Tuesday, 22 October 2024

Chiroranjan Sarker

Columnist
Wed, 15 Nov 23

Columnist

Uncontrolled Market: Who holds the responsibility?

Politics and Bureaucracy

Tue, 8 Oct 24

Uncontrolled Market: Who holds the responsibility?

The prices of essential goods are not coming under control at all. The prices of rice, lentils, oil, fish, meat, sugar, and eggs are rising, and now the prices of vegetables have also skyrocketed. The cost of vegetables is jumping rapidly, leaving the general public in distress. After the fall of the Awami League government, there was a sudden drop in vegetable prices, which brought joy to many. People thought happiness had returned, but this situation did not last even two days. Citing rain and floods as excuses, the prices of various vegetables surged even higher than before. Currently, prices in the fresh market are out of control for almost all products without any apparent reason. Most vegetables are now priced at 80 to 100 takas per kilogram. As a result, limited-income consumers are struggling as they enter the market with their bags. There are growing questions among buyers about who is controlling the market, or if anyone is in control at all. Some have even started reminiscing about the better days of the past.

Let there be mass resistance against mass beatings

Politics and Bureaucracy

Sat, 21 Sep 24

Let there be mass resistance against mass beatings

Two individuals were beaten to death on the same day at Dhaka University and Jahangirnagar University. A group of students attacked a young man suspected of theft in Fazlul Haque Muslim Hall at Dhaka University. Meanwhile, at Jahangirnagar University, a former Chhatra League leader was also killed by mob violence. In Khagrachari, a youth named Mohammad Mamun was beaten to death on allegations of motorcycle theft. This incident sparked clashes and violence between Adivasis and Bengali settlers in Dighinala.

Mob justice on the rise: A serious concern for society

Politics and Bureaucracy

Thu, 12 Sep 24

Mob justice on the rise: A serious concern for society

The term "mob justice" has been increasingly prominent in recent discussions. When formal justice mechanisms fail, people sometimes take the law into their own hands, leading to what some refer to as mob beatings or crazy public justice. Since the student-peole uprising on August 5 that led to the fall of the Hasina government, mob justice has been a persistent issue in Bangladesh. This phenomenon has become a serious concern, threatening the integrity of the country's judicial system, law and order, education, culture, economy, and foreign investment.

Quotas necessary based on principle of social justice

Education

Fri, 12 Jul 24

Quotas necessary based on principle of social justice

The country is currently embroiled in a heated debate over reservation or quota issues. Students and job seekers are staging daily protests and road blockades. Dhaka city has been paralyzed for the past few days due to these protests, leading to severe traffic congestion in various places. The public’s frustration is directed at the government, with many questioning why it isn't addressing the quota issue. Government officials maintain that the decision to abolish or retain quotas is currently under judicial review and that it is up to the courts to decide.

Eviction of Mironjilla settlement of Harijan community by City Corporation is lack of conscience

Politics and Bureaucracy

Thu, 13 Jun 24

Eviction of Mironjilla settlement of Harijan community by City Corporation is lack of conscience

The measure of a society's civilization is determined by the rule of law it upholds. Alongside race and religion, humanity is a significant aspect of a country. Ignoring this humanity and the rule of law, an eviction drive was carried out in the Mironjilla settlement of the Harijan community in Ward 33 of Banshal, Dhaka. In this eviction drive, one person, overwhelmed with anger and despair, attempted suicide. Despite being supposed to attend school in their uniforms, students joined a human chain to protest against this eviction.

Crisis and Relevance of 14 Parties

Politics and Bureaucracy

Mon, 27 May 24

Crisis and Relevance of 14 Parties

After a long time, the ruling Awami League held a meeting with the stakeholders of the 14-party alliance. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was also present at this meeting. Mainly, after the death of former Awami League leader Mohammad Nasim, the activities of the 14 parties have come to a standstill. Although there were a few online meetings in between, they failed to rejuvenate the alliance. After the meeting on May 22, some stakeholders of the 14-party alliance are hopeful, while many are still disappointed with the alliance. They believe that whenever the Awami League faces adversity or problems, talks about the alliance emerge. However, when things settle down, they only assert their own importance. There is truth in the remarks of the alliance stakeholders regarding the Awami League. In reality, no one remembers the smaller parties when they are in power.