There has never been a female president in the 248-year history of the United States. However, several women have run for president. In 2016, Hillary Clinton ran for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, but she lost to Donald Trump. This year, in the November 5, 2024 election, Kamala Harris lost to President Donald Trump as the Democratic Party's candidate. Out of the 538 seats in the Electoral College, Kamala Harris won 223 votes and Donald Trump won 279. Donald Trump has the good fortune of becoming president for a second time.

According to the custom of that country, he will be sworn in as the 47th US president in January. Congratulations to him in advance.

Before this vote, Kamala Harris was ahead in various polls. Kamala Harris is serving as the Vice President of the United States, and she is the first woman, the first black person, and the first person of Asian descent to run for this position. Kamala Harris's vice presidency and the election of many women to the Senate and Congress suggested that the American public was interested in female leadership. But her experience and poll results have been distorted by Donald Trump's victory.

It is not yet time to analyze the reasons for Kamala Harris' defeat in the election. However, some things can be said now. Harris is a woman and the first black South Asian American vice president. Some voters in the country are still more comfortable with white male leadership. This cultural bias may have influenced her campaign. While Kamala Harris' political experience seems sufficient to many, she is relatively new. Many voters have already raised various questions about her national and international leadership experience.

In addition, some of her policy positions and statements have caused confusion among voters. For example, there are differences of opinion within the Democratic Party regarding her positions on immigration, health care, and crime. This policy position has made her somewhat controversial to a section of voters. US politics is currently deeply divided, and many Republicans or moderate voters may not have supported her as the Democratic nominee.

In addition, there are several ideological divisions within the Democratic Party, which may have been an obstacle to her support. Harris has been the subject of negative media coverage at various times. Her personality, statements, and decisions have often been exaggerated, which may have damaged her image. Many believe that her popularity has been limited in various states of the United States, especially in rural areas. There are some significant challenges to the election of a woman as president in the United States. These challenges come from cultural, political, and social perspectives and affect the candidates' campaigns and the attitudes of voters. In Kamala's case, they may have had an impact. Some people still believe that women would not be able to handle the challenging responsibilities of the presidency while balancing family and personal lives.

The long dominance of male candidates in the US presidential race has led to some skepticism about the political competence of women. Many voters questioned the political and diplomatic capabilities of female candidates. Especially some immigrant voters from Africa and the subcontinent. In some parts of the United States itself, religious and cultural traditions still bias women's political power. Voters in these regions may be averse to female leadership, which may act as a major obstacle in the election. As a result, the survey results have been reversed in those regions. This seems to be largely responsible for Kamala's lagging behind, especially in swing states.

In addition, the United States has never had a female president elected, so becoming the first female president will be seen as a big change. Many voters may find this change contrary to tradition and may hesitate to accept this innovation. However, in recent years, women have reached the highest levels of US politics and are constantly removing these obstacles. As a result, it is expected that such obstacles will decrease for female candidates in the future, and the possibility of a positive change is created. On the other hand, how Trump won the hearts of immigrants despite talking about stopping immigrants is a big concern at the moment.

Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election largely on the promise of a tough immigration policy, which played a major role in his victory. He campaigned on promises to build a wall on the southern border of the United States with Mexico and to stop illegal immigration. These promises appealed to concerns about security, the economy, and job security in some parts of the United States. As a result, a tough stance on immigration control became popular with many of his supporters and is likely to have helped him win the election on November 5, 2024.

Although he has taken some steps as president to build a wall on the border and implement a tough immigration policy, these initiatives have been met with much controversy and     She was also a hindrance. Yet her strategy kept her in the spotlight during the campaign and played a significant role in her victory that year, and it may well have done so again. President Donald Trump, like in the 2016 election, promised in the November 5, 2024 election that he would not start new wars and would try to end ongoing ones. During his presidency, he has partially fulfilled this promise. He has taken steps to withdraw U.S. troops from several war zones, such as Afghanistan and Syria, and to reduce the military presence in the Middle East. In addition, tensions with Iran and North Korea have increased during Trump's first term, although they have not escalated into full-scale war.

