Akib Rahman Shanto

Akib Rahman Shanto is a freelance columnist and author.

Bangladesh-South Korea Relations: Fifty Years of Friendship and Partnership

Bangladesh and the Republic of Korea have enjoyed friendly relations since establishing their diplomatic relations on Dec. 18, 1973. During the past five decades,...

Can Bangladesh Surpass China in Apparel Exports?

In the last couple of decades, Bangladesh and China formed an exemplary alliance defined by mutual trust, respect, and affinity. Cooperation between China and...

Don't miss

The Algorithmic Shadow Economy

Asia’s illicit economy is shifting from gangs to algorithms—automated tools, crypto rails, and fluid digital platforms creating a fast, leaderless shadow system that outpaces regulation and reshapes regional power.

AI-Driven Trade Wars: From Semiconductors to Data Sovereignty

AI-driven trade wars are reshaping power—from chips to data. As nations race for control over semiconductors and digital sovereignty, the real battle is about who defines our shared future.

India-Afghanistan Trade Relations: Opportunities and Challenges

India–Afghanistan trade revival: new air links, Chabahar momentum, and tariff cuts open fresh opportunities — but logistics, sanctions, and regional tensions still pose tough challenges to unlocking full potential.

Strategic Resilience: How China–Russia Economic Cooperation Is Redefining Eurasia’s Power Balance

China–Russia’s deepening trade, energy, and connectivity links are quietly reshaping Eurasia. A partnership built on pragmatism and resilience is redefining the region’s power balance amid global shifts.

New Mission, Persistent Challenges, and Evolving Paradigms: The Transformation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

The AFP’s final modernization phase marks a bold shift—new missions, tougher challenges, and evolving defense paradigms. As tensions rise, sustaining reforms and credible deterrence becomes vital for the Philippines’ security future.