Another Dhaka Fall
With reference to the SouthAsia Magazine’s Cover Story titled ‘Another Dhaka Fall’ of September 2024, I must add some important points missed in the articles. The political history of the Indian Bengal region is dotted with cataclysmic changes and life-altering revolutions. Most importantly, this part of the world is quite dynamic and a bit restless until events are not settled in the right direction, tipping the scales in favor of the overwhelming junta. The recent toppling of Hasina’s fascist regime was just another episode of Bengal’s long-cherished national character defying formidable challenges and security threats in pursuit of a flurry of goals and objectives aimed at peace, prosperity, and the long-term well-being of a unified nation.
Dr. Kalam H. Siddiqui,
Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Significant Achievement
The rise and rise of electoral democracy in Bhutan is praiseworthy. In a short span of time, both policymaking and governance in the small country have made significant strides. Bhutan recently elected two female members to the National Assembly, including one elected member to the National Council, which is indeed a significant achievement in the history of a small Himalayan nation. This suggests that the country’s legislative bodies and lawmakers are open to creating a level playing field by offering both its men and women equal opportunities in all spheres of life. This achievement will go a long way towards addressing missing links and identifying existing gaps that must be addressed to strengthen governance and democracy.
S. Tandin Wangmo,
Dagana Dzongkhag, Bhutan
Remarkable Feat
Many people are concerned about the future of democracy in India. However, they need to see the positive side of New Delhi’s continuing journey to democracy since its inception as an independent nation. Regarding the recent Lok Sabha election results, Rahul Gandhi’s rise as a formidable political figure has reaffirmed the erratic nature of Indian politics. Even though Prime Minister Narendra Modi has secured a third term, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) miserably failed to achieve a parliamentary majority, falling well short of its 370 in the 543-seat Lok Sabha parliament. Damaging Narendra Modi’s reputation as the face of the BJP party, the disappointing election results have also highlighted the democratic side of the world’s largest democracy, a remarkable feat unseen in other parts of the world.
Shakeel Raza,
Saharanpur, India.
Sri Lanka at a Crossroads
Besides presidential elections, Sri Lanka is also approaching parliamentary polls later this year. In September 2024, almost two years had passed since mass public protests took place all over Sri Lanka, demanding an end to widespread corruption, the abuse of state power, and the implementation of much-needed democratic reforms.
However, these demands are largely unfulfilled despite the lofty promises of the emerging political forces in pursuit of a new beginning. This is noteworthy since the 15-year period has also passed since the end of the civil war in Sri Lanka. In a similar vein, however, victims and their families are still waiting for justice. As things currently stand in the island nation, a prevailing sense of exclusion halts progress, paving the way for more human rights violations and corruption. To make things worse, the economic situation is still precarious for most of the country’s citizens. Between 2021 and 2023, the poverty rate doubled, and a large number of households were forced to choose between education and energy and between food and healthcare. It is high time the newly elected government took decisive steps to demonstrate its commitment to bringing about the transformational changes in the system needed to promote accountability, ensure justice and reconciliation, and fully protect the right to freedom of expression.
T. S. Onisha,
Kotte, Sri Lanka.
Hasty Exit Fallout
As the recent turn of events suggests, the United States seems to have learned little from history, especially recent ones. More’s the pity: War-ravaged Afghanistan has been mired in acute disorder and chaos for more than five decades in a row owing to America’s self-interested policies and cherry-picked approaches, corroborating the flawed U.S. policy towards Afghanistan, not just that of the former President Joe Biden-led administration. Other than the ill-managed withdrawal of the U.S. troops from Afghanistan, the hasty U.S. exit was almost a face-saving act in an abortive attempt to mitigate losses and exit Afghanistan while keeping some dignity intact as the Taliban has been able to regain power. Unfortunately, the people of Afghanistan are still paying the price of a hasty U.S. departure.
Najeeb Akhundzai,
Kabul, Afghanistan.
Future of Pakistan Cricket
Pakistan cricket is at its lowest point at the moment. Having recently been beaten on their home soil in both Tests by a cricket minnow like Bangladesh, the Pakistan cricket team has continued its never-ending spree of one-sided defeats, particularly in its home grounds. It’s time to examine the collapse and revamp the depleting cricket infrastructure in Pakistan with an unbiased mind. Although the current PCB chief seems to have shied away from carrying out so-called surgery and making strong decisions, the need of the hour is to appoint someone on the cricket board who knows the game well and can run administrative affairs smoothly. So far, the future of Pakistan cricket is bleak.
Shazia Baloch,
Hyderabad, Pakistan.
Skillful Diplomacy
Pakistan needs to revisit its decades-long diplomatic approach in the ongoing transformed landscape. The modern era has paved the way for a growing multipolar world. The power equation is being redefined while intense competition for global influence among powerful nations is at its peak in a noticeable form. Currently, countries with robust economies and modern technologies have become central on a global scale. In the given scenario, Pakistan must consider its diplomatic policies since the country seems to have the international clout and heft it had once enjoyed a few decades earlier. Pakistan is no longer a country that could shape and influence geopolitics. In a word, a display of skillful diplomacy is needed to build multiple relationships with the leading nation and pursue national interests for the greater benefit of the nation.
Syed Zaigham Naqvi,
Karachi, Pakistan.