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“We Have Not Come to Bid Farewell—Osman Hadi Will Live in the Hearts of All Bangladeshis”

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Chief Adviser at Janazah “We Have Not Come to Bid Farewell—Osman Hadi Will Live in the Hearts of All Bangladeshis” Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said, “Brave Osman Hadi, we have not come here to bid you farewell. You live within our hearts, and as long as Bangladesh exists, you will remain in the hearts of all Bangladeshis—no one can erase that.” He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon while speaking ahead of the janazah of Inqilab Mancha Convener Sharif Osman bin Hadi at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. The chief adviser said, “Dear Hadi, we have not come today to say goodbye; we have come to make a promise to you—that we will fulfill what you stood for.” He added that people across the country have praised Hadi’s political vision, which must remain alive in everyone’s minds and be followed. Professor Yunus further said that Hadi left behind a mantra the nation will never forget— ‘Chiro Unnata Momo Shir’ (Ever Upright Is My Head). “That head will never bow. We m...
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First female prime minister in Japan's history: Sanae Takaichi

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First female prime minister in Japan's history: Sanae Takaichi










A historic moment has been created in Japanese politics. Sanae Takaichi has been elected as the country's first female Prime Minister. In a vote held on Tuesday, the candidate from Japan's ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), secured a majority in both the lower house of the Diet (237 votes) and the upper house (125 votes).

The Rise of the Conservative 'Iron Lady'

Takaichi, known as 'Japan's Iron Lady,' is a close protégé of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. She is known as a politician with staunchly conservative views, similar to Abe. Her victory is seen as a significant step in Japanese politics, where female participation is still limited. However, young Japanese women have expressed skepticism about whether a conservative like Takaichi will truly advance women's rights.

Political Turmoil and 'Horse Trading'

Takaichi takes office at a time when the LDP is plagued by political scandals and declining public support. Although she was elected LDP leader earlier this month, her initial attempt to become the first female Prime Minister was thwarted when the coalition government collapsed.

Her current victory was made possible through intense 'horse trading' (political negotiation). Due to some of Takaichi's hardline decisions and comments, the smaller partner in the ruling coalition, the Komeito Party, announced its departure, breaking a 26-year alliance. This left the LDP at risk of losing its lower house majority.

'Horse Trading': To secure a majority, the LDP began negotiations with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), which holds 35 seats.

Concessions: To become Prime Minister, Takaichi accepted two of the JIP's main demands—to reduce government centralization by relocating some government functions to Osaka and to cut social security insurance premiums.

This negotiation paved the way for Takaichi's return to the path of the premiership and her subsequent election in the parliamentary vote. However, this may result in a minority government, leading to doubts about its stability.

The 'Kingmaker' Behind the Victory

Deputy leader Taro Aso played a key role in Takaichi's victory in the party leadership election. Support from Aso's faction enabled her to defeat the front-running candidate. As a result, there are concerns that Aso may continue to direct policy from behind the scenes as a 'kingmaker,' even with Takaichi as Prime Minister.

Foreign Policy and China-US Relations

As Prime Minister, Takaichi faces significant diplomatic challenges:

United States: She has emphasized the importance of the US-Japan relationship and is prepared to take swift action to resolve issues over tariffs. She has pledged to meet with President Donald Trump soon to reaffirm cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Plans for a Trump visit to Japan are also underway.

China: Takaichi's habit of regularly visiting the Yasukuni Shrine—where convicted World War II war criminals are also enshrined—is a source of concern for China. China's Foreign Ministry has warned Japan to abide by the principles agreed upon in bilateral political documents. It is expected that Takaichi will need to be much more cautious in any future action related to China.

Domestic Challenges and Controversial Positions

Takaichi faces several major domestic challenges:

Economic Situation: While she has called for all parties to unite in solving economic problems, the path to a solution remains unclear.

Defense Policy: Takaichi supports increasing the defense budget to further strengthen military capabilities. Attention will be paid to whether she takes specific steps as Prime Minister toward a policy of pre-emptive strikes on enemy territory.

Social Policy and Women's Rights: Despite being the first female Prime Minister, her stance on women's rights and gender equality is controversial:

  • She opposes allowing married couples to use separate surnames.

  • She is a strong opponent of female succession to the Chrysanthemum Throne.

  • Her position on the rights of homosexual and transgender individuals has also drawn criticism.

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