The Confluence BD Podcast

Dhaka, a metropolis with a four-century history, stands as a testament to history's layers. However, a story of chaotic growth has been weaved into its numerous streets and avenues due to a lack of urban planning. Read our article on Dhaka Metro Rail here: https://theconfluence.blog/how-dhaka-metro-rail-is-transforming-bangladeshs-urban-commute/

Innovation always outpaces regulations. And thus arises disruptive changes. Nowadays, nonconsensual deepfake pornography is surfing around the internet, making women subject to character assassination and threats. What can we do about it? What policy challenges does it introduce?

Bangladesh has recently shared its groundbreaking perspective on the Indo-Pacific region, a much hyped and celebrated issue in the world. On the eve of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's tri-nation visit to Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom, Bangladesh announced its “Indo-Pacific Outlook” (IPO) with an emphasis on expanding and engaging in constructive regional and international cooperation process, which is expected to contribute to regional as well as Bangladesh’s sustainable development and prosperity. On April 24, 2023, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam made a statement regarding this outlook. This much-awaited outlook holds special significance in the regional and international arena for Bangladesh. Through the announcement of its IPO, Bangladesh has once again brought forward its balanced and non-aligned position in global arena where stability and prosperity of the region matter most. And peace is at the center. And Bangladesh wants to involve all parties to achieve this goal.KEY TAKEAWAYSIn the face of increasing global polarization, the Indo-pacific region has become geopolitically important and all global superpowers are forming strategies regarding the region.Bangladesh, as a major maritime nation having the Bay of Bengal bordering its territory with control over a significant water body plays a pivotal role in the Indo-pacific and has maintained strong neutral position in the ongoing polarization. The Indo-pacific Outlook of Bangladesh as drafted, shows the continuation of Bangladesh's foreign policy principle - 'friendship to all, malice towards none' and is a manifestation of creative diplomacy. While the rest of the world is talking about a 'free and open' Indo-pacific region, Bangladesh also adds to it 'peaceful, secure and inclusive' in the discourse and grounds the IPO on 'peace' to its core with a development-oriented approach.