Tuesday | 14 January 2025 | Reg No- 06
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Tuesday | 14 January 2025 | Epaper

Bangladesh grappling with political instability, economic crisis 

Published : Monday, 16 December, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 558
Arnab Ashraf
Bangladesh finds itself at a pivotal crossroads, beset by severe political instability and an economic crisis that has left its 200 million citizens in a state of deep despair and uncertainty.  The sudden fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government on August 5, 2024, after over 15 years in power, has plunged the country into uncertainty, with so far no clear path forward. The ensuing leadership vacuum, compounded by a fractured political system and a struggling interim government, has ignited unprecedented confusion and disillusionment among the population. The nation is caught in a political maelstrom, and the situation grows more precarious by the day.

The political landscape has been shaken to its very foundation. The once stable governance that many had grown accustomed to for decades  has crumbled, replaced by a fragile interim government that is criticised, often dismissed as an "ape-regime" by detractors. This government has struggled to address the nation's most urgent problems, from spiralling inflation to growing unemployment. Political infighting and bitter divisions between parties have deepened the crisis, leaving ordinary citizens to bear the brunt of the shakiness. The political paralysis has led to widespread frustration, particularly among the youth.

The students, once at the forefront of social and political movements, now find themselves trapped in a widening psychological rift between themselves and the political hierarchy. There is a palpable sense of alienation as many young people feel disconnected from a political system that seems more interested in power struggles than in meeting peoples' pressing needs.

The economy, already on shaky ground before Hasina's exit, is now spiralling out of control. Inflation-driven largely by surging food and fuel prices-has become a nightmare for the middle and lower classes. Basic necessities, once affordable, are now beyond the reach of most people, exacerbated by a decline in wages and job opportunities. The soaring cost of living has driven millions into deeper economic hardship, rivalling the suffering seen after the 1975 famine.

In the heart of this economic collapse lies the current regime's inability and hesitation to take decisive action. The interim government, preoccupied with internal struggles on possible reforms in every sector,  has proven ineffective in implementing policies to alleviate the public's suffering. With political leaders much focused on consolidating power than addressing the economic emergency, the situation has worsened. The inflation continues to spiral uncontrollably, and the population, already on edge, is now facing the grim prospect of an economy on the brink of vitual crumple.
The middle and lower classes have borne the brunt of this economic mismanagement. The cost of basic foodstuffs-rice, fish, meat, lentils, and cooking oil-has reached astronomical levels. Fuel costs have similarly soared, making transportation unaffordable for many families. The government's failure to contain the inflation or rein in the powerful pricing syndicates has contributed to widespread hopelessness among the general population.

In the meantime, compounding these domestic crises are growing tensions with neighbouring India. Historically, Bangladesh and India have maintained a cordial relationship due to their shared border. Yet, the recent developments have cast a shadow over this once-strong bond. In Dhaka, there is increasing concern over India's alleged interference in the Bangladesh's internal affairs, particularly in the relation to the treatment of religious minorities. This has fuelled nationalist sentiments, with many citizens perceiving their sovereignty to be under the geo-political threat.

The attack on Bangladesh's diplomatic mission in Agartala has only intensified the tension. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has seized on the incident as a rallying cry for national unity, organising a long march from Dhaka to Agartala border. The march, which began on December 11, 2024, is framed as a stand against the India's perceived interference and an effort to defend the Bangladesh's sovereignty.

The march has gained significant momentum, especially as it reached the Akhaura border with India, where thousands gathered to voice their opposition to what they see as India's provocative actions. Despite heavy security measures by Bangladesh's Border Guard and local police, the protesters remained resolute. In towns like Bhairab and Brahmanbaria, crowds rallied with chants of defiance, emphasising the importance of protecting Bangladesh's sovereignty and independence. BNP leaders have accused India of "information terrorism" by disseminating biased reports about the religious persecution.

Though the protests have been largely peaceful, they underscore a growing sense of nationalism and pride among the people. These demonstrations are not solely about the unabated political instability; these reflect a broader desire to resist foreign interference in the Bangladesh's domestic affairs. For a nation that achieved its independence through 1971 Liberation war with supreme struggle and sacrifice, the defence of sovereignty remains a core value. The protests in Akhaura and beyond serve as a reminder that Bangladeshis are fiercely protective of their independence and will not tolerate perceived threats to their national sovereignty. 

Nevertheless, while defending sovereignty is crucial, it is equally important for the Bangladesh's leadership to approach the rising tensions with India through diplomacy rather than confrontation. The nation faces numerous internal challenges, and its leadership must focus on resolving these issues before allowing external tensions to escalate into a larger crisis.

According to political experts, the diplomatic engagement with India is vital to prevent the further deterioration of the bilateral relation. Bangladesh must work to protect its diplomatic missions in all-India and counter the spread of misinformation.

The current political and economic crisis in Bangladesh has reached a breaking point. The country stands at a crossroads, torn between internal dysfunction and external pressures. The political leadership  in the past has failed to provide the stability and direction the nation so desperately needs, and the people are paying the price for this failure. What Bangladesh requires now is a leadership focused on the needs of its citizens-not one consumed by power struggles and partisan politics.

The interim government must prioritise tackling the nation's economic woes, particularly the inflation and the food insecurity, if it is to restore the public confidence in the political system. Political leaders must set aside their differences and work together to address the country's most urgent challenges, including the ongoing public suffering and the absence of law and order. This is a point echoed by the national media.

The people of Bangladesh, known for their resilience in the face of adversity, are waiting for leadership that rises above petty partisan  politics and serves the common good. The nation needs a clear path forward-one that addresses the economic crisis, restores political stability, and ensures that the country's sovereignty is defended. If the political class can rise to this occasion, there is hope that Bangladesh can emerge from this period of the uncertainty and become stronger and united.

If the political dysfunction continues, the nation risks further destabilisation. The current crisis is a defining moment for Bangladesh-one that will shape the country's future for years to come. The world is watching, and Bangladesh's leaders must understand that the decisions they make now will have far-reaching consequences.

According to political analysts, Bangladesh's future hinges on its ability to overcome internal divisions and rise to meet the challenges it faces. This is a time for decisive action, not empty rhetoric.

The writer is a journalist with The Daily Observer



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