I am from Dhaka, Bangladesh and I have been blogging at The 3rd world view since 2003. I have been bridge-blogging the Bangladeshi and South Asian Blogosphere in Global Voices since 2005. As the translator coordinator for the Global Voices Bangla Lingua, I love translating selected Global Voices posts into my mother tongue Bangla. Follow me at @rezwan.
Latest posts by Rezwan
Maldives’ new president formally requests India withdraw troops from its borders
On the first day of his office, pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu formally requested the Indian Government to withdraw its troops stationed in the Maldives, making headlines in both countries.
Nepal's TikTok ban is the first step towards more government control on social media
On November 13, 2023, the Nepali government imposed a blanket ban on Chinese social media platform TikTok, alleging that the platform was fostering social discord among Nepalis.
Cracking the dilemma: Heavy metal concerns in Bangladesh's egg supply
Eggs are the cheapest protein source in Bangladesh. A recent study has identified elevated levels of heavy metals in eggs from farms located in Dhaka city, posing a health risk.
Project Khale Hobe: How the power of one aided by social media can better lives
A group of young volunteers led by a cartoonist, came forward to clean a polluted canal coursing through a populated area of Dhaka, earning praise from the entire nation.
The government of Bangladesh quietly passed the new Cyber Security Act 2023
The Bangladesh parliament passed the new Cyber Security Act 2023 after scrapping its predecessor, the controversial Digital Security Act, 2018. The new law poses similar threats to the freedom of expression.
India or China: the upcoming Maldives Presidential elections will determine future foreign policy
The pro-India incumbent president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is likely to face intense competition as seven other candidates have challenged him in the upcoming presidential elections in Maldives.
Ahead of election, Pakistan introduces new laws to stifle dissent
On August 9, 2023, the Pakistan National Assembly was dissolved to pave way for the upcoming election and dozens of bills were hurriedly passed that limit civil liberties and stifle dissent.
Dengue is becoming endemic in Bangladesh
A number of factors converged, resulting in a complex situation where Bangladesh is struggling to cope with the growing cases of dengue infections which have reached endemic levels.
Ethnic clashes bring Indian state Manipur to the brink of civil war
More than 180 people have died, and 400 others have been injured in the conflict between the majority Meitei community and the minority Kuki tribe in the Indian state of Manipur.
Permission to restore century-old houseboats in Kashmir's Dal Lake is a welcome move for tourism
The recent government decision to withdraw a five decade old ban on repairs, comprehensive facelifts and restorations of interiors of all the century-old houseboats in Kashmir was welcomed by all.
Sri Lanka's LGBTQ+ community holds Pride events demanding an end to discrimination
Civil society and LGBTQ+ activists in Sri Lanka arranged a series of vibrant and empowering Pride events advocating for equality and demanding an end to discrimination.
Comedian and YouTube content creator arrested in Sri Lanka over satire on Buddhism
The recent arrests of stand-up comedian Nathasha Edirisooriya and social media activist Bruno Divakara have sparked new public debate about the issue of free expressions and the boundaries of comedy.
‘Post at your own risk': An interview with Indian journalist Srishti Jaswal
Global Voices conducted a telephonic interview with Srishti Jaswal, an award-winning journalist from India who became the target of online harassment from right-wing trolls, receiving thousands of threats.
The rise of Bangladeshi online streaming content and the tales of ‘Mohanagar’
Bangladeshi web series "Mohanagar 2", a crime thriller that offers nuanced socio-political commentary, has been creating a buzz in Bangladesh since its release in April 2023 on the OTT platform HoiChoi.
Sri Lanka's proposed anti-terrorism law aims to curb civil protests
There is growing dissent within Sri Lanka against the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), which is intended to replace the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the accompanying bill.
Photos stolen, compensation denied: The plight of Rohingya Photographers
The works of Rohingya photographers were used by international non-profits and media houses without consent or paying for them. Global Voices interviewed journalist and filmmaker Shafiur Rahman to learn more.
India's former opposition leader loses parliament seat over conviction in a defamation case
Rahul Gandhi, the former leader of the opposition Indian National Congress (INC) has been stripped of his membership in India's Lower chamber of parliament, over a speech he made in 2019.
Bangladesh reassesses its Belt and Road Initiative strategy with China as the US offers a new alternative
After big promises made in 2015, China's belt and Road Initiative is taking a much slower pace in Bangladesh as a result of pushback from communities and the Bangladeshi government.
Hazardous air pollution reduces life expectancy by eight years in Bangladesh
This January was a terrible month for the residents of Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, as air quality was at a dangerous level for a total of nine days.
Bollywood’s ‘Faraaz’ raises questions about trauma exploitation in art
The upcoming Bollywood thriller “Faraaz” sparked controversy in Bangladesh and a legal battle in India because of the incorrect portrayal of the key characters and the victims’ right to privacy.
BBC Bangla issues its final broadcast after 81 years
BBC Bangla radio was a source of impartial and credible news during crises in Bangladesh over the decades. The closure of its radio broadcasts marks the end of an era.
