As a king tide swept through Tuvalu this month, flooding homes and disrupting local sea routes, changes in political currents were also buffeting the country. The wild weather delayed a key meeting between newly elected members of parliament to determine the successor to Tuvalu’s prime minister Kausea Natano, who lost his seat in January’s elections. The new prime minister will need to tackle pressing domestic issues and also wider regional concerns, namely its role in the geopolitical tussle for influence in the Pacific. Natano had been staunch in his government’s support of Taiwan for years. But the new leader could consider cutting ties with Taiwan in favour of establishing relations with China, as one prime ministerial candidate has already signalled. Tuvalu is one of a dwindling number of countries that maintain diplomatic ties with of Taiwan, in what Beijing views as an affront to its One China principle. Five years ago, Taiwan counted six allies in the Pacific region. Now, with Nauru severing its Taiwan ties in January, only three remain – Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands and Palau. Despite lobbying from Beijing and the promise of more economic and development aid, the three nations list democratic and cultural values among the reasons they have maintained ties with Taipei. The Pacific region, home to a quarter of Taiwan’s remaining allies, is seen as a continued target for China. Experts say the importance of the One China policy and, in particular, the location of Palau and the Marshall Islands mean Beijing may continue to apply pressure. “These countries in the second island chain are believed to have military and strategic influence not only for traditional powers, but also for China,” Australian National University research fellow Denghua Zhang says. Promise of ‘huge aid’ from China Palau, an archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean, has felt the pressure from Beijing to switch allegiances. Palau’s president, Surangel Whipps Jr, told the Guardian Chinese officials have made constant overtures to his government. “They say, ‘You understand economics. With China, the sky’s the limit. Join us and we can build all the hotels you need, you will be flushed’,” Whipps says, adding that such promises are followed with the demand for Palau to “stop recognising Taiwan”. In 2019, Tuvalu’s foreign minister, Simon Kofe, said Chinese companies had offered to build artificial islands in the country as it confronted rising sea levels, in an attempt to undermine its relations with Taiwan. “China uses economic opportunities as a card to win over Pacific Island countries,” Zhang says. Whipps also accuses Beijing of “economic coercion” by limiting the number of tourists allowed to travel to the Pacific country, cutting off a lucrative source of revenue for Palau’s vital tourism sector. The Guardian contacted China’s foreign ministry and nearby embassies for a response to comments made by Whipps and to lobbying claims, but did not receive replies. Zhang says those nations in the Pacific that have switched allegiances have been “attracted by those huge amounts of aid pledges made by China to them.” After Solomon Islands cut ties with Taipei in 2019, China doubled the amount of discretionary funds given to its MPs to use in their districts, and bankrolled a $53m sports stadium in its capital, Honiara, according to the Lowy Institute. Taiwan does not have the same economic might. Its development agency has focused on providing Pacific allies with modest health, agricultural and livestock projects – for example, establishing a piggery project in the Marshall Islands, and building a vegetable farm on an outer island of Tuvalu. “China just unquestionably can provide more than Taiwan can,” Jessica Marinaccio, assistant professor of Asian Pacific Studies at California State University, and a former technical adviser to Tuvalu’s government, says. Despite that, the three Pacific nations have chosen to side with Taipei. Whipps says the most important reasons for Palau and Taiwan’s continued partnership are “common values [of] freedom, democracy, and rule of law”, which he believes China does not share. The Marshall Islands’ newly elected president, Hilda Heine, similarly affirmed her government’s “rock solid” support for Taipei during her recent inauguration, with her foreign ministry calling Taiwan an “indispensable partner in promotion of democratic principles”. Tuvalu’s former leader Natano has celebrated his country’s common cultural values with Taiwan. Many Tuvaluans recognise Taiwan as one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the Pacific nation after it gained independence from Britain in 1978. Allies secure ‘leverage’ with US Sticking with Taiwan may also offer another kind of power. China has sought to develop a region-wide security agreement with Pacific leaders and appointed a special envoy to handle Pacific diplomatic affairs. At the same time, the US has ramped up its engagement in the region, opening several new Pacific embassies while looking to boost regional funding. It also maintains several military bases in the Pacific, including in the Marshall Islands, and is planning to build a warning radar on Palau by 2026. For Pacific countries, competition between the US and China in the region has provided “a lot more leverage” when negotiating support from western allies, says Marinaccio. One example is the Compacts of Free Association, through which Washington provides funds to Palau, the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia, in return for exclusive military access to large and strategic areas of the Pacific. In a recent letter to the US government, Palau’s president said a delay in approving funds to the country “plays into the hands of the [Chinese Communist party]”. “It’s just such an effective negotiating tool. It’s so threatening to the US, which has this really terrified image of China,” Marinaccio says. Whether Tuvalu’s new leader will continue to side with Taiwan, or review the relationship, is not yet clear. Still, China counsellor Wang Xuguang, who led the team re-establishing relations with Nauru, reportedly told Chinese media that he “believe[s] Nauru won’t be the last” Pacific country with which China re-establishes relations.

