Editorial Views
Stop extortion at every level
It is no secret that many businesses in Bangladesh rely on extortion. This has been a terrible cycle of corruption in Bangladesh for a long time. Successive governments come and go; but the pattern of extortion remains the same. When various reforms are being carried out in the state after the popular July uprising, it was hoped that extortion would also decrease somewhat; but there is no sign of a decrease, in some cases it has even increased. A businessman in Dhaka recently told the media, “Earlier, extortion had to be paid to one person, now it has to be paid to four or five people.”
Increase awareness in tuberculosis detection, take steps to eliminate the disease
World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is observed every year on March 24 to raise awareness about TB and take effective measures for its eradication. Tuberculosis (TB) remains a serious infectious disease worldwide, but it is preventable and curable with the right treatment
Stop gang rivalry and violence
We are aware of the rise of gang rivalry and violence in various regions of Bangladesh. Recently, this has become a matter of serious concern. Over time, gangs have become highly active in different areas of Dhaka. Gangs are also active in various divisions, districts, and upazilas outside Dhaka, especially among the youth and adolescents. These gangs are involved in various crimes, including drug consumption. Extortion, theft, harassing the general public, and engaging in physical fights with firearms and sharp weapons are some of their typical activities. Besides being involved in various crimes, they often engage in clashes with rival groups and seek to establish their dominance. Each gang also has its own distinct "tag mark."
More vigilance over Rohingya armed groups needed
The arrest of Ataullah Abu Ammar Jununi, the head of the Rohingya rebel group Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), and 10 of his associates raises concerns that more ARSA members are hiding in Bangladesh. This is undoubtedly a warning sign for Bangladesh's security. The issue has been under serious discussion since their arrest in raids at Siddhirganj in Narayanganj and at Notun Bazar in Mymensingh on Monday and Tuesday.
Complete judge appointment process quickly
In Bangladesh, land disputes make up the majority of cases. To resolve land-related disputes, the government established Land Survey Appeal Tribunals for the first time in 54 districts in August 2023. However, news received on Thursday (March 20) revealed that although the tribunals and appeal tribunals have been established, judges have not yet been appointed. As a result, millions of cases are pending in these tribunals. Due to the prolonged delay in resolving cases, several hundred thousand people, both plaintiffs and defendants in nearly four hundred thousand pending cases, are facing harassment.
Is the cry of Gaza people reaching the ears of world leaders?
It was late night in Gaza. During the holy month of Ramadan, many people in Gaza were having their Sehri when suddenly the sound of bomber planes echoed. Explosions were heard one after another. They had to drop their food and flee. In front of their eyes, their homes were destroyed. A ceasefire was in effect. No one could have imagined such a brutal attack would come so suddenly. Many loved ones died before their eyes. Little children, having lost their parents, started running alone on the streets, crying. A little while later, the Fajr Adhan was heard. The voice of the muezzin was also filled with tears.
Active Human Rights Commission immediately
While incidents of human rights violations are occurring in a row, it is reported in the media that the National Human Rights Commission has been inactive for the last four months. As a result, victims of human rights violations are being deprived of services. According to the news published in the media yesterday, March 18 (Tuesday), after the fall of the Awami League government in the student-public uprising on August 5 last year, the commission formed during that government survived until November. Although the previous chairman and members resigned due to the change in the political landscape, the new commission has not been formed which is disappointing. This may seem like the interim government does not consider the importance of the Human Rights Commission.
Recover encroached government land
The government probably does not have an account of how much government land in Bangladesh has been encroached. News often comes in the media that such and such leaders have occupied government land or ‘enemy property’ by using political force. This process has been going on since independence. It is still going on and when the government changes, the land occupiers also change.
How intact is the democratic environment?
Bangladesh has not had a democratic environment for many years. During the previous Awami League government, three elections were held without the active and spontaneous participation of the people. Moreover, many state institutions were controversial. The law enforcement agencies were controlled. There was fear everywhere when it came to freedom of expression. Since the mass uprising, Bangladesh has embarked on a journey with the determination to build a new state. State reforms are underway. Once the reforms are completed, elections will take place. But how much of a democratic environment remains intact in Bangladesh now?
Reduce the price of rice
Many have praised the current government for keeping prices of most commodities low even during the month of Ramadan. Although the prices of vegetables and other consumer goods are low, the price of rice has increased by two to four taka per kg. That too would not have been within the realm of possibility if the price of rice had not increased earlier. According to news published in the media on Saturday (March 15), the price of rice has increased by Tk 17 per kg in a year. Where most people in Bangladesh eat rice three times a day, the increase in the price of rice by Tk 17 per kg is an additional addition to the expense account. This is difficult for many low-income families to bear.
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