Israt Jahan

Bangladesh, a nation with a rich cultural heritage and a promising future, has been plagued by political instability for decades. This persistent turmoil has cast a shadow over the lives of the citizens, leading to a myriad of challenges and hardships. Despite being a democratic country, this instability is only intensifying with time.

To understand the depth of Bangladesh's political instability, one must delve into its history. Since gaining independence from Pakistan in 1971, the nation has experienced a series of coups, political assassinations, and periods of military rule. These events have left a legacy of mistrust and animosity among political factions, creating an environment ripe for instability.

One of the most significant repercussions of political instability is its detrimental effect on the economy. Investors, both domestic and international, are wary of committing resources to a country marked by uncertainty.

This reluctance stifles economic growth and innovation, leading to a stagnant job market and limited opportunities for the population. The lack of financial stability also leads to inflation, making the cost of living soar and putting immense pressure on ordinary citizens to make ends meet. And the biggest example of this is the commodity price in the current market. If a common man's income is 3tk, he currently has to spend 5tk for living. In this case, the extra 2tk can be considered a curse for his life. The prices of products are increasing day by day. And people are struggling to deal with it.

The social fabric of Bangladesh is torn apart by political unrest. Public demonstrations, strikes, and protests have become commonplace, disrupting daily life and often turning violent. Families are torn apart as loved ones engage in political conflicts, leading to emotional distress and a fractured society. If one member of a family is involved in politics it brings a curse to the whole family.

They have to face various adverse events constantly. Torture, disappearance, and threats of murder are now a daily routine for these families.

Trust among citizens erodes, leading to a breakdown of community bonds and a sense of isolation.

Abrar Fahad is a name that is ingrained in the heart of every person in the country. A fresh life lost in the filth of student politics. "Be careful, there are no bones in the head, don't put pressure" After hacking and injuring a student in front of Chittagong Medical College, the doctor had written this on the bandage of his head.

Which later, viral on social media and moved almost everyone's mind. Bangladesh's education system bears the brunt of political instability. The politics we see in the current education campus are slowly damaging the campus, along with ruining the lives of one brilliant student, and one parent's dream after another. The aims and objectives with which politics in the field of education started today are confined to the pages of history, whose existence, in reality, can no longer be traced. And this political instability is destroying the education environment.

Frequent closures of educational institutions disrupt students' learning, causing significant gaps in their knowledge and hindering their prospects. Moreover, the quality of education is compromised as resources are diverted to manage political crises, leaving students with limited access to necessary tools and opportunities. This educational crisis perpetuates a cycle of poverty and lack of upward mobility for the youth.

The healthcare sector in Bangladesh faces severe challenges amid political instability. Essential resources that could enhance the quality of healthcare services are often redirected to manage political unrest. This diversion of resources, coupled with the strain caused by public protests, leaves the healthcare system ill-equipped to handle the needs of the population effectively. Citizens, especially those in vulnerable communities, bear the brunt of these shortcomings, with limited access to proper medical care and often dire health outcomes.

Bangladesh's environment suffers greatly due to political instability. Policies and initiatives aimed at addressing environmental issues often take a backseat when political crises arise. Consequently, environmental challenges such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change are exacerbated, posing long-term risks to the country and its citizens. The lack of stable governance hampers the implementation of sustainable practices, leading to further degradation of the environment.

Beyond the visible socio-economic challenges, political instability exacts a psychological toll on the citizens of Bangladesh. Living in an environment of constant uncertainty and fear leads to stress, anxiety, and a pervasive feeling of hopelessness. The constant threat of violence and the disruption of everyday life leave a lasting impact on the mental well-being of the people, affecting their overall quality of life.

Bangladesh's political instability has cast a long shadow over the nation's progress and prosperity. Economic stagnation, social disintegration, educational crisis, healthcare challenges, environmental degradation, and psychological toll are all interconnected facets of the public suffering caused by political unrest. To break free from this cycle of despair, political leaders must prioritize stability, dialogue, and collaboration.

A united effort from all sections of society, including political parties, civil society organizations, and citizens, is necessary to pave the way for a stable and prosperous Bangladesh. Only through concerted and sustained efforts can the nation hope to overcome the challenges of political instability and provide its citizens with the secure, peaceful, and prosperous future they deserve.

The resilience and determination of the Bangladeshi people are key assets that, when combined with effective governance, can lead the nation towards a brighter tomorrow.

The writer is a, Student & Column writer