“Bangladesh achieved remarkable growth during the last two decades. Referred to as the South Asian tiger, the country has strong trade relations with the EU,” said Tomáš Zdechovský MEP (EPP, Czechia) in a conference titled “Democracy and Human Rights in Bangladesh”, which took place in the European Parliament on November 7th. “A constructive and balanced partnership based on mutual trust and respect is needed between the two sides now. There is confidence that democracy will prevail in the upcoming elections in Bangladesh, which is seen as a symbol of democracy”, he added. The co-host of the event and Chairperson of Study Circle London Syed Mozammel Ali stated: “According to the 2023 Global State of Democracy Report, almost half of the 173 countries around the world suffered a decline in at least one key indicator of democratic performance in the past five years due to reasons, such as the cost-of-living crisis, climate change and Russia-Ukraine war. Bangladesh is no exception being a populous country with 112 million voters”. “Of course, there should be a balance between human rights and security, and like Western countries, the Bangladeshi government is dealing with security forces misusing their power through judiciary processes. It takes hundreds of years to install genuine human rights and democratic traditions and there is good progress in Bangladesh”, he went on. Referring to the 11 Islamic parties out of 47 political parties being registered by the Election Commission, Ali commented: “If the Western powers are not careful, they will risk pushing the country into the hands of fundamentalists”. Ending on a positive note, “the recent Global Gateway Summit was a vote of confidence in the Bangladeshi government and such assistance would not have been given if the EU didn’t have confidence in the current government”, he affirmed. Dr. Rayhan Rashid from the International Crimes Strategy Forum stressed that “Bangladesh was party to all major international human rights conventions, including the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, while sheltering 1.2. million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. “This demonstrates the commitment of Bangladesh to human rights, but it can also cause governance and resource-related challenges”, he said, adding “human rights should not be weaponised for political gains and used as bargaining chips for trade deals”. “Disinformation is a big challenge for democracies, which shall be countered by factchecking, engaging with all stakeholders and investigating lobbying money and the purpose behind”, continued Dr. Rashid. Next, he underlined the importance of not cherry-picking one set of human rights (i.e. political and civil rights) over another (i.e. social, economic and cultural rights, such as primary education, universal pension and maternity leave scheme, Covid-19 recovery and women empowerment) and taking a holistic approach while evaluating the human rights situation in Bangladesh. Dr. Mizanur Raman, former chairman of Bangladesh Human Rights Commission, explained that Bangladesh proclaimed its independence in 1971, in a bloody independent war where 3 million lives were lost, to ensure equality, social justice and human dignity for the Bangladeshi people. “Being a product of human rights, this country cannot be anything but human rights-friendly”, he argued. Reminding delegates of the killing of the father of the nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (pictured right), in August 1975. He also highlighted that the Bangladeshi law duly imposes content-based restrictions in line with cultural exception clauses in international conventions when it comes to disrespecting the founding father of the nation and the values of the Liberation War. Reiterating that the country upholds human rights, such as social rights, right to education and children rights dearly, which is exemplified by the free distribution of 35 million books on January 1st, he added: “Geopolitical human rights are a neo-colonial approach to pressurise smaller and weaker states such as Bangladesh, which violates the international principle of sovereign equality”. “We have problems in Bangladesh, but they cannot be comprehended in isolation, and we expect support from our friends in Europe to make our democratic infrastructure stronger, richer, and sustainable. They should abstain from killing our democracy by relying on unchecked sources, opportunism, and miscalculation as was the case in the pre-colonial days”, he concluded. “Let’s not forget that historical battles in Bangladesh are ongoing”, commented Dr.Rashid. “One side chose subjugation but the other side chose freedom. One side chose equal rights but the other side chose indignity. One side chose secularism but the other side chose a religious state. This is what the Bangladeshi voters have to choose between in the upcoming elections”. Source :  EU Today 

