As Bangladesh recalls its ambassador from Myanmar and flirts with backchannel talks with the Arakan Army, a rebel group fighting the Myanmar junta, an old geopolitical question gains new relevance: Should Bangladesh consider formally absorbing Arakan — historically known as Arakan and now called Rakhine State — and integrate it as a province? It’s not […]
India once held a commanding presence in South Asia: economically, politically and culturally. But in recent years, it has watched its influence erode across the region. From Bangladesh and Nepal to the Maldives and Sri Lanka, the neighborhood is tilting steadily toward China. In response, India must act decisively and strategically. It must stop taking […]
The proposed humanitarian corridor from Bangladesh into Myanmar’s Rakhine State may appear noble in intention, but beneath its humanitarian gloss lies a perilous path that threatens Bangladesh’s security, sovereignty and long-term national interest. Despite well-meaning international appeals, Dhaka must abandon this plan unequivocally and without delay. At its core, the corridor risks dragging Bangladesh into […]
During a high-level gathering held at Dhaka cantonment, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Waker-Uz-Zaman delivered a comprehensive address covering the timing of national elections, the constitutional role of the military, national sovereignty, and several matters of public concern. The following summarizes the main points, as reported by sources who spoke to The Daily Star. Although […]
The political impasse unfolding in Bangladesh between Army Chief General Waker Uz Zaman and interim Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus reveals a troubling lack of cohesion at the highest levels of leadership. At a time when the country needs a unified front to guide it toward elections and stability, personal agendas and institutional friction threaten […]
India and Pakistan are once again accusing each other of religious extremism. But behind the rhetoric lies a deeper irony: both nations, shaped by religious nationalism, are increasingly mirroring each other in ideology and intent. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently criticized Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, for what he called an “extreme religious […]
SpaceX’s satellite internet service Starlink officially launched in Bangladesh on Tuesday, offering high-speed, uninterrupted internet access across the country. The service, available nationwide, begins at 4,200 taka ($35) per month for the ‘Residence Lite’ package, with a premium ‘Starlink Residence’ plan priced at 6,000 taka. Both packages require a one-time payment of 47,000 taka for […]
The United States and Bangladesh have begun formal discussions on a potential Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a move expected to strengthen bilateral trade and shift global supply chains toward more stable partners. The agreement, if finalized, would eliminate high tariffs on Bangladeshi exports — especially in the key garment sector — while anchoring the South […]
India’s decision to restrict the import of Bangladeshi goods through its northeastern land ports marks a troubling shift in regional trade policy. The new measures, which block the entry of ready-made garments and other key exports from Bangladesh via land, risk undermining years of progress in bilateral economic integration and regional connectivity. This approach not […]
Remittance inflows are playing a growing role in driving innovation and productivity in South Asia, according to a study examining their long-term economic impact. The report, titled Unveiling the Impact of Remittances on Productive Efficiencies, highlights how financial transfers from abroad are fueling more than just household consumption. They are increasingly linked to national economic […]
