As the curtains close on 2024, we find ourselves not just a year older but, perhaps, a decade wiser -- or at least a decade more bewildered. This was a year when reality seemed determined to outdo satire, when every headline read like the plot of a dystopian thriller, and when Bangladesh proved once again that history doesn’t just repeat itself; it does so with a vengeance. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane, carefully sidestepping the potholes of despair, to revisit the chaos, the comedy, and the occasional glimmers of hope that defined this rollercoaster of a year.
January began with a dramatic and polarizing election. The contest was flawed by allegations of voter suppression and ballot rigging, leaving the Awami League desperately clinging to power. Opposition parties united in protest, claiming the election was nothing short of a farce. The streets were alive with demonstrations, and the seeds of dissent were sown deeper than ever.
Amidst this political turmoil, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus faced a conviction for labour law violations. The case stirred national and international debate, portraying a judiciary that appeared increasingly partisan. By August, his convictions were overturned, a move seen as a triumph for justice, albeit one forced under the glare of global scrutiny. Adding to the chaos, January also witnessed a horrific train arson attack that claimed five lives, a grim reminder of the fragility of public safety in a country fraught with unrest. The month set the tone for a year that promised -- and delivered -- unrelenting upheaval.
February brought renewed cross-border shelling from Myanmar, intensifying humanitarian and security concerns along the border. The crisis spotlighted the vulnerability of Rohingya refugees and the challenges of maintaining territorial sovereignty. At home, a catastrophic fire in Dhaka claimed 43 lives. The tragedy stressed the dire need for improved urban planning and fire safety measures, a need that grows ever more pressing in the face of unchecked urbanization.
March saw the hijacking of the Bangladeshi ship MV Abdullah by Somali pirates. The event gripped the nation, with the crew’s fate uncertain for weeks as ransom negotiations dragged on. The hijackers demanded a ridiculous sum, forcing the government and shipping company to work discreetly through international intermediaries. The ship’s eventual release in April brought collective relief, but not before exposing glaring vulnerabilities in the safety protocols of Bangladeshi vessels operating in international waters. This incident served as a wake-up call, urging policymakers and the maritime industry to address these security gaps urgently.
Back on land, militant threats reared their heads in the scenic yet volatile hills of Bandarban. In a significant anti-terror operation spanning weeks, law enforcement dismantled a network of militants operating in the region. By April, 55 individuals had been arrested, and large caches of weapons and explosive materials were seized. The operation revealed that extremist groups had been using the rugged terrain to evade detection while recruiting locals and planning attacks. This crackdown sent a strong message, reaffirming the state’s commitment to combating extremism but also highlighting the persistent threats lurking in the country’s most remote corners.
These twin crises underlined the need for a more coordinated, well-funded approach to safeguarding Bangladesh’s territorial and maritime interests, ensuring that both the seas and hills remain zones of safety rather than danger.
May brought a deadly cyclone, a tragic reminder of the country's susceptibility to natural disasters. Amidst these challenges, a Bangladeshi MP was murdered, amplifying concerns over political violence. Yet, in the darkness, nine young Bangladeshis earned spots on Forbes’ "30 under 30" list, a rare and much-needed glimmer of hope.
June and July saw the climax of the quota reform movement, with many hundreds of lives lost and thousands injured in violent clashes. The Bangladesh Student League (BSL) faced widespread criticism for its role in suppressing dissent. The movement gained international attention as a symbol of youth-led resistance.
If this year taught us anything, it’s that we are a resilient people. Let’s hope we also become a wiser one
July marked a historic turning point with what is now billed as the July Revolution. Massive protests ended in the resignation and exile of Sheikh Hasina after 16 years of controversial rule. The military, standing alongside students and civilians, refused to turn its weapons on innocent people. This pivotal moment became a defining chapter in the nation's political evolution, remembered as "July 36" -- a date etched into collective memory as a triumph of unity over tyranny.
In August, Muhammad Yunus was appointed Chief Advisor to the interim government. His rise symbolized a new chapter in governance, one aimed at rebuilding trust and accountability. Sheikh Hasina, now in exile, faced mounting legal challenges, including charges of murder and genocide.
The Supreme Court's overhaul of the quota system marked a victory for reform advocates, while the interim government lifted the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami, igniting fierce debate over political inclusivity versus historical accountability. The month was a whirlwind of change, reflecting a nation grappling with its past while striving for a better future.
September saw devastating floods, highlighting the urgent need for strong disaster management. The arrests of AL leaders, journalists, and so-called intellectuals for crimes against humanity complicated the political landscape. In October, the Myanmar Navy’s attacks on Bangladeshi fishing trawlers escalated tensions, while the official designation of the Bangladesh Chhatra League as a terrorist organization drew both condemnation and applause.
November brought the High Court’s reversal of the 2004 grenade attack convictions, sparking debates over the judicial system’s credibility. Meanwhile, the under-19 cricket team’s victory in the ACC Asia Cup provided a rare moment of collective pride. December ended on a cautious yet hopeful note, as the interim government continued its efforts to stabilize the nation. While challenges remain, the resilience of the Bangladeshi people shines through.
As we bid farewell to 2024, let us carry forward a few lessons into the new year: Whether it’s a Nobel laureate or a former prime minister, no one should be above the law. But let’s ensure that accountability isn’t just a buzzword we dust off during crises. From fires to floods, our inability to safeguard lives highlights the urgent need for better urban planning and disaster management. Let’s prioritize safety over ribbon-cutting ceremonies. The interim government’s attempt to steer a sinking ship is commendable, but sustainable reform requires a collective willingness to put national interest above party loyalty. The plight of Rohingya refugees, the targeting of minorities, and cross-border violence should compel us to act with greater empathy and resolve.
As 2024 closes, let us not just survive but strive to thrive in 2025. If this year taught us anything, it’s that we are a resilient people. Let’s hope we also become a wiser one. Here’s to a year of less chaos and more cricket trophies, fewer protests and more progress, and, most importantly, a Bangladesh where every citizen feels safe, valued, and hopeful.
HM Nazmul Alam is Lecturer, Department of English and Modern Languages, International University of Business, Agriculture and Technology. He can be reached at [email protected].
