Bangladesh's political landscape, long dominated by the dynastic rivalry between Begum Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina, is undergoing significant changes. With Khaleda Zia facing legal troubles and Sheikh Hasina's continued dominance, the future of the country's political structure is uncertain. The political impasse has raised concerns about the rise of extremism, with Islamist groups like Hefazat Islam and Islami Andolan gaining influence. The Awami League's shift towards China and the potential for new political alliances highlight the complexities of Bangladesh's evolving political scene.

Stability in political leadership and power supply has been elusive in Dhaka, with no prime minister serving more than one term until Sheikh Hasina's post-2009 rule. The Speedy Supply of Power and Energy (Special Provisions) Act 2010, initially a temporary measure to address electricity shortfalls, has been extended multiple times and will remain in effect until at least 2026. Despite significant improvements in electricity generation capacity, the prolonged existence of this act raises concerns about governance and extra-legal incentives in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh's struggle for independence from Pakistan in 1971, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, established a secular state based on linguistic culture. However, the subsequent decades have seen the rise of authoritarian governance and religious extremism, influenced by Middle Eastern funding during the Cold War. The assassination of Sheikh Mujibur in 1975 led to a shift towards Islamisation, with significant political and social repercussions. Today, under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh faces challenges of weak democracy, rights abuses, and increasing religious conservatism, despite economic progress. The country's history of conflict and ongoing tensions between secular and Islamist forces continue to shape its political landscape.

Isabel Wilkerson's 'Caste: The Lies That Divide Us' argues that racism in America is better understood as a caste system, a deeply entrenched hierarchy that affects social standing, respect, and access to resources. The book draws parallels between the American and Indian caste systems, highlighting the performative violence and social mechanics that maintain these hierarchies. Wilkerson challenges the notion that working-class Trump supporters are voting against their interests, suggesting instead that they are preserving their status within the ruling caste. The book provides timely insights into the persistence of social divisions despite legal and progressive reforms, especially in the context of the global Black Lives Matter movement.

Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens's book 'Incitement' explores the life and influence of Anwar al-Awlaki, a radical ideologue who became the first American killed by a drone strike. The book delves into Awlaki's appeal among disaffected Muslim youth, particularly in Bangladesh, where he inspired a series of attacks on secular activists. Awlaki's ability to blend authoritative religious interpretation with a counterculture image made him a magnetic figure for extremists. The article also discusses the class dynamics within jihadist organizations, where middle-class members often assume 'white-collar' roles in propaganda and planning, while lower-class recruits are left with 'blue-collar' tasks like violence. The author, James Allchin, reflects on his personal experiences reporting on religious extremism in Bangladesh and the broader implications of Awlaki's legacy in developing countries, where many men feel a sense of ressentiment and a thirst for order amidst societal changes.

Britain's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic revealed significant flaws in its welfare state, exacerbated by a decade of austerity that cut public services and local authorities. The country faced the highest death toll in Europe, with the government's slow response and Boris Johnson's initial nonchalance, including a remark about shaking hands in a hospital, drawing criticism. The structural weaknesses of the health system were laid bare, with reduced hospital beds and a decimated health service leaving it ill-prepared to handle the crisis.

The new Indian citizenship law has intensified fear and anti-immigrant sentiment in Assam, exacerbating the already tense situation caused by the National Register of Citizenship (NRC). Residents like Bakkar Ali, who failed to prove their citizenship, face significant uncertainty and hardship. The law and NRC are seen as targeting non-Indian residents, particularly Muslims, leading to widespread protests and unrest.

Sheikh Hasina, facing internal and external pressures, has had to navigate complex political dynamics in Bangladesh, especially with the influx of Rohingya refugees and rising anti-India sentiments. The article criticizes Narendra Modi's anti-Muslim policies, linking them to increased extremism and geopolitical tensions in the region. It highlights the challenges Hasina faces in balancing relations with India and managing domestic Islamist forces, while also noting the influence of transnational jihadist groups like ISIS and al Qaeda.

The article examines how Bangladesh and Myanmar have used the Rohingya crisis to channel public anger towards each other, leveraging religious and identity politics. In Bangladesh, the Awami League government initially wary of Rohingya militancy, allowed domestic Islamist groups to provide services to refugees, balancing local political dynamics. In Myanmar, the impoverished and conservative Buddhist Rakhine community's long-standing desire for regional autonomy has been manipulated similarly. Both governments have used the crisis to deflect public discontent outward, maintaining control by fostering religious enmities.