Author: The Chief Editor
The Chief Editor of Dhaka Opinion Magazine is Amir M Sayem. He is also an author, researcher and commentator on miscellaneous issues including social, political, environmental, public health and international relations. He writes with an intention to help develop societal conditions across countries.
Ill-motivated propaganda often turns out to be a concern in many countries of the world. Propaganda — which refers to the deliberate dissemination or promotion of ideas, arguments, facts, or information that may not be objective and may be selectively presented or even fabricated with the intention to influence the beliefs, thoughts, or actions of others and is made through a variety of means including mainstream media, social media, paintings, cartoons, pamphlets, films and posters — often have far-reaching negative impacts including fueling division and hostility among different groups. According to multiple newspapers, the use of advanced data analytics and…
The Gaza war has deteriorated with the attacks and counterattacks in the Red Sea, one of the world’s busiest trade routes used for a globally significant portion of grain, liquefied natural gas, consumer goods and other trades, and increased the chance of further devastating impacts. According to multiple newspapers, including the BBC, the war has already killed more than twenty five thousand, mostly Palestinians, along with a devastating humanitarian crisis. Additionally, the economic impacts of the Gaza war — which has destroyed or damaged at least 60 percent of housing units, more than 350 educational facilities and many other facilities…
Peace is definitely crucial for every society. Peace — which usually refers to a state of harmony, tranquility and absence of violence or conflict — is the foundation upon which societies thrive and individuals flourish. But without peace, conflicts arise within and between nations, many lives are lost, many people are displaced and social progress is hindered. Among others, peace that allows for the cultivation of harmonious relationships fosters cooperation and understanding among diverse communities and between different nations. But there is a lack of peace in the world. According to multiple sources including newspapers, there are conflicts within and…
Hijacking takes place in many countries in the world. Hijacking includes air hijacking, sea hijacking and land hijacking that pose significant threats to public safety and security worldwide. The hijacking of EgyptAir Flight 181 in 2016, the hijacking of the MV Mozart off the coast of Nigeria in 2021 and the hijacking of a train in Malaysia in 2017 are some recent examples. According to multiple sources including the BBC and CNN, hijacking is on the rise in the world. The hijacking of passenger planes and aircraft, ships, buses, or trains leads to the death and endangerment of many lives,…
The Indian government reached a peace deal with the ULFA last month, leaving a prospect for peace in Assam. According to multiple sources including the Indian Express, a tripartite deal — a Memorandum of Settlement — was reached in New Delhi among the Central Government, the Assam Government and the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), one of the biggest insurgent groups in northeast India. The deal disbands the operations of the separatist group. This is definitely a good step and has the prospect of making peace in Assam, one of the Northern states of India. But it remains unclear…
Election violence is a crucial problem in the world. According to multiple sources including the BBC, election violence occurs in many countries in Asia, Africa and other regions. Very recently, election violence has taken place in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Additionally, election violence has occurred in many other countries including, but not limited to, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kenya, Nigeria and the Philippines, though the extent and nature of it often vary. But election violence — acts of violence that occur during electoral processes — not only undermines the elections in terms of voter suppression and a loss of trust in…
The possibility of the escalation of the Gaza war has increased. According to multiple sources including the BBC, tensions increased between Iran and its supported groups including Houthis in the Middle East and Israel. Several developments including Houthi’s several attacks on goods carrying ships in the Red Sea, Israel’s killing of a high profile Iranian commander in Syria and the growing presence of the US and some other countries in the Red Sea for securing the movement of ships have increased the potential for an escalation of the Gaza war at least somewhat. It may not be unsurprising altogether if…
Hunger is often used in international and civil wars as a weapon, leading to concerns. According to multiple sources including Euronews, Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of using hunger as a weapon of war in the Gaza Strip. Additionally, this tactic has been used against civilians in many other wars including — but not limited to — the Rwandan civil war, the Syria war and the Yemen war. The use of hunger as a brutal weapon is employed by the warring parties and those in power to manipulate and control vulnerable populations. But this inhumane strategy has devastating consequences,…
The agreement between Venezuela and Guyana for peacefully resolving their territorial disputes over Essequibo — which has strong economic prospects — is a positive development. According to multiple sources including the BBC, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and Guyanese President Irfaan Ali have agreed in St Vincent and the Grenadines to not “use force” to settle the territorial dispute over oil-rich Essequibo this month. In a joint declaration, they also agreed to continue dialogue and establish a joint commission of foreign ministers to address any matters arising over the contested area. These developments may help reduce tensions and prevent escalation between…
Social justice is crucial for all. Social justice — which refers to the fair and equitable distribution of resources, opportunities and privileges within a society — is needed for addressing poverty and discrimination and providing opportunities with the ultimate goal of creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all. It is also vital for the protection of human rights and striving for a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect and can reach his/her full potential regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status or any other characteristic. But there is a lack of social justice for a significant…