Politics and Bureaucracy
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?
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.
The democracy practiced in Bangladesh
Although democratic systems are in place in most countries today, the methods and practices followed in these democracies are not the same everywhere. However, regardless of the differences in practices, the core principle of democracy is that a government is formed through the direct or indirect vote of the people. Despite numerous debates for and against democracy in political science, democratic systems are considered the best approach for a country's development; however, significant progress can also occur under autocratic rule. In some Middle Eastern Muslim countries, there is no democracy, no accountability, and no freedom of speech for citizens, yet development continues. Therefore, judging democracy solely by development is not appropriate.
Why Kamala Harris lost in US election
Why did Kamala Harris lose in the US election? The answer lies in Donald Trump's first speech following his victory. He declared, "I am not going to start wars; I am going to stop the wars." This statement reflects Trump’s intention not to instigate new conflicts but to end existing ones. Overcoming various criticisms and setbacks, Trump’s opening words after securing his second presidential term have brought renewed hope not only to Americans but to people worldwide. Reasonably, it can be said that Americans, frustrated by Joe Biden's war-expansion policies over the past four years, lost faith in the Democratic candidate. Consequently, Kamala Harris's fate was sealed, and the crown of victory passed to Donald Trump. Biden's flawed policies led to clear Republican victories in the popular vote, Senate, and Congress.
November 75: Analyzing Khaled Mosharraf's political maneuvers
From 2009 to 2024, this day has been observed in a different context at the state and political levels. During this period, the narrative of the Awami League and the JASAD (National Socialist Party) was strongly established in the media and state apparatus. It is certain that in 2024, the day will be commemorated or observed in a new light. New discussions, new information, new equations, and new interpretations will emerge. Before diving into those discussions, let’s attempt to objectively understand what transpired during those few days.
Jatiya Party Office Fire: What signals do the act convey?
The Jatiya Party serves as a significant case study in Bangladeshi politics—simultaneously being part of the government and the opposition, thus giving rise to the concept of a "government-opposing" party. Since the ninth national parliamentary elections in 2008, they have enjoyed various privileges as a partner in power. Recently, they have been labeled as "accomplices of autocrats" by the anti-discrimination student movement.
Airlines reduce flights to India over visa complications
Air travel has always been a popular choice for Bangladeshi travelers heading to various destinations in India. However, since mid-July, the number of passengers has been steadily decreasing due to changing circumstances in Bangladesh. After August 5, complications related to visa issuance for India have led to a significant decline in passenger numbers on popular routes including Kolkata, Chennai, and Delhi, marking the lowest figures in recent memory.
Matia Chowdhury embraced public service as the mission of her life
The passing of Matia Chowdhury, famously known as the "Agni Kanya" (Daughter of Fire), marks the fall of a shining star in Bangladesh’s political sphere. Throughout her long political career, Matia Chowdhury made significant contributions to the socio-economic development of the country. Completely indifferent to wealth and riches, she was a symbol of honesty and integrity in her personal life. Despite holding positions like the Minister of Agriculture three times and various other responsibilities, she was never accused of corruption or nepotism. A key organizer of the Liberation War, Matia Chowdhury led a simple and humble life, free from any luxury or extravagance.
Long-term democratic practices will build a strong Bangladesh
A few days ago, at an event in the National Press Club auditorium, an intellectual stated, “It is not enough to have free elections for democracy to be established in the country. Long-term practice and engagement are necessary. To establish democracy, it is essential to create a national consensus among citizens on various issues and to awaken democratic consciousness.”
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.
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