Today happens to be the last day of 2014. The final moments of departure are approaching fast. Parting is not always painful, especially if it is saying adieu to the time or moments that caused you pain and agony and tormented your inner soul.
Yet, we try to cling on to the fond memories that we so dearly enjoyed in the days bygone. To some, it was a long wait for 2015. The good and bad mingled to make our everyday lives. The winter, summer, autumn, and spring carried the usual splendour that it has in store forever.
Looking back, we find that the year began with hot events in cold January. The political scenario was worse, to say the least. The tug of war between the two major parties over the national polls kept the nation guessing for a long time. Uncertainty loomed large. The country was in the grip of senseless acts by overenthusiastic political actors.
The Awami League forced their way into the parliament by holding elections marred by violence and with no participation from the main opposition party, BNP. More than 150 members of parliament were through without contest. The post-poll situation has been a repetition of the blame game and political overtones.
Till today, we are in the same state of things, politically speaking. But amidst this hullabaloo, life went on.
We witnessed the passing away of many legends and celebrities. The likes of journalists ABM Musa and Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury, the Bangladesh nightingale Feroza Begum, matchless actors Khalil and Anwar Hussain, thinking minds like Prof Zillur Rahman Siddiqui, Justice Habibur Rahman, Piash Karim, Salauddin Ahmed, and more. Bangladesh lost the gallant sons who relentlessly fought to uplift the people and the country.
We also went through the travails of time. The Narayanganj seven murders and many more gruesome killings that took place inside victims’ houses sent out chilling messages of vulnerability and lack of social security.
We scored points in agriculture though. The rice export was a good gain. Agro products were in abundance, although the growers were deprived of fair prices.
The pass percentage in public school exams was high. The government was happy. The education minister was basking in the glory of his success.
However, there were questions’ galore about the standard of education, and we still differ in our opinions as to what should be the standard. There were, as usual, statements for and against the system being followed in setting question papers, and conducting exams and admission tests in universities and schools.
We were also faced with something more disturbing – high government officials having good times in their offices, posing as freedom fighters with fake certificates. An ACC officer is also reportedly a fake freedom fighter. Let’s not even talk about the gold theft from the crests given to the foreign friends of Bangladesh.
Our roads and highways remain unsafe. Countless grizzly accidents took away precious lives. The waters also swallowed many. The many launch disasters left us distressed.
In the distant lands, the political turmoil turned worse. The birth of ISIS in West Asia was alarming and exciting. The forces declared to establish the “old” Caliphate comprising of land in Syria and Iraq. They stormed in from every direction and like the forces of Genghis Khan, went on a rampage.
The killings of opposition looked more gruesome. The beheading of journalists and aid workers aired on the screen sent shivers down the spines of Western leaders. West Asia remains the hotbed of global action. Hosni Mubarak escaped the gallows while democratically elected President Morsi faces execution, if found guilty.
Then there was the unmistaken intention of the Russian President to capture Crimea. The invasion did not meet any opposition. The cold war was set to make a comeback.
In USA, Obama had bad times. The Democrats lost in the polls and it made things difficult for the president. He came out with his prerogatives, declaring legalisation of illegal immigrants and making peace with Cuba.
Not a single quarter in the NATO and the EU welcomed the move. They feared the growing weakness of the US foreign policy. The tug of war continues in the EU. Although the economy picked up in most of Europe, Greece remains to be bailed out. UK somehow stalled the secession of Scotland.
Burma remains in the clutch of military rulers, while Suu Kyi yearns for a place in the state. But that seems a far cry. The unrest with the Rohingyas will have to be addressed sooner rather than later.
The Hindu leader Narendra Modi made his way up. He became the PM of the world’s largest democracy with an astounding victory over the opposition. Congress and its allies have been reduced to smithereens.
There is already a fear of India being turned into a Hindu state. And China is soaring. It has dislodged the US as the economic superpower and now looks around the region with bigger plans. Japan and India will have to negotiate with Beijing with caution.
Grieve not 2014, we shall remember you. Meanwhile, let us pray for better times next year. Welcome 2015.