Welcoming Pahela Baishakh

Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali as well as the ethnic communities' New Year, is an occasion for great celebration. But today's celebration is taking place against the lingering shadow of hostility far beyond our territory in the Persian Gulf. Although the warring parties are holding negotiations courtesy of mediation by Pakistan, there is no guarantee that the truce will sustain. One of the tripartite rivals, Israel that is, has been violating the ceasefire by relentlessly bombing Lebanon. So, even the most optimistic person cannot be assured of bringing an end to the war for good. This is why regions and countries, particularly small ones like Bangladesh well beyond the war zone feel the heat of the hostility in the Persian Gulf. When economies of the majority of nations on the planet are adversely affected, joyous occasions too are sure to get toned down. 

The news that two of the ships bound for Bangladesh with gas and fuel oil were not allowed to cross the Hormuz Strait is highly concerning particularly for the country now reeling from energy shock. The long queues for octane, petrol and diesel at the filling stations tell the story in no uncertain terms. Production in industries is suffering due to the energy crisis. Apart from industries, people depending on ride sharing and rent-a-car for their livelihoods are spending hours to collect fuel oils. So countries like Bangladesh without being a party to the war involving the USA, Israel and Iran are suffering for no fault of their own. Now the entire world is waiting anxiously if the armistice is going to hold or not. Life is no longer same in Bangladesh because of the energy crisis. 

Celebration of traditional and cultural events is related to affluence but when economy is on a downhill course, there is no job creation and business is naturally dull, any such event is sure to suffer a setback. In an uncertain time, people's primary concern is to keep the body and soul together. Joining a happy New Year's event is likely to be an affront to a cab or a ride sharing driver spending 24 hours or more to have his turn at the filling station and then learn that there is no oil left. Similarly, the unemployed or the recently laid off employees cannot take part in any such celebration. The social divide is so yawning that the affluent and privileged class never tries to realise how the poor and the marginal live at a time of market volatility. 

Yet welcoming the Pahela Baishakh with the hope for a turn-around in fortunes for all cannot be postponed or cancelled. In this uncertain time, one has to be brave enough to expect that the New Year will drive away all evils and ills. People will live to see better days and fresh start to their fortunes in the course of this year. After all, the world belongs to the brave. They believe that behind the dark clouds, lies the shining sun waiting to appear with its regal magnificence. This nation and many others may now find themselves face to face with one of the darkest episodes of civilisation but their resilience will hopefully help them overcome the crises and place them on course of great prosperity. With this note let's welcome the Pahela Baishakh.