The morning light calls us to a
new year every day. Yet sometimes, that very light penetrates the depths of our
memory, where the imprint of the past year remains indelible. The year 2025 has
left a complex mark on our lives—fear, frustration, astonishment, hope, and
countless questions. The political, social, economic, and humanitarian
landscape of the country has provided lessons, warnings, and underscored the
need for new planning.
In the economy, the expectations
of ordinary people were not met. The poverty rate rose to 21 percent—36 million
people live below the poverty line, and another 62 million are at the risk of
falling into marginal poverty. High inflation, unemployment, and defaulted
loans have created pressure in daily life. Young people, despite their
education, are unable to find employment, and small entrepreneurs face
uncertain income prospects.
Inequality in education and
healthcare remains stark. Even though urban areas enjoy comparatively better
facilities, lower-income and rural populations are deprived of fair
opportunities. Many children do not reach secondary education after completing
primary school. Limited access to healthcare is reducing the quality of life
for the poor. The top 10 percent of the population owns 58 percent of the
country’s wealth, while the bottom 50 percent controls only 4 percent. This
inequality is not merely economic; it affects educational opportunities,
healthcare, security, and social dignity. There is a pressing need for
coordinated policies and long-term planning that ensures not only economic
growth but also mental well-being and social justice.
The political arena was marked by
uncertainty and tension. Interim government activities and the potential
election dates were unclear. Political parties were entangled in complex
alliances and conflicts. Reports of political violence and terrorism heightened
public concern. The issue of political security and freedom was particularly
significant for women.
However, some reassuring
developments emerged towards the end of the year. The election date has been
set—February 12, 2026. The voter list has been finalized, and candidate lists
for various constituencies have begun to be published. The acting chairman of
the BNP, Tarique Rahman, has returned to the country, restoring a degree of
political balance. These measures have provided some assurance to the public
and indicated the possibility of fair political processes centered around the
upcoming elections. Yet the overall situation remains fragile. Violence,
terrorism, and threats from anti-social forces persist. Political awareness and
democratic maturity are still evolving.
Public safety remained a deep
concern. Children, businesspeople, students, and journalists—all have been
victims of violence. At the beginning of the year, the brutal abuse and death
of an eight-year-old in Magura shocked society. Public killings on the busy
streets of Dhaka, attacks on businesspeople with machetes and stones,
extortion, and looting disrupted daily life. Fires in urban and rural areas,
airport incidents, and the Milestone School and College plane accident further
undermined the public sense of security. Attacks on journalists and
obstructions to media activity, along with the absence of social justice, have
fueled fear, anxiety, and uncertainty among the population. Addressing this
requires smart, organized, and effective policies that control violence,
protect ordinary people, and restore social trust and justice.
The education sector faced
multifaceted challenges. Fifty-seven percent of children do not reach secondary
school after completing primary education. Child labor and early marriage
continue to prevail, hindering children’s physical, mental, and social development.
Violence and murder at universities have further disrupted the educational
environment. The Parvez murder at Primeasia University, public assaults, and
student harassment have raised questions not only about security but also about
social values, moral education, and rational discipline. Insufficient
education, violence, child labor, and early marriage collectively complicate
the development of human resources in Bangladesh. Reforming the education
system, ensuring fair access, and providing quality education are essential so
that every child can develop according to their potential.
Violence and discrimination
against women remained a harsh reality. Domestic abuse, sexual harassment, and
unequal opportunities have reinforced social inequality. However, social
awareness, protest, and civic initiatives have begun to bring about change.
Women’s empowerment and social consciousness are emerging as key drivers of
national transformation. Citizens from various ages, classes, and communities
are actively participating in these movements, contributing to the
establishment of justice and human dignity in society.
Towards the end of 2025, the
country faced a significant void in its political landscape. Many leaders who
had long been active in the political arena and committed to democracy and
social justice passed away. Notably, BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister
Khaleda Zia, who died at the age of 79, left an invaluable legacy. Her insight,
struggle, and wisdom had made a profound contribution to the political process
of the country.
For 2026, the most critical task
will be to ensure human security. Safe lives, quality healthcare, and
educational opportunities must be guaranteed for children, women, and the
elderly. Strengthening law enforcement, preventing political violence, and conducting
elections fairly, transparently, and impartially are essential. These steps
will restore trust, discipline, and stability in society.
Economically, the focus must be
on poverty reduction, decreasing inequality, generating employment, and
increasing production and exports. Supporting agricultural and industrial
output, investment, new entrepreneurs, and skilled human resources will drive
the country toward long-term stability. Most importantly, social justice and
democratic culture must be established. Violence, mob actions, or personal
exploitation must never be legitimized as “mob justice.”
The new year should remind us
that national progress is not measured merely by statistics or economic
indicators but by the quality of life, security, and justice for the people.
2026 should be the year when every citizen is safe, educated, self-reliant, and
dignified—setting new benchmarks of peace, prosperity, and justice for the
nation.
