Accountability

The crisis has been compounded by the rise of hardline Islamist groups since the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s long rule. Women’s rights activists warn that these groups are contributing to an atmosphere of communalism and hostility towards women, exacerbating their vulnerability.

Jagadananda, co-founder of the Centre for Youth and Social Development (CYSD), has been conferred the prestigious Justice A.K. Patnaik National Award in recognition of his lifelong commitment to grassroots democracy and inclusive development.

The study urged that the Rohingya crisis not be seen in isolation but as a social, economic, and humanitarian challenge requiring integrated responses that combine humanitarian action, climate resilience, and peace-building.

The move comes amid growing criticism over delays in fulfilling the administration’s ambitious anti-corruption and economic promises made during last year’s presidential campaign.

A proper national study was required to assess whether the Maldives should pursue a self-regulatory or co-regulatory model.

The decision has drawn fire not only for protecting the accused, but also for potentially emboldening malicious actors.

Critics point to continued arbitrary detentions and institutionalised opacity, especially in Tamil-majority regions.

Ranil Wickremesinghe, 76, was arrested on August 22, ushering in the highest-profile detention amid President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s sweeping anti-corruption campaign.