Bangladesh’s system of caretaker government is seen as a successful exercise in allowing free and fair elections, but the country’s current political crises can be traced back to this hasty, imperfect arrangement.

Bangladesh’s worsening problems are the result of systemic political failure. Even as anger mounts in the midst of pre-election jockeying, however, the truth of the matter is that little will change after Bangladeshis head to the polls in January. Regardless of who wins, it won’t be the people.

Emboldened by a history of cosy relationships with advertisers, over the past decade the Times of India has revolutionised the way that Indian newspapers must compete. With advertisers now making content decisions, print news no longer considers the reader.

A ‘youthful’ India will inevitably age. There must be creation of wealth and productive employment today, to prepare for tomorrow’s dependency.

India’s unorganised labour has always played a critical part in the economy, but the only time New Delhi has paid attention has been to pass largely employer-friendly legislation. Two important draft bills are currently being considered.

It has been long and painful, but gay rights in India is finally becoming a powerful – and integrated – political force.

Censorship in India is increasingly out of the hands of government, and in the grip of self-appointed politico-cultural guardians.

President Gayoom’s new reform plan is not very reform-minded.

The ‘informal’ sector in India actually comprises 93 percent of the country’s workforce, 40 percent of whom are women. As the Self Employed Women’s Association has discovered, such overwhelming numbers are sure to offer significant opportunities – and frighten the establishment.

They are another souvenir of Partition, the Biharis – or stranded Pakistanis – of Bangladesh.

For a city known for its flashy sensationalism, Bombay’s everyday stories seem to get regularly swept away. Luckily, some of these are being caught by documentary filmmakers.

The siren call of Bombay attracts the rich and poor throughout Southasia, including large numbers of women from Nepal and Bangladesh. While some are dragged under by the vicious subculture of manipulation and forced labour, others discover fulfilment.

Despite plenty of false starts, it finally happened: the trading pass of Nathula was reopened after four decades. Congratulations are in order. Let us now have some trade.