Editorial Views
Ensure students receive books immediately
In the history of Bangladesh's primary and secondary education, there has never been such an embarrassing situation for students. For the past 15 years, students have been accustomed to receiving new books on January 1, marking the beginning of their Book Festival. However, as January is coming to a close, many students still have not received all their books. While some have received two or three books, there is uncertainty about when they will get the rest. According to reports published in the media on Monday (January 20), the education department has stated that it may take until February to distribute all the books. However, given the current situation, it seems that while all primary books may be distributed by February, it could take until March for the secondary books to be fully distributed, according to printing-related experts.
Revitalize the stagnant cultural arena
After the student movement in France in 1968, there was a cultural wave in the country. Book sales increased by 40 times, and the influence of the student movement was profoundly felt in music, theater, and cinema, covering the entire cultural spectrum. However, in our country, after the recent uprising of the student-public, a contrasting picture is emerging. Publishers report that book sales have significantly dropped, and cultural events seem to be almost nonexistent. During the winter season, various traditional local cultural festivals are usually held throughout Bangladesh, but this year, things are different. According to media reports, the country's cultural arena seems to have fallen into a state of stagnation.
Let police be pro-people
The Police Reform Commission submitted their reform proposals to the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, at the Chief Adviser’s Office on January 15. The proposals cover various issues, including the use of force, detention, arrest, search, interrogation, human rights, creating an unbiased and accountable force, recording general diaries (GDs) at police stations, case registration, investigation, and verification. Particularly, the report suggests setting limits on the use of force by police in controlling illegal gatherings and processions, providing guidelines for arrest without warrants, and for the custody and interrogation of suspects. Additionally, the Commission has recommended amendments and revisions to 22 laws to reform the force.
Forest safety starts with guard security
There is a popular saying in rural Bengal on the chest of gold jewellery. The question is, which is more valuable—the gold jewellery or the chest that holds it? This saying reflects the idea that if the chest is not secured, there is a risk of the jewellery being stolen. Similarly, in a country where forests are as valuable as gold, forest guards are just as important as the chest that holds the treasure. These guards risk their lives to protect the forest from thieves and poachers. However, if these guards are sent into the forest without any means of self-defense, it is like sending someone into a river filled with crocodiles and sharks with their hands tied.
Why the "No Page Tearing" graffiti is causing uproar?
Sometimes it feels as if the country has become like a land of anarchy. No one understands when, who, why, or how something happens. It seems it's a country where anyone can do anything here. A page that carried messages of harmony and goodwill led to turmoil, and in the ensuing clashes, 33 people were injured. Such an incident could likely only happen in Bangladesh, because this nation has seemingly lost its sense of reason and logical judgment. Especially some groups are constantly trying to exploit the situation for their own gain. Otherwise, this event cannot be explained in any other way.
Retreating under bureaucratic pressure is a bad omen
After the people's uprising, when the 'Public Administration Reform Commission' was formed alongside other commissions, we hoped that this commission would be able to work independently. We expected it to bring about necessary and significant reforms to weaken the bureaucratic system to some extent. However, when administrative officers organized a protest on December 25, demanding the resignation of Abdul Mueed Chowdhury, Chairman of the Public Administration Reform Commission, over his proposal to introduce a 50 per cent quota for promotion to the position of Deputy Secretary, doubts began to emerge. This raised concerns about whether the commission would be able to work independently under the pressure of the bureaucracy.
Stop Kidnapping and Extortion
After the mass uprising, people had hoped they might finally be able to live in peace. However, the situation in Bangladesh is akin to a torn blanket—when one side is covered, the other remains exposed. With the ongoing gas crisis and rising commodity prices already creating instability in urban life, the added threats of kidnapping and extortion are only increasing people's anxiety. The abductions for ransom and the open acts of assault for extortion are making people more fearful. Alongside this, the persistent threat of mugging continues. Recently, incidents of businessmen being threatened have also been reported. Police have indicated that professional criminals and top terrorists are involved in various crimes, including kidnapping and extortion.
Where will people go amid gas crisis?
For the past 15 days, most households in the capital have been cooking on electric stoves. Those who cannot afford electric stoves are either using clay stoves or buying food from outside. The severe gas shortage being experienced in the capital is unprecedented. This gas crisis is not limited to the capital; other districts like Comilla, Gazipur, and Narayanganj are also facing significant gas shortages, increasing people's suffering. In many areas, gas is unavailable during the day, and people have to wait until night to light their cooking stoves. Industrial customers are also not receiving the required gas, causing production in export-oriented factories to be disrupted. Many factories are closing due to the lack of gas, and new investments are deterred. As days pass, the outcry and suffering over the gas crisis are growing.
Why is dilly-dally in taking over hospital after completion?
Such negligence and disorder could likely only happen in Bangladesh: despite the construction being completed, no government authority has taken over the hospital for several years. The hospital has been lying idle year after year. The contractor has been guarding the hospital with their own staff for almost four years. Despite repeated letters, the authorities have not taken over the hospital. Due to this prolonged delay, various items in the hospital have been stolen.
Why sudden VAT increase amid high inflation?
For the past two years, the people of the country have been struggling against rampant high inflation. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the average inflation last year was 10.34 per cent. Although the overall inflation decreased slightly in September, food inflation remained above 10 per cent. BBS data shows that in December, food inflation was 12.92 per cent, while non-food inflation was 9.26 per cent.
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