ideological clashes: Political ideologies such as communism versus capitalism have historically fueled wars such as Vietnam and Greece.

Consequences of civil wars: The effects of civil wars are profound, including:

Humanitarian crises: Mass displacement, famine, and widespread human rights violations.

Economic collapse: Destruction of infrastructure and depletion of human capital.

Political instability: Iraq and Afghanistan have experienced challenges to post-conflict governance. Bangladesh seems to be following the same path of conflict.

Regional and global impacts: Destabilization of the entire region, resulting in refugee crises and international intervention.

Political perspectives on civil wars

Different schools of thought offer unique interpretations of civil wars:

Realist perspective: Sees civil wars as power struggles, prioritizing state sovereignty and non-intervention.

Liberal perspective: Advocates human rights and international peacekeeping.

Marxist perspective: Relates civil war to class struggle and economic inequality.

Constructivist perspective: Examines identity, culture, and social structure in civil war.

Comparative Bangladesh scenario

Bangladesh's political unrest, while not yet a full-blown civil war, exhibits many of the characteristics found in internal conflicts worldwide. Political repression, suppression of dissent, judicial manipulation, economic instability, and shifting international alliances have intensified tensions. The government is busy erasing all the history of the country from the 1971 liberation war to the subsequent coups and politics. The defeated forces of 1971 are on the field to take revenge. The Bangabandhu Memorial Museum was bulldozed with the help of the government. They are busy creating a communal state by erasing all the history, traditions, and achievements of independence in the name of reforms, which will give rise to a massive conflict shortly.

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Created: 05 March 2025

Edmonton, Alberta (DEC News) The Alberta Parliament in Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, became a vibrant hub of cultural exchange as it celebrated the Bengali New Year with dignity and enthusiasm on April 16, 2024

. The event marked a significant moment in Alberta’s cultural calendar, resonating with the rich traditions of Pohela Boishakh.

MLA Jackie Lovely extended a warm welcome to Bangladeshi community leaders at the Legislative Building. The event set the stage for a meaningful meeting between Bengali-speaking community leaders and the Honorable Speaker of Parliament, Nathan Cooper.

In his address, Speaker Nathan Cooper conveyed heartfelt wishes for a joyous Bengali New Year and expressed his keen interest in visiting Bangladesh shortly. He emphasized the importance of strengthening the bilateral relationship between the Alberta government and Bangladesh.

The essence of the Bengali New Year, with its vibrant festivities such as village fairs, traders' halkhata, Mangal Shobhajatra, Nagordola, and the iconic Ramna Batmool Chhayanaut gathering, was enthusiastically celebrated. The colorful attire worn by attendees reflected the spirit of individuality, universality, secularism, and humanity—values deeply embedded in the festival. These traditional elements found recognition even within the distinguished halls of the Alberta Legislature.

The celebration commenced with Speaker Nathan Cooper introducing various organizations dedicated to preserving and promoting Bengali heritage, including the Bangladesh Heritage and Ethnic Society of Alberta, Bangladesh Canada Association of Edmonton, Edmonton Bengali Association, and Alberta Bengali Society. These organizations have played a vital role in upholding Bengali culture and traditions in Alberta.

Notable guests included Bir Muktijoddha Delwar Jahid, Chief Advisor of the Bangladesh Heritage and Ethnic Society of Alberta, and President of the Bangladesh North American Journalist Network. Other esteemed leaders in attendance were BCAE President Din Islam, Janmejoy Das Chowdhury, Bikash Talukder, and Rozina Meena.

During the afternoon session, MLA Jackie Lovely presented a statement on the significance of Pohela Boishakh. Additionally, Delwar Jahid, a prominent advocate for human rights and democracy, held a separate meeting with government caucus MLA Jason Stephan to foster further dialogue and understanding. The presence of Babu Indra Chowdhury, the United Conservative Caucus Community Outreach Coordinator, added energy and vibrancy to the event, ensuring a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere.

A Historical Perspective:

The Bengali New Year was first officially recognized at the Alberta Parliament on April 4, 2017. The session was chaired by Honourable Robert E. Wanner, then Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and featured a member statement by Ms. Woollard, who acknowledged the significance of the occasion and extended New Year greetings to the Bengali community in Alberta.

