Editorial Views
Eliminate the fragile state of government research in health sector
In the modern world, knowledge is power, and for gaining and advancing in any field, substantial research is essential. Without research, knowledge cannot be generated. Without knowledge, real solutions to problems are not possible. However, in Bangladesh, research is inadequate in almost every sector. There is very little research in areas like education, health, science, and society. This is one of the main reasons our nation is lagging behind.
Ensure payment of wages and bonuses before Eid
In Bangladesh, it has become an unfortunate and recurring trend that many factories fail to pay their workers’ wages and Eid bonuses ahead of the holiday. The same situation was observed before the last Eid-ul-Fitr. There are also reports that MPO-enlisted teachers and staff do not receive their salaries and Eid festival allowances before Eid.
Restore functionality to Dhaka South, reduce public suffering
The Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) now feels like a slice of hell. Most government offices are located here, along with major institutions like Dhaka University, several large hospitals and markets. The surrounding areas are also densely populated. Any form of protest, demand, or demonstration tends to impact Dhaka South first. Moreover, due to VIP movements, several important roads in this part of the city are often shut down for parts of the day. On top of that, the ongoing digging and construction work—combined with seasonal rains—have pushed Dhaka South into a state of near-paralysis, paving the way to increased public sufferings.
Democracy impossible without ensuring rule of law
Law is not just a policy or process for governing a state; in the modern world, law is the fundamental basis of a state's psychological behavior. Law not only legitimises the government but also gives rights to individuals. When the Romans first preserved Greek laws and their own, they also granted certain rights to individuals, making it clear to the people that law exists to protect them!
No problem will be solved unless unemployment rate reduced
There is no need for research to know that the number of unemployed people in the country is gradually increasing—nowadays, almost every family has one or two unemployed members. A recent survey showed that one in every three educated individuals is currently unemployed.
Push-back, not push-in; diplomatic solution is essential
Since the crackdown began in India on those suspected of being illegal Bangladeshi residents, several incidents of push-back into Bangladesh have come to light. Recently, India has reportedly pushed into Bangladesh some individuals under suspicion of being illegal Bangladeshis, though allegations have arisen that among them were even Indian citizens from Gujarat. In just the past three weeks, police in the Indian states of Gujarat and Rajasthan have identified over 1,000 individuals. According to their claims, these individuals had been residing illegally in India after coming from Bangladesh.
Increase allocations for education and healthcare
Given the dire condition of the country’s education and healthcare sectors, it was expected that the interim government would play a significant role in providing allocation to these sectors. But the draft budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year reveals that allocations for both sectors are being reduced. According to the Planning Ministry’s draft ADP (Annual Development Programme), the education sector will receive Tk 28,557 crore for 91 projects in the upcoming fiscal year, whereas the original ADP for the current fiscal year allocated Tk 31,528 crore to this sector. This marks a reduction of nearly Tk 3,000 crore. Similarly, the allocation for the health sector is decreasing by Tk 2,500 crore.
How can people eat rice shown in software!
There’s a well-known Bengali proverb — “The Qazi's cow exists in the register, but not in reality.” A farcical incident akin to this took place in Rajshahi this past April. Although rice was allocated by TCB (Trading Corporation of Bangladesh), no rice was actually distributed. Yet, the software system shows that beneficiaries have received it. The burning question is — how can people consume rice that exists only in software?
Stop violence of extortionists
The news is not only tragic but a matter of national shame. According to a report published in the media on Thursday (May 15), a Swechchhasebak Dal leader allegedly took away the cow of a housewife named Nargis Begum (25) at Rajapur upazila in Jhalokathi, because she couldn’t pay “extortion money”. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when the cow was taken from a field in Ghighra village of Shuktagor union.
How will academic year be completed!
Students received textbooks very late this year. Some schools took three to four months. Meanwhile, educational institutions fell into a trap of long holidays during last Eid-ul-Fitr, and now again, they are going to face a long break during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. According to media reports published on Wednesday (May 14), a 19-day holiday will begin in educational institutions from June 1. The authorities say this is according to the academic calendar for Eid-ul-Azha and summer vacation. Parents say the long break is disrupting students' studies. Students who cannot study in alternative ways are falling behind.