Digital Bangladesh - Press 1 for Yes. Press 2 for No By Delwar Hussain. London
Inthe euphoria that invariably follows election jubilation, promises made during the campaigning often get resigned to whispers as soon as the bunting has been folded neatly away, the international press leave and the task ahead is dawned upon. ‘Digital Bangladesh’ was a slogan continuously used by Sheikh Hasina, the leader of the Awami League Party and current Prime Minister throughout her tightly controlled election drive last December. Like all good political slogans, the particulars of what it actually entails were sketchy, becoming a trope, meaning different things to different people. (full story)
Feature
Don’t take us for granted The Muslim Times
In this general election, there has been considerable decrease in the number of Muslims elected to the Lower House of Parliament, popularly known as Lok Sabha.In comparison to the 2004 elections, nearly 20% less Muslims have been elected to the Lok Sabha this time. As a result, they will account for a mere 5% of the 543 seats.It was a historic election in more ways than one. Firstly, nobody ever imagined-the pundits and pollsters alike- that there's a Pan India undercurrent in favor of the Congress Party of India. All of them understood, assumed and predicted a coalition government. Every media group felt the same and every political (full story).
Europe
Survey clears misconception about Muslims By Umme Ammara
Since 9/11, the general perception of the Western World about Muslims has been nothing short of being suspicious by the governments concerned (in a minor way) but majorly by its general public.Thousands of printed words have endorsed this view over the ensuing years and there is nothing enigmatic about it now. The last few years have been very difficult for Muslims in general and Western Muslims in particular. Over these years, they have been asked time and again to prove their loyalty towards the country of their birth in one way or the other.They have faced the suspicion of their own people with whom they have shared the space in schools, universities. (full story).
America
Americans Muslims: Happy with their life! by Zainub Hassan
A comprehensive nationwide survey of Muslim Americans finds them to be largely assimilated, happy with their lives and moderate with respect to many of the issues that have divided Muslims and westerners around the world. Muslim Americans are a highly diverse population and mostly comprise of immigrants. They are very much American in their outlook, values and attitudes. An overhelming majority of Muslim Americans believe that hard work pays off in American society.The income and education levels of Muslim (full story)
Middle East
The new Dubai of UAE by Syed Faiz Ahmed
In United Arab Emirates (UAE), so far, Dubai has been the center of attraction. It is the star child of the region which has become the cynosure of all eyes - the workers, investors and the tourists alike. All due praise and credit must be given to its rulers for the sheer audacity of their vision. It is because of this vision that a cluster of sand has been turned into a land of opportunity with pomp and glamour attached to it.The phenomenal rise of Dubai is attributed to its long-time Crown Prince and its present King, ..full story)
