South Asia Citizens Web

Published in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa last year, a biology textbook declares that "The theory of evolution, as proposed by Charles Darwin in the 19th century, is one of the most unbelievable and irrational claims in history". Ridiculing the notion that complex life evolved from simpler forms, it claims this violates common sense and is just as "baseless" as assuming that when two rickshaws collide "a motor car was evolved".

The recent violent attacks on a Hindu temple in Bangladesh’s Netrokona district, and previous assaults on temples and homes in October in Brahmanbaria are a troubling illustration of Bangladesh’s struggle to protect two of its fundamental values: secularism and pluralism.

Populism can hurt the poor even as it gives rousing voice to their dissatisfactions.

Ajoy Roy, veteran leftist politician, passed away on October 17, 2016. He had actively taken part in movements opposing the British rule in the Indian sub-continent. He was also one of the organisers of Bangladesh’s war of independence. Anindita Roy, his daughter, gives a glimpse into the life of the revolutionary soul.

In our country, the sectarian fault lines are too deep, fissures too vast and consensus on exclusion too solid. These sectarian faiths have political, social and violent capital at their disposal and they wield all three, or any one, depending upon the situation.