The chief election commissioner, Kazi Habibul Awal, faces unprecedented challenges as he leads the Election Commission toward the 12th national election amid heightened opposition and international scrutiny. In this analysis, Ambassador Serajul Islam unpacks the complexities of Awal’s approach and its implications for Bangladesh’s future. As the people await the right to vote, he reflects on the parallels between Bangladesh’s struggle today and the historic fight for independence. He also highlights the intricate involvement of foreign powers and the economic ramifications of neglecting democratic reforms. The article ends on a poignant note—questioning whether the regime’s direction leaves room for a tomorrow.

In EC’s Wasted Dialogue, Ambassador Serajul Islam critiques Bangladesh's Election Commission's outreach to political parties amid intensified political suppression. With the BNP's offices locked and leaders incarcerated, the dialogue aims to legitimize an election many argue is predetermined under the 15th amendment. This analysis casts light on the struggle for democratic representation, comparing the current climate to Bangladesh’s 1971 liberation war for political rights. The article suggests that only a caretaker government, backed by the international community, can ensure a fair and free election, crucial for Bangladesh's future.

The Bangladesh foreign secretary’s recent visit to New Delhi raised eyebrows, suggesting an attempt to garner international support amidst escalating political pressures. This article delves into the motivations behind the visit, the diplomatic implications, and the regime’s stance toward the United States and India on key political issues affecting Bangladesh’s future.

THE US ambassador Peter Haas is under the spotlight of Bangladesh’s politics because the Biden administration placed him there. He did not waste any time on arriving in Dhaka in March 2022 to let it be known to all and sundry what his role would be.

The transition in U.S. foreign policy under President Biden has placed significant pressure on Bangladesh’s Awami League (AL) regime, underscoring rights and democracy issues with targeted sanctions and visa restrictions. This shift reveals fractures in the AL’s previously firm alliances, especially given the recent media criticism from India, a traditional ally. The AL regime now faces unprecedented scrutiny, with U.S. demands for democratic reforms impacting both domestic and international credibility.