Mohiuddin Alamgir

Bangladesh’s deeply fraught political landscape witnessed a rare moment of camaraderie in parliament yesterday as lawmakers from across the aisle gathered around president-elect Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, offering handshakes and embraces.

Mirza Fakhrul spent years keeping his party afloat in opposition; he now assumes an office that may become more consequential

Bangladesh is heading towards its 13th presidential election today, but the country’s history of choosing its head of state tells a story of shrinking political competition.

It was like any other day. On August 14, 1975, the president’s office carried out its routine functions. Officials exchanged pleasantries, ministers held meetings, decisions were taken and instructions were given.

This year’s SSC results painted a grim picture, with the pass rate across the nine general education boards hitting a 19-year low and GPA-5 achievers falling to their lowest level since 2020.

When Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned as president on July 24, the spotlight immediately shifted to who would succeed him at Bangabhaban.

Government primary schools across Bangladesh are struggling to keep lessons on track as headteacher posts remain vacant in more than half of the institutions while thousands of assistant-teacher positions also remain unfilled, putting extra pressure on teachers and disrupting classes.

From electoral controversies to student protests, the events that brought an end to Hasina's 15-year rule

It began with a question that resonated with millions of young Bangladeshis competing for scarce government jobs: should merit take a back seat to quotas?

Twenty-seven of the 50 parties that contested February’s general election reported zero campaign expenditure, according to filings submitted to the Election Commission (EC).

The government has handed out contractual appointments to 12 BNP leaders and activists across key entities, including the Election Commission, despite its manifesto pledge to prevent the politicisation of institutions and strengthen their independence.

For decades, Bangladesh’s parliamentarians have been dogged by allegations of misconduct, abuse of power, and scandal.

Although now largely ceremonial, Bangladesh’s presidency has repeatedly been rocked by assassinations, military coups, constitutional changes, uprisings and political crises.

Shahabuddin’s resignation adds another chapter to a presidency repeatedly disrupted by assassinations, coups and political upheaval

The expulsion of Satkhira-4 lawmaker Gazi Nazrul Islam from Jamaat-e-Islami has raised questions over whether he can retain his parliamentary seat.

Experts differ on implications as EC prepares to examine the case

The July uprising led to public expectation for lasting reforms, including constitutional changes, to strengthen Bangladesh’s democratic institutions. Many hoped that those united in the uprising would also unite to realise those aspirations.

Uncertainty over constitutional reforms deepened yesterday as opposition MPs walked out in protest at the formation of a special parliamentary committee, insisting that the reforms be carried out through a council outlined in the July charter.

France’s squad built on integration; Morocco’s success rooted in diaspora recruitment

Running a country like Bangladesh is like riding a wild bull -- chaotic and unpredictable