Recognizing third gender in Bangladesh
Shahria Sharmin had gone to her husband’s factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh, looking to tell a positive story about the garment industry, one that would offset negative public perceptions. What she found, instead, was an even more challenging topic: the lives of five hijras, the local term for the culture of men who identify sexually as women. By day, they presented themselves as men, but at night they dressed as women and kept a home for their 
boyfriends.
That this was happening in Bangladesh, the world’s fourth most populous Muslim...
boyfriends.
That this was happening in Bangladesh, the world’s fourth most populous Muslim...
The Power of the Powerless
The Politics of Poverty at the Doha Round
On April 15, the World Trade Organization (WTO) will mark its 20th anniversary. But no one will be in the mood to celebrate. The Doha Development Agenda—the first round of trade negotiations launched under the umbrella of the WTO and the ninth in the history of the multilateral trading system—has been deadlocked since it began in November 2001. Its goal is to encourage international trade by loweringMurder of Roy: Championing illiberal liberals
Despite rising political violence in Bangladesh, the west has reserved its outrage for the murder of a secular Bangladeshi-American blogger. But his site tended to curtail rather than uphold free speech.
The murder of Avijit Roy, a Bangladeshi-American blogger, in Dhaka last week has provoked much due outrage and denunciation. Avijit was stabbed to death at University of Dhaka campus and his accompanying wife was also viciously attacked. That it was so brutally inflicted on both Roy and his wife only adds to the horrific nature of this crime.Bilateral relations with China sprouting
Bangladesh got liberated from West Pakistan on December 16, 1971. India recognised Bangladesh on December 6, 1971 amidst its independence war. Meanwhile, by the end of February 1972, 34 other countries had also recognised Bangladesh.
However, China, being a strong ally of Pakistan vehemently opposed the Bangladesh’s coming into existence and even vetoed its entry into the United Nations in 1972. China was one of last countries of the world who had recognized Bangladesh. After Pakistan recognised Bangladesh in June 1974, China followed Pakistan and recognised Bangladesh on August 31, 1975. Since then, China is maintaining steady relations with Bangladesh, but with an eye on exploiting strategic location of Bangladesh in the Indian Ocean vicinity.
Addressing human trafficking and modern slavery
When Somaly Mam was accused last year of fraud and dishonesty about her past, the repercussions were felt not just by the foundation that bore her name but also by the entire global anti-trafficking and anti-slavery sector.
On top of the closure of Somaly Mam Foundation, several affiliates have had to tighten their belts and look for other sources of funding. But despite the widespread negative impact, the controversy has a silver lining: It sparked renewed global interest in addressing human trafficking and modern slavery.
“At best, ...
On top of the closure of Somaly Mam Foundation, several affiliates have had to tighten their belts and look for other sources of funding. But despite the widespread negative impact, the controversy has a silver lining: It sparked renewed global interest in addressing human trafficking and modern slavery.
“At best, ...