Nearly half the countries across the world are seeing a decline in the robustness of their democracy, an international think tank said on Thursday. In its annual report, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) said that 85 out of 173 countries surveyed had "suffered a decline in at least one key indicator of democratic performance in the past five years." The setbacks ranged from flawed elections to curtailed rights, including the freedom of expression and right to assembly, the Stockholm-based watchdog said. Other variables included representation, participation and rule of law. The report named "declines in social group equality in the United States, freedom of the press in Austria and access to justice in the United Kingdom," as examples of concerning developments. "In short, democracy is still in trouble, stagnant at best, and declining in many places," IDEA Secretary-General Kevin Casas-Zamora said. European democracies also deteriorating While Europe remains the highest-performing region, several established democracies including Austria, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and the UK are deteriorating, the report said. Meanwhile, countries such as Azerbaijan, Belarus, Russia and Turkey performed well below the European average.  "This is the sixth year that we've seen more countries with democratic declines than improvements," IDEA program officer Michael Runey said. "We're also seeing declines in historically high performing democracies in Europe and North America and in Asia."  What is behind the decline? The think tank said the decline in democratic performance should be viewed in conjunction with the cost of living crisis, climate change and Russia's invasion of Ukraine — which posed major challenges for elected leaders. It specifically noted a downturn tied to the COVID-19 pandemic. Casas-Zamora said that despite the deterioration of institutions, he maintained hope in alternate forms of democratic checks and balances. "But while many of our formal institutions like legislatures are weakening, there is hope that these more informal checks and balances, from journalists to election organizers and anti-corruption commissioners, can successfully battle authoritarian and populist trends," he said. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an annual address from the Red Fort in Delhi to mark India's 77th Independence Day on Tuesday.  He spoke of a new era of abundance. He said the government will take several decisions in the near future which will influence the next 1,000 years for the country.  "Today we have demography, today we have democracy and we have diversity," he said, adding that they are the key instruments for India's future. He lauded his government for carrying out several reforms in the last nine years of his leadership. What else did Modi speak about in his address? Modi also addressed the racial violence in the northeastern state of Manipur, saying that many people have lost their lives and women raped in the last four months. He said that peace has returned to the state over last few days and hoped for its continuance.  "The path for solution in Manipur will be found through peace. The central and state government are making all efforts for a solution. We will continue to do so," he said. Other topics Modi spoke about included agricultural advancement, digital transformation and the need to prioritize the nation on the global stage. The speech takes center stage ahead of the general elections coming up in mid-2024. The national capital saw tightened security in the days before the event with over 1,000 surveillance cameras, anti-drone technology and over 10,000 police officers deployed across Delhi.  Independence Day tradition in India on the eve of India's independence from British rule — the nation's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, hoisted the national flag from the Red Fort in Delhi followed by the famous speech known as "Tryst with Destiny." Since then, every year the Indian flag is unfurled at the fort. Modi is the 13th prime minister to give an Independence Day speech at the historical fort. He paid homage to the country's freedom fighters on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, reaffirming the "commitment to fulfilling their vision." Freedom from British rule The East India Company took control of the nation in 1757 after the Battle of Plassey. Nearly two centuries later, the "Quit India Movement" resulted in the British leaving the country in 1947. Independence came at the price of partition — with the creation of two countries, India and Pakistan —  which resulted in widespread rioting and massacres, which continue to haunt both countries until today. Across India, the day is celebrated with local flag ceremonies, cultural programs, and songs which commemorate the freedom fighters of India.

