We observe Daily Observer's 11th anniversary at a very complex time moving towards a democratic transition haunted by uncertain political future this year.
For Bangladesh, 2024 had markedly been a tumultuous year full of unprecedented dramatic and political events following the sudden collapse of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League regime. After the Anti-Discriminatory Students' led movement and formation of the Interim Government, existing challenges had only intensified.
Law & Order situation have manifestly deteriorated, frequent incidents of violence, unrest and vandalism have turned not breaking but regular news. Bureaucracy and law enforcement agencies appear visibly reluctant to execute their responsibilities. Country's key RMG export items continue to struggle to get back in track. With Ramadan knocking at our door inflation remain at double digits, registering high price of daily essentials. Political crisis prevails with differing and divisive opinions from major political parties hindering clear path to free, fair and credible polls.
However, in the midst of such uncertainty, instability, anarchy and chaos, Bangladesh is about to witness launching of first-ever students-youths led political party. People hope and expect the new political party would bring changes in the traditional political trajectory.
Given all the new and awaiting challenges, now is not the time for indulging in disputes, disagreements and conflicts by dividing the nation. Opportunity does not repeat as Francis Bacon once quoted - "A man must make his opportunity, as oft as find it."
We make an urgent call to all our patriotic citizens to unite and collectively move forward during this critical transformative period while refrain from dividing the nation. Political vendetta will breed more hatred and lead to further divide. Crimes and criminals must not go scot-free, but innocents should not be the victims.
2025 offers us a year of hope and to begin afresh by reflecting on our successes and failures.
We believe - holding a free, fair and credible general election, restoring democracy and ensuring economic recovery will be three key challenges for the Interim Government. Efficiently dealing with a potential political crisis leading up to the next general elections will be another major challenge.
The most important question we ask while observing our anniversary - What future does Bangladesh has when it comes to restoring democracy?
With alarming rise in extreme and divisive political ideologies across the horizon, and years of controversial electoral exercises, the writings on the wall are quite clear.
Needleless to say these would only cause uncalled for suffering for the general people. The country will be badly affected on all aspects of life. It is time we all take a sincere pledge and cut-across-party-lines to work together, so to build a democratic and prosperous Bangladesh.
Expecting the next general polls to be free, fair and credible, we call on the government to leave no stone unturned to make it all- inclusive and participatory.
A key component of a meaningful election is in the practise of participation in two forms - participation of all parties across the political spectrum and free as well as enthusiastic participation of voters.
The best we could do as a responsible media house is to stand for people's rights.
We share our anniversary commitment of free and objective journalism.
