2013 was a year riddled in tragedy. It was the year in which the government we had previously elected, with our foolish hope for change, not only failed us as our leaders, but haphazardly threw our country into the depths of death, destruction and deprivation.
Their election promises – from ten taka chaal to free education for all – went unrealized; instead, Bangladesh has witnessed skyrocketing food prices, declining access to basic necessities, decreasing economic growth, and withdrawal of FDI due to the Awami League’s actions. Our standing in the world has also drastically fallen due to the consequences of Sheikh Hasina’s rapid repeal of democratic rights, values and norms. And the imposition of autocracy is a direct threat to the very identity of our country, one that was founded on the pillars of democracy.
It is now more than ever that we Bangladeshis must unite together to bring the country together. Politics have ripped Bangladesh apart, exploiting divisions in our community and allowing us to forget that we are more than just our political parties – we are Bangladesh.
So today, with the beginning of a new year, we must look back at our past mistakes to move forward. We must fight for a Bangladesh that does not belong to the politicians, but to us: for a Bangladesh where the government does not silence our voices; for a Bangladesh where we do not have to choose between earning a livelihood and sacrificing our safety; for a Bangladesh which does not pit its people against one another; and most of all, for a Bangladesh that believes in democracy, justice and humanity.
Let us unite to fight for a better future and a better Bangladesh. Let us take back what it means to be Bangladeshi, and fight for the values that we – not our politicians – believe in.