US Ambassador in Dhaka Peter Haas has said that Washington wants to accompany Bangladesh on its journey to becoming a developed country by 2041, anchored on democracy, free speech, and transparency. He said it in the Independence Day reception at Hotel Sheraton in Banani on Sunday.   The ambassador said the ideals of independence of both countries were the same – nationalism, democracy, secularism, and socialism, the four principles of Bangladesh. Bangladesh had made "amazing" progress from a poor country to a middle-income country.  "The United States and Bangladesh share similar ideals that motivated our struggles for independence. Almost two centuries after 1776, Bangladesh fought the Liberation War based on four similar principles:  nationalism, socialism, democracy, and secularism."  He also said that, in the next 50 years things would be "different" since Bangladesh had set a target to become a developed country by 2041.   "To be a developed country lies in developing institutions, educating your people, improving infrastructure, and making it easy for both Bangladeshis and foreigners to invest here," he said. "To me, the story of Bangladeshis in the United States exemplifies something important:  the strength of our democracy is in our people, and the strength of our people gets full expression in our democracy", he added.   However, the United States celebrated the 247th anniversary of its independence on July 4 this year. The day commemorates the country's declaration of independence from British rule on July 4, 1776.    

US Ambassador in Dhaka Peter Haas has said that Washington wants to accompany Bangladesh on its journey to becoming a developed country by 2041, anchored on democracy, free speech, and transparency. He said it in the Independence Day reception at Hotel Sheraton in Banani on Sunday.   The ambassador said the ideals of independence of both countries were the same – nationalism, democracy, secularism, and socialism, the four principles of Bangladesh. Bangladesh had made "amazing" progress from a poor country to a middle-income country.  "The United States and Bangladesh share similar ideals that motivated our struggles for independence. Almost two centuries after 1776, Bangladesh fought the Liberation War based on four similar principles:  nationalism, socialism, democracy, and secularism."  He also said that, in the next 50 years things would be "different" since Bangladesh had set a target to become a developed country by 2041.   "To be a developed country lies in developing institutions, educating your people, improving infrastructure, and making it easy for both Bangladeshis and foreigners to invest here," he said. "To me, the story of Bangladeshis in the United States exemplifies something important:  the strength of our democracy is in our people, and the strength of our people gets full expression in our democracy", he added.   However, the United States celebrated the 247th anniversary of its independence on July 4 this year. The day commemorates the country's declaration of independence from British rule on July 4, 1776.    

US Ambassador in Dhaka Peter Haas has said that Washington wants to accompany Bangladesh on its journey to becoming a developed country by 2041, anchored on democracy, free speech, and transparency. He said it in the Independence Day reception at Hotel Sheraton in Banani on Sunday.   The ambassador said the ideals of independence of both countries were the same – nationalism, democracy, secularism, and socialism, the four principles of Bangladesh. Bangladesh had made "amazing" progress from a poor country to a middle-income country.  "The United States and Bangladesh share similar ideals that motivated our struggles for independence. Almost two centuries after 1776, Bangladesh fought the Liberation War based on four similar principles:  nationalism, socialism, democracy, and secularism."  He also said that, in the next 50 years things would be "different" since Bangladesh had set a target to become a developed country by 2041.   "To be a developed country lies in developing institutions, educating your people, improving infrastructure, and making it easy for both Bangladeshis and foreigners to invest here," he said. "To me, the story of Bangladeshis in the United States exemplifies something important:  the strength of our democracy is in our people, and the strength of our people gets full expression in our democracy", he added.   However, the United States celebrated the 247th anniversary of its independence on July 4 this year. The day commemorates the country's declaration of independence from British rule on July 4, 1776.    

