Sheikh Hasina has long been a steadfast friend of India, and it is important that India continues to support her and her party (‘I have faced down unelected politicians before’, November 16).
The current situation in Bangladesh is deeply concerning, with unruly and dangerous elements appearing to take the lead while Muhammad Yunus seems unable to rein them in. If this trajectory continues, Bangladesh risks drifting towards instability reminiscent of Pakistan, which would inevitably pose challenges for India.
Hasina will always have a home in India and can remain assured of India’s support.
Gaurish Kumar,
On email.
Congratulations to THE WEEK on getting a detailed article from Hasina. Her love and warmth towards India is unmistakable. People in Bangladesh should always remember that their country’s very birth as a nation was made possible by India’s support. The aspirations and dreams Bangladesh now enjoy as an independent nation would never have materialised had it remained under Pakistan.
Mukul Sharma,
On email.
Hasina’s resilience, confidence and unwavering commitment to her vision for Bangladesh show that she is a determined leader who navigates challenges with wisdom.
Praveen Thimmaiah,
On email.
Hasina’s article rightly questions the credibility of judicial proceedings that seem politically motivated and lacking in transparency. A credible, independent review mechanism—free from political influence—would go a long way in restoring trust and reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to justice and human rights.
Myilsami A.,
On email.
Hasina is correct when she says that Bangladesh is a powder keg waiting to explode. India, however, must tread carefully and ensure that its friendship with Dhaka remains above political anxieties. There is also no need for Hasina to return home until the situation in her country stabilises. It is unfair that certain sections are trying to portray her as the villain. Bangladesh was once a bastion of religious harmony, but, sadly, that is no longer the case.
Vikas Asthana,
On email.
Glimmer of hope
The spotlight on real heroes who face oppression and discrimination, as portrayed in films like Bison Kaalamaadan and Karnan, offers a glimmer of hope—one that great thinkers like Periyar and Ambedkar had long envisioned (‘The day of the underdog’, November 16).
Unlike utopian films, Mari Selvaraj’s works hold up a mirror to a society scarred by deep inequality. The message of confidence and hope these films offer to viewers from the most marginalised layers of society is both powerful and profound.
C. Chandrasekaran,
On email.
Truly impressed
I enjoyed reading Shashi Tharoor’s column (‘Gandhi, Trump and the Nobel conundrum’, November 16). I am truly impressed by the mastery of thoughts and the delightful sense of humour. I look forward to more such expressive writing.
Sashikala Ramnath,
On email.
Tharoor’s article brings into focus an issue long overdue for discussion. An honour as globally revered as the Nobel Peace Prize must be reserved for those who have truly devoted their lives to the service of humanity. Mahatma Gandhi remains the most powerful example of this spirit—not because he sought recognition, but precisely because he did not.
Such awards demand careful thought, discernment and moral responsibility. They should never be influenced by popularity.
Sukrutha Puravankara Pradeep,
On email.
Gandhi’s nomination in 1948 generated global anticipation, but fate intervened—he was assassinated just before the scrutiny of nominations. The Nobel committee, then, declined to confer the award, citing its rule against posthumous recognition, resulting in no prize being awarded that year.
Interestingly, this rule was later amended, allowing the Nobel Peace Prize to be awarded posthumously to Dag Hammarskjold, the former UN secretary-general, in 1961.
By denying Gandhi the Nobel Peace Prize, his stature in the world history has not diminished. Instead, it is the credibility of the Nobel committee that has suffered.
K.V. Ravindran,
On email.
Remembering Tariq
“As you abruptly walk out of my life, dear Tariq [Bhat], you leave behind a fragrance that has perfumed THE WEEK’s pages and my life…,” says Editor Philip Mathew (‘Letter from the Editor’, November 16). After reading it, my eyes welled up. As a regular reader of your magazine, I join you in extending my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
T.T. Pandian,
On email.
I remember reading Tariq’s unbiased reporting for more than a decade. My sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Tariq’s family and to THE WEEK’s team. May his soul rest in peace.
Nagesh S. Adiga,
On email.
The tribute to Tariq captures not just the passing of a journalist, but the quiet dignity of life spent seeking truth in turbulent times. The editor’s words transform grief into gratitude, reflecting the deep bonds that form when work is guided by purpose rather than position. In remembering Tariq, we are reminded that journalism’s true worth lies in empathy, fairness and courage—values that outlive every headline. Perhaps the best way to honour such lives is to uphold these principles in every newsroom, ensuring that truth continues to find its voice, even in silence.
M. Jeeva,
On email.