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From Bush to Shafiqur Rahman : How Public Figures Handle On-Stage Health Crises

Reader’s Question:  “Jamaat Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman collapsed twice during a speech but managed to finish it seated — how unusual is this? How do other world leaders handle such incidents? Are such collapses common, and do leaders usually recover and continue, or do they step down? What does this say about public expectations?” 1. Introduction: A Leader’s Unexpected Struggle On July 19, 2025, Jamaat Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman experienced two sudden collapses while delivering a major address at Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan. Although visibly shaken, he chose to complete his speech while seated, with the event broadcast live across national and international platforms. This dramatic moment ignited debate over the physical demands placed on leaders and how such episodes shape public perception. While his determination impressed supporters, critics questioned the implications for his health and leadership capacity. Incidents of leaders stumbling, fainting, or collapsing in public are not unp...

Empowering the Diaspora: Overcoming Challenges and Unlocking the Future of Overseas Voting in Bangladesh

Subtitle:  Exploring global best practices, Bangladesh’s unique challenges, and the technological roadmap to enfranchise millions of expatriate voters. Introduction The right to vote is one of the most fundamental pillars of democracy, enabling citizens to actively shape the political landscape of their country. For Bangladesh, with a significant global diaspora, the issue of overseas voting is both timely and critical. Millions of Bangladeshi expatriates, spread across the Middle East, Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia, remain deeply connected to their homeland through economic, cultural, and familial ties. Despite their contributions, these citizens remain largely excluded from the electoral process. Globally, diaspora voting has proven to be a powerful instrument for engaging citizens abroad, reinforcing national identity, and ensuring that governance reflects the voices of all stakeholders. Countries such as India, the Philippines, and various European nations have alre...