PM emphasized the importance of maintaining the continuity of democracy and stability in order to ensure ongoing development and progress in the country. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today stressed the significance of upholding democracy and stability for the continuous development and progress of the country.  She said, "Pray to Allah so that democracy and stability in the country remain intact.  Due to the long-standing democracy in the country, we have been able to transform the country into a developing nation." Prime Minister stated, "It would not have been possible to achieve this if democracy and stability were not maintained."  On Thursday, july 06, she made these remarks during the inauguration of a new office for  the officers of the parliament secretariat at the at the North Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Bhaban. Referring to the enduring struggle for democracy, the Prime Minister sheikh Hasina reminded everyone that it did not come in a day. Later, she visited various sections of the Office.  Among others, Deputy Leader of the House Matia Chowdhury, cabinet members, deputy speaker, chief whip, whips, lawmakers and officials concerned were present on the occasion.

More than 90 US lawmakers have signed a letter urging US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to use all diplomatic channels to promote democracy in Pakistan. The Pakistani-American Political Action Committee, better known as Pak PAC USA, says that it’s reaching out to more than 100 lawmakers to sign the letter. In the US, the term PAC refers to an organisation that pools campaign contributions from members and donates those funds to campaigns for or against candidates, ballot initiatives, or legislation. The committee, which promotes Pakistan’s interests in the US Congress, says that it’s only trying to strengthen democracy in Pakistan and does not support or oppose any political party or group. But a PTI leader, Shahbaz Gill, did address PAC’s annual dinner on Tuesday night, soliciting support for those striving to maintain constitutional democracy in Pakistan. Mr Gill also visited some US lawmakers with the PAC team and explained to them the current political situation in Pakistan. Some PAC members, including a past president, however, objected to his inclusion in the team. The letter, which will be sent to Secretary Blinken on April 28, was jointly initiated by a Democrat and a Republican, Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, respectively. They said they were writing to express concerns about the current situation in Pakistan and to urge Secretary Blinken to “use all diplomatic tools at your disposal to pressure the government of Pakistan towards a greater commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.” They also demanded a “commitment to investigate any infringement upon freedom of speech and freedom of assembly” in Pakistan. The lawmakers said that over the past several months, they had become increasingly concerned by the blanket bans on demonstrations, and deaths of several prominent critics of the government. “We ask for your help in pressuring the government of Pakistan to ensure protestors can assert their demands in a peaceful and non-violent way, free from harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary detention,” they wrote. As both Democrats and Republicans who care about the bilateral relationship, “we are concerned that violence and increased political tension could spiral into a deteriorating security situation in Pakistan,” they warned. As supporters of a strong bilateral US -Pakistan relationship, “we urge you to use all diplomatic tools — including calls, visits, and public statements — to demonstrate US interest and prevent the erosion of democratic institutions in Pakistan,” they wrote. “Supporting democracy in Pakistan is in the national interest of the United States,” they added. The lawmakers reminded Mr. Blinken that “in this critical moment, US diplomatic leadership is necessary to prevent further erosion of democratic protections.” At a separate gathering of PTI supporters, Mr. Gill urged politicians in Pakistan to rise above party loyalties to ensure that basic rights of all political workers are respected. “In Pakistan, every group has its own victim. Victims of other groups are not even recognized,” he said at a PTI reception in Virginia on Monday night. “This is wrong. A victim is a victim. We should rise above party loyalties to support him or her.” Mr. Gill was arrested last year on charges of sedition for allegedly inciting mutiny, a charge he vehemently denies. PTI claimed that he was sexually assaulted in custody, although he later told a court that he was not. Mr. Gill, however, insists that he was subjected to torture by investigators. Later at a news briefing, Mr. Gill said that the diplomatic cipher controversy does not define PTI’s policies towards the United States. “We are not against America or any other country,” he said. “If we return to power, we will seek close friendly relations with all allies, including the United States.”

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said BNP leaders talk about democracy but show dictatorship in their activities. “Nobody knows more than BNP what is terrorism. The BNP first shed blood at Shaheed Minar. Again, they talk about terrorism. They burned people alive,” he told a discussion at Osmani Memorial Hall here marking the founding anniversary of Sheikh Russell Shishu Kishore Parishad. Quader said nobody without BNP knows the classification of terrorism but the BNP leaders are now talking about democracy in the country.