Many American voters support female leadership, but there are still some psychological and cultural barriers to electing a woman president. Although support for women has been growing in recent years. The United States has a long history of electing only men to the presidency. This departure from this tradition is a major change for many voters, and some voters believe that men are traditionally suited to leadership roles.

In addition, Donald Trump has used inflation, unemployment, illegal immigration, and the cost of the war in Ukraine and the Middle East during President Biden's election campaign to motivate voters by using it negatively. Kamala Harris has tried to win the hearts of voters by smiling at every public meeting - something that Russian President Putin also mentioned in one of his speeches.

But nowadays, voters in any country do not want to forget just a smile on their face. They want to ensure sustainable economic, social, and human welfare for everyone. There is a section of some Americans who think that women are too emotional and incapable of dealing with war or critical situations. Although this idea is largely wrong. Still, it can repeatedly become an obstacle in the way of American women rising to the presidency. In this view, many analysts believe that female leadership in the US presidency may remain elusive for many more years to come.

The author is a Professor in the Department of Social Work and former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Rajshahi University. E-mail: [email protected] 

Dhaka: More than 15 lakhs Rohingyas who have taken refuge in Cox's Bazar are frustrated because they cannot return to their homeland in Myanmar. Terrorism and deprivation surround them. Moreover, this refugee and homeless population is struggling with a crisis of identity and citizenship. Meanwhile, some Rohingya refugees are coming to Bangladesh every day by water and land after being attacked by rebel armed groups in the Arakan or Rakhine state of Myanmar. In this situation, a new political dream has been seen centered on refugee life.

The refugee camps in Ukhia and Teknaf in Cox's Bazar are said to be the largest refugee camps in the world. After visiting the camp and adjacent areas for a few days in mid-October, no one saw a ray of hope in their eyes or faces. The locals are just as frustrated as the Rohingyas. No one knows when people will be able to return to their homeland. Many are thinking about a new course of action.

The young man Abdus Salam knows a little Bengali. Describing the inhumane conditions inside the camp, he said, "I am somehow surviving. The situation is deteriorating day by day. How long will I stay like this?"

Rohingya researcher Shafiullah believes, "As new crises arise in the world, the international focus is gradually shifting away from the Rohingya. As the Rohingya crisis continues and the international community's attention shifts elsewhere, financial support for the Rohingya has decreased and those concerned are facing financial difficulties to continue the programs they are running."

He said, "The number of health centers in the Rohingya camps has decreased from 160 to 120, and the current health centers have also been forced to significantly reduce their services due to the financial crisis. The amount allocated for the Rohingya has also decreased significantly."

Locals believe, "Due to poverty, deprivation and despair, the Rohingya are getting involved in criminal activities. Many of them are being forced to participate in drug, arms and human trafficking. Many are also being linked to terrorism. Alternative measures need to be taken to end this situation immediately."

These statements are largely true. Inter-group armed clashes often take place in the camps. On Monday (October 21) morning, 3 members of the same family were shot dead after entering a house in Ukhiya's Rohingya camp No. 17. Often, 15-20 unidentified miscreants raid the camp from the S-4 and B-7 block areas adjacent to Lal Pahar of the extended camp-20 under the Walapalong police camp. Local people are also scared and terrified because of this.

Although several Rohingya organizations are interested in repatriating the Rohingya, they have given some conditions. One of which is granting Myanmar citizenship to the Rohingyas and repatriating them safely to their respective homes. According to them, 'Why go to the place where we fled with our lives if we do not get security for our lives?'

Elderly Rohingya Shakur Mahmud said, 'We cannot knowingly return to the face of death unless we get security assurance through international assistance.'

Meanwhile, neither the Myanmar government nor the Arakan Army (AA), which occupies Arakan or Rakhine Province, recognizes the Rohingyas as citizens of Myanmar. According to them, the Rohingyas are outsiders. But the Rohingya claim that, 'Historically, they are residents of the Arakan region. They have a fighting contribution to the national history of Myanmar. But due to ethnic hatred, they have been forced to flee the country due to genocide and persecution. They have a birthright in Arakan. Their land, resources, businesses and ancestral graves exist there. They will not give up their claim to nationality and citizenship.'

