Bangladesh is Burning

Bangladesh is once again embroiled in internal turmoil. The recent assassination of Usman Hadi, a popular student leader of Dhaka University, is sparking a new fire in Bangladesh that could become a new chapter in the country’s history. The death of a young student leader has raised many questions. Rumors are circulating that the February 2026 elections may not be held on their schedule and could be postponed, citing the law-and-order situation. Many people believe the February 2026 elections in Bangladesh are not in the interest of many local and foreign powers. However, the reaction to the postponement of the polls could be very severe. If this happens, Bangladesh, which was moving towards political stability, could again descend into chaos.

Tall Claims

The Pakistani government has set a target to increase the country’s exports to $63 billion over the next four years. The government says achieving the target is crucial for eliminating the IMF liabilities, along with long-held external debts. Despite the government’s best intentions, the ground realities suggest otherwise, as exports are already in a constant decline, while issues of lack of investment and poor governance are also on the rise. To achieve the aforementioned target, claims are being made to attract $200 billion worth of foreign investment over the next ten years; however, in current circumstances, foreign investment levers are at a low ebb, and Pakistan remains trapped in a debt and import-based economy, where billions of dollars in loans need to be rolled over from friendly countries every year. The political and military leadership is in agreement on reforms, but the real challenge is implementation. A big leap in exports is next to impossible unless fundamental reforms are made in the energy, tax, industry, and governance sectors. If this roadmap fails to materialize, the government will have to turn to the IMF again. Thus, the target will remain merely a tall claim.

AI and Pakistan Cinema

At last, with the screening of the film ‘The Next Salahuddin’, produced with the aid of artificial intelligence (AI), the dying flame of the Pakistani film industry’s revival has been rekindled once again. Created with artificial intelligence, the film ‘The Next Salahuddin’ was released in Pakistan in December - a revolutionary moment for the country’s dying cinema. At a crucial time when those possessing real intelligence could not revive Pakistan’s film industry despite their best efforts, one hopes AI will help Pakistan cinema stand on its feet again. After all, hope is the only thing that keeps us alive!

Grapevine