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Chiroranjan Sarker

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Conflict looms without consensus on elections
Conflict looms without consensus on elections

Conflict looms without consensus on elections

It was agreed that the interim government would run the country based on discussions and consensus with various political parties and relevant stakeholders; however, as time passes, disagreements between the government and different political parties are increasing. Even on the crucial issue of state reforms, consensus has not been established. Several commissions formed for reform have submitted their proposals, but there seems to be little interest in them within the political arena. Some political parties have even raised the demand for national elections to be held by July-August. This has created a sense of hesitation within the government as well. After assuming office, the interim government strongly stated that elections would only be held after the necessary reforms, but given the changed situation, the government appears to be becoming more flexible about holding elections.

Winter brings political heat
Winter brings political heat

Winter brings political heat

Winter is gradually setting in. The meteorological department has forecast several cold waves this month. While winter might be enjoyable for the middle and upper classes, it is far from comfortable for the poor and working-class people. The lack of adequate warm clothing leaves them shivering in the cold. For the elderly and those with health issues, winter is an alarming season. They yearn for warmth and warm clothing, but no one seems to guarantee these basic necessities.

Why government faces challenges with oil-related issues?
soybean oil

Why government faces challenges with oil-related issues?

The crisis regarding edible oil continues to persist. On December 9, when there was a sudden shortage of bottled soybean oil in the market, the government decided to raise the price by 8 taka per liter. As a result, the price of one liter of bottled soybean oil has now been set at 175 taka, while the price of loose soybean oil is 157 taka. The price of loose soybean oil has increased from 149 taka per liter to 157 taka. The price of loose palm oil has also risen from 149 taka to 157 taka per liter. However, soybean oil is unavailable at these prices. Most shops in various parts of the capital are unable to supply bottled soybean oil, and there is a kind of chaos regarding loose soybean oil. Traders are charging arbitrary prices for loose soybean oil, with some selling it for as much as 200 taka per liter.

Why political parties seek state reform rather than themselves?
নির্বাচন কমিশন

Why political parties seek state reform rather than themselves?

Politics controls everything in our lives. Yet, with blindfolded eyes, we manage to control politics to some extent. This mutual control is like an illusion or magic, the fog of which has narrowed our vision. With each passing day, it narrows even more. We, the common people, are drifting along with the current, not moving towards greater awareness. As the surrounding system gradually changes, we find ourselves in a situation where, despite being victims of various issues, our voices of opposition are steadily diminishing. Although this is natural! Even when we examine the market, we forget to scrutinize the context of our social lives and surroundings. There are always a few exceptions, whose outcries we prefer to see as "breaking news," yet we never want to imagine ourselves facing their situations.

Muntaha's murder reminds stark degradation of humanity
Muntaha's murder reminds stark degradation of humanity

Muntaha's murder reminds stark degradation of humanity

Five-year-old Muntaha. Red lipstick on her lips. A smile on her face. Shiny black hair down to her shoulders. Her charming eyes gazing fixedly. She is dressed in a purple outfit. Such a bright and beautiful child, Muntaha Akter's photo spread across social media, particularly Facebook. Seven days after her disappearance, her body was found near her home. The child's body had been buried in a muddy pond. Muntaha's home was in the village of Birdal Bhararifoud, in the Kanaighat Upazila of Sylhet.