Bangladesh is a success story that has run through opportunities and challenges. Due to the country's temporary economic, energy or political crisis, a group of people who find fault with the future of Bangladesh are worried about it. A message of hope from them, an acknowledgement that the country is moving forward, is a very rare thing. However, the reality repeatedly says otherwise.
Bangladesh has moved forward despite its limitations, weaknesses and inefficiency, has survived and has surprised the world in many cases. When we were in university, we often heard that the country's gas resources would run out by 2017. At that time, it was said that if natural gas runs out, industries will close, electricity production will stop and the economy will be in a terrible disaster. But standing in 2026, it is seen that the country is still running despite various crises and limitations.
Because the lifeblood of Bangladesh's economy is not just a resource; rather, it is the labor of people, their adaptability and a productive social system. Yet it is also true that natural gas is still the main lifeline of the country's industry, electricity and energy sectors. Ensuring proper management of this resource is one of the biggest responsibilities of the state.
Similarly, there is often disappointment about the ready-made garment sector. It is said that international markets are disappearing, orders are decreasing, and the industrial sector is on the verge of collapse. But in reality, Bangladesh's export income is still mainly centered on the ready-made garment industry and its demand in the global market is also increasing.
Discussions about the gas and energy crisis are also nothing new to the people of this country. A few days ago, there was strong criticism across the country about the deterioration of the power situation, oil crisis and frequent load shedding.
Despite thousands of adversities, the country's entrepreneurs and workers have kept this sector active. The same picture is seen in the case of remittances. Although there is talk that people are returning home from the Middle East, Europe or America, the flow of remittances through legal channels is constantly increasing. The labor and sacrifice of expatriate Bangladeshis still keep the country's economy on a solid foundation.
Discussions about the gas and energy crisis are also nothing new to the people of this country. A few days ago, there was strong criticism across the country about the deterioration of the power situation, oil crisis and frequent load shedding. Starting from industries to the daily lives of the common man, various sufferings were faced. But now the situation is gradually returning to normal. Power supply has returned to stability compared to before, and the supply of fuel oil is also at a much normal level. This has started to have a positive impact on public life and economic activities.
Needless to say, people are suffering, but they are not stopping. This is the characteristic of Bangladesh. This nation has a strange ability to move forward even in the midst of a crisis. However, Bangladesh also had to bear the impact of the increase in fuel prices in the global market. Due to the increase in prices in the international market, the government has adjusted the price of oil in the domestic market as well, which was largely inevitable in terms of reality. But the expectation of the people is that if the price of oil in the world market decreases, the government should quickly pass on that benefit to the people of the country.
Because the price of fuel oil has a direct impact not only on the transportation sector, but also on commodity prices, agricultural production and the overall economy. Therefore, for the relief of the people, it is important to adopt a balanced and people-friendly policy in determining the price of fuel in line with the international market. Conversely, optimism does not mean complacency. It is also not right to take the problems lightly by saying "nothing will happen". Because Bangladesh could have done much better.
Corruption, mismanagement, lack of long-term planning in the energy sector, urban chaos and administrative inefficiency are slowing down the pace of the country's progress. With good governance, skilled leadership and realistic planning, Bangladesh could have progressed many times faster than it is now.
Bangladesh does not bow its head. This country has progressed by proving the predictions of the crisis wrong time and again. It will continue to progress in the future. Nevertheless, now it is necessary not only to survive, but also to rush towards a more planned, disciplined and sustainable development.
The writer is a teacher and Assistant Proctor, National University