During a discussion with some Rohingya leaders and local people to learn about the 'future of the Rohingya', their new political dream was revealed. They said, 'Out of extreme despair, the Rohingya are turning to terrorism. Severe deprivation is pushing them on a hard path. This situation must be stopped. The Rohingya community, who has taken refuge in various places around the world, including Bangladesh, must be united and international pressure and campaign must be started for their repatriation. World public opinion must be created against the Rohingya genocide. It will not be enough to just sit in shelter. We must fight systematically for our demands.'

Despite years of genocide and persecution, the Rohingya people, who have been homeless in refugee camps, are suffering from terror and deprivation, but the glimmer of new and positive political dreams among them is giving birth to a hopeful future.

Dr. Mahfuz Parvez: Associate Editor, Barta24.com; Professor and Chairman, Department of Political Science, University of Chattogram and Executive Director, Chattogram Centre for Regional Studies, Bangladesh (CCRSBD). 

The shadow companion of the revolution is the counter-revolution. Wherever there is revolution, there is a sign of counter-revolution. Somewhere it is successful. Fail somewhere. Discussions about the revolution of Bangladesh are now intense at home and abroad. A multifaceted campaign. There are many tables. A section within the government is also dreaming of a counter-revolution. Although many plans or schemes have failed before. But the losers don't sit still. They want to smile in victory. So saying, see how many days go! There is a lot of tension on social media right now. It is said that counter-revolution is only a matter of time. This is normal in the age of freedom. This also happened in the Philippines after the revolution. So the government is worried? I put the question to the head of the government. To Muhammad Yunus. He said, this is not new news. We all know and see. Attempts are being made to weaken the government in various ways. Are you worried then? He answered directly. He said, I kept my eyes and ears open. I am taking action. After the revolution, counter-revolution is inevitable! History says so. We are doing our job. There are some mistakes. By removing it we want to go to the destination. Where is the destination? Why this question? We have said reforms and elections, we want both. We don't want to be out of time. All my work has stopped. You know I dream. Dream, now I can't even dream anymore. Where I was a free man.

Aren't you free here? I don't know if it's free, but it's on file. I have to sign the enter file every day. I can spend less time on other work - it is true. real truth

Are all files readable? Not all files are read. But you have to sign. Files are going up in the world, everything is digital. We are still 'bound by red tape'. When will this situation end?

Sir, when I get a chance I would like to know how your council is doing? Counter question - what do you think? I don't think it's important here, but people are saying different things. He said with a natural smile, there are both good and bad. Some are weak, some are strong. I am watching their work, people are watching too. After reaching a place, I have to give the number. It is currently being worked on. People are looking at us. It is not known under what circumstances we took responsibility. There is unrest all around. People want relief. If the prices of daily commodities continue to rise, the situation may take a different turn. People want to see change. And this is where the sixty minute discussion ended.

Author: Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Editor-in-Chief, ManabJamin

Courtesy: ManabJamin 

Within 10/12 days, the mountain is heated again. The situation in the Chattogram Hill Tracts is becoming fragile. There is increasing ethnic violence, mistrust and hatred. What is the cause of frequent unrest and tension in the mountains? Who is responsible for these misdeeds? Knowing the answers to these questions is very important to tackle serious problems like racial resentment.

In particular, 27 years after the signing of the peace agreement, the resurgence of conflict and tension in the mountains is a matter of concern. A peace treaty was signed with an armed group. There are now 5/6 armed groups voicing various demands. What is more serious is that trivial or ordinary incidents, which can be settled through arbitration or litigation, are also taking the form of horrific group or communal riots.

Police and local sources said that soon after the incident, agitated people from both sides split into factions and started rehearsing at the headquarters. Aggressive slogans were chanted by both sides. In order to pacify the agitated crowd on both sides, many times government officials were also attacked. Section 144 was finally issued in all cases. After the incident, the situation was very tense for a few days. Common people on both sides and their houses and businesses are affected.

On October 1, the administration issued Section 144 after a teacher was beaten to death on charges of rape in the hill district of Khagrachari when tension broke out between the hills and the Bengalis. Army and police patrols have been strengthened to control the situation. After this incident, Pahari and Bengalis took a position facing each other at Khagrachari Sadar. Both sides took out separate processions. A few shops in Sadar's Mahajanpara were also vandalized. Apart from this, a house was set on fire.

