news – Rokan's Journal

Rethinking of Defense Industry Zone at Mirsarai

February 2, 2026

HRM Rokan Uddin When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Dhaka in June 2015, one of the most consequential—yet insufficiently debated—outcome was the proposal to establish a dedicated Indian Economic Zone (IEZ) inside Bangladesh. Framed as an economic confidence-building measure, the proposal aimed to facilitate Indian investment and deepen bilateral economic integration. Then Prime Minister Sheikh … More Rethinking of Defense Industry Zone at Mirsarai

A Free Fair Election without External Influence

January 23, 2026

Brig Gen HRM Rokan Uddin (Retd) Bangladesh’s experience with elections has never unfolded in isolation. From the very birth of the state, external forces—regional powers, global actors, donors, and international institutions—have interacted with domestic politics in ways that shaped not only election stability but also the deeper character of governance. These influences have rarely operated … More A Free Fair Election without External Influence

The Return of Election Engineering in a Post-Revolution Nation

January 15, 2026

Brig Gen HRM Rokan Uddin (Retd) For decades, the people of this country have lived under the shadow of elections that were elections in name only. Votes were cast, but ownership of those votes never truly rested with the people. Sometimes manipulation was crude and blatant—open administrative bias, security-backed takeover of polling centers, ballot boxes … More The Return of Election Engineering in a Post-Revolution Nation

Blood on the Hills: The Making of a Crisis

January 12, 2026

Brig Gen HRM Rokan Uddin (Retd) The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) have long been one of Bangladesh’s most fragile frontiers. Rugged hills, dense forests, and a border touching both India and Myanmar make the region strategically vital. Whoever controls the CHT holds a gateway to the Bay of Bengal and a corridor to India’s vulnerable … More Blood on the Hills: The Making of a Crisis

Trial of Army Officers Before the ICT: Law, Policy, and Institutional Crisis

October 20, 2025

Brig Gen (Retd) HRM Rokan Uddin In Bangladesh, the recent formation of charge sheets and summons issued by the International Crimes Tribunal against several army officers has sparked an intense legal, constitutional, and institutional debate. This is not merely a matter of one case, it raises profound questions about the balance between the country’s constitutional … More Trial of Army Officers Before the ICT: Law, Policy, and Institutional Crisis

Bangladesh’s Democratic Crossroads: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Road Ahead

September 25, 2025

HRM Rokon Uddin The fall of Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year regime on 5 August 2024 marked one of the most dramatic political upheavals in Bangladesh’s history since independence. The ensuing appointment of Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus as Chief Adviser of an interim administration created a fragile but hopeful opening. A year on, Bangladesh stands at … More Bangladesh’s Democratic Crossroads: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Road Ahead

Arakan Army’s Provocations: Resolution Lies in Firm Stance

September 22, 2025

HRM Rokan Uddin The Arakan region (today’s Rakhine State of Myanmar) has been deeply connected with Bengal for centuries. There were strong bonds of trade, culture, and migration between the coastal belts of Chittagong and Arakan. During the medieval period, the Sultans of Bengal maintained close ties with the Arakanese kingdom. Sufi saints, traders, and … More Arakan Army’s Provocations: Resolution Lies in Firm Stance

No More Compromise: Through justice, the honor of the Armed Forces will be reborn

September 16, 2025

By Brig Gen (retd) HRM Rokan Uddin, psc The history of every nation is shaped not only by its victories but also by its betrayals. Bangladesh is no different. Our beloved armed forces, born out of sacrifice, discipline, and patriotism, have been our shield in war and our pride in peace. Yet, there have been … More No More Compromise: Through justice, the honor of the Armed Forces will be reborn

The Rampant Corruption among Leaders: A National Moral Crisis

September 15, 2025

Corruption, a disease that gnaws at the very fabric of society, has unfortunately become a common affair among our nation’s leaders. The involvement of forces chiefs, various department heads, members of parliament, and ministers in corrupt activities is not only alarming but also indicative of a severe moral degradation within our nation. The frequent evasion … More The Rampant Corruption among Leaders: A National Moral Crisis