She remarked, "Bengali New Year, or Pohela Boishakh, is the first day of the Bengali calendar, celebrated on April 14 in Bangladesh and many other South Asian countries. It is a time of fairs, festivals, and music, with people preparing traditional dishes and visiting family and friends. A key part of the celebration is the meal of fermented rice and hilsa fish."

The deep-rooted traditions of Pohela Boishakh, originating from rural Bengal, have evolved into grand festivities in urban centers, especially in Dhaka. The procession organized by the students and faculty of the University of Dhaka remains one of the most iconic aspects of the celebration, featuring themes that reflect Bangladesh’s culture and politics.

A Community-Led Initiative:

The first celebration at Alberta’s Parliament was spearheaded by the then government under the NDP. Eminent journalist Delwar Jahid played a leading role in uniting the Bangladeshi community and advocating for the recognition of Bengali heritage in Alberta.

The continued celebration of Bengali New Year at the Alberta Parliament underscores the province’s commitment to cultural diversity and inclusivity. As the tradition grows stronger, it fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Bengali heritage among the broader Canadian society.

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Created: 14 December 2024

Press Freedom at Rock Bottom in Bangladesh: Analysis in Light of Global Trends

Delwar Jahid

Press freedom remains a cornerstone of democratic societies, serving as a vehicle for disseminating information, shaping public opinion, and accountability. However, the extent of press freedom varies widely worldwide, shaped by historical, legal, and socio-political factors. This article discusses the state of press freedom in Bangladesh, compares it with global standards, and explores the best countries to study journalism.

Bangladesh: A Dangerous Territory for Journalists

According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Bangladesh ranks as the third most dangerous country for journalists in its 2024 list of dangerous countries. Although the country’s constitution guarantees freedom of expression, this right is often undermined by legislative, political, and social pressures.

Legal constraints: Journalists in Bangladesh face severe legal challenges, including the 1974 Special Powers Act, which allows for detention without trial for up to 120 days. Additional legal constraints include criminal penalties for defamation, sedition, and reporting on sensitive national security matters. These laws significantly hinder investigative journalism and discourage the press from effectively checking power.

Lack of security: Journalists often work in an environment rife with censorship, harassment, and intimidation, leading to widespread self-censorship. These challenges weaken the press’s ability to act as a strong watchdog, weakening public trust in the media.

Global perspectives on press freedom: Countries worldwide demonstrate varying degrees of commitment to press freedom. For example, Sweden stands out as a trailblazer, becoming the first country to constitutionally guarantee press freedom through its 1766 Freedom of the Press Act. The law sets a historic precedent for openness and transparency.

In contrast, neighboring South Asian countries, such as India, face similar struggles in maintaining an independent press. India ranks 159th out of 180 countries in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, reflecting significant challenges in terms of media autonomy and the safety of journalists. The index assesses the political, economic, sociocultural, legal, and security conditions for journalists. India’s declining rank since 2017 indicates growing concerns about press freedom in the region.

Best Countries to Study Journalism: For aspiring journalists, understanding and navigating the dynamics of press freedom is crucial. The following countries offer exceptional opportunities to study journalism, marked by a strong tradition of press freedom and academic excellence:

Sweden: With a historic commitment to press freedom, Sweden provides a supportive environment for studying media ethics and investigative journalism.

Denmark, Finland, and Norway: Known for their high levels of press freedom and journalistic integrity, these Nordic countries are ideal for students seeking rigorous training in journalism.

New Zealand and Ireland: These countries emphasize ethical reporting and critical thinking while providing strong legal protections for journalists.

The Netherlands and Switzerland: Renowned for their progressive approach to media studies, these countries encourage innovation and adaptability in modern journalism.

Conclusion

Press freedom is a fundamental pillar of democratic societies, yet its realization remains uneven worldwide. In Bangladesh, restrictive laws and security threats pose significant challenges to journalistic integrity and public trust in the media. Despite these obstacles, the country’s vibrant and courageous newspapers continue to play a vital role in holding the power of account and raising awareness about social injustice.

Countries like Sweden exemplify the potential of press freedom to drive democracy and transparency. For future journalists, studying in countries with strong press freedom traditions can equip them with the tools and perspectives needed to advocate for this essential right worldwide. Strengthening legal protections, building a culture of tolerance, and ensuring accountability for violations are important steps to promote and protect press freedom in Bangladesh and beyond.

Author: President, Bangladesh North American Journalists Network