Earlier on September 18, after a youth was beaten to death on the charge of stealing a motorcycle, there was a clash between the Pahari-Bengali communities. Then the deceased Mamun's wife filed a murder case against the absconding three Awami League leaders. Later Pahari-Bengali conflict spread around Mamun's death. On September 19, shops were set on fire at Larma Square in Dighinala. A person named Dhananjay Chakma died in the clash at Dighinala. On the night of September 19, two people, Rubel Tripura and Junan Chakma, were killed in the firing by law and order forces in Khagrachari Sadar. Due to this incident on September 20, there was a clash in Rangamati. There, shops and houses were set on fire. A person named Anik Kumar Chakma died. Section 144 was imposed in Rangamati and Khagrachari on September 20. It was later withdrawn. Five cases were filed in two districts in these incidents.

It needs to be noted that ethnic discontent and communal riots are not a matter of solution only through force. If there are seeds of violence, mistrust and hatred in the society, then it will grow. While it is possible for the law and order forces to establish peace temporarily, it is not possible to uproot the seeds of trouble. As a result, there are seeds of problems, so many unpleasant things are happening in the mountains.

The question is, who is responsible for these incidents and what are the reasons? It is necessary to know in order to solve the problem. We know that the Chittagong Hill Tracts were on an armed path after independence. Through the peace agreement in 1997, it progressed in a systematic way. It is definitely a political success. But peace and harmony are not established overnight when agreements are executed. For this, it is necessary to take appropriate initiatives, through which violence and mistrust among people will be reduced and stability will come.

The task of establishing communal harmony in the hills is neglected. As a result of the agreement, Pahari and Bengali leaders are intoxicated with various titles. No one came forward to establish social peace and harmony. All are fighting against each other from group and party political positions. As a result, the larger society is also divided. In the name of party, in the name of clan, in the name of nation, they do not retreat from facing each other because this division between them has not been removed.

The surprising thing is that despite the violence and communal riots in the hills, the political leaders could not hold hands for a single alliance rally. There was no all-party harmony march or march. Groups and groups live there with suspicion and mistrust of each other.

However, after the peace treaty, along with various political changes, social and cultural changes were also necessary. There was a need to organize dialogue between groups and parties. There was also a need for mutual understanding and exchange. Then the distance between the groups could decrease by reducing the violence and hatred.

It was the responsibility of political leaders, civil society and citizens society to create an environment of social and communal harmony and peaceful coexistence. It is depressingly noticeable that they are all so engrossed in the petty political interests of their respective groups and factions that no thought or effort for the overall welfare and peace of the society is seen from them at all. Walls of divisiveness have grown and often incidents of beatings or communal riots have taken place. As a result of which there is a huge loss of life and property of common people. And tension and violence are spreading in the hills. Common people's lives and livelihoods are being affected as a whole.

Promulgation of Section 144 after riots or taking the stand of law and order forces temporarily calms the situation, but it is not a permanent solution. It is not the case that after a few days there will be unrest and the government forces will go and establish peace will come rather, the whole matter is a matter of decision by the political leadership and depends on the attitude of the peaceful position of all socially. If the people of the society do not protect their lives and property by maintaining peace for their own sake, then it is not possible for any force to establish lasting peace. Permanent peace has to be established by those who live there permanently.

Even after so many years of peace agreement, the creation of communal riots and communal tensions in the hills cannot be accepted in any way. After a few days, the warlike behavior of the two sides is also not desirable. In particular, the deaths of civilians, damage to citizens' homes and shops are completely unacceptable. No sane person can accept the picture of medieval riots in a free country. Political and social leadership must come forward to break the walls of violence and mistrust and create an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence with all. Otherwise, if the social and political leadership spreads the poison of violence and hatred for the interests of small groups and parties, then the green mountain of peace will be burnt to ashes by mutual conflicts and conflicts, which will not be good and beneficial for anyone.

Dr. Mahfuz Parvez: Associate Editor, Barta24.com; Professor and Chairman, Department of Political Science, Chattogram University and Executive Director, Chattogram Center for Regional Studies, Bangladesh (CCRSBD).