May this Eid be peaceful and joyous

As we bid farewell to Ramadan, it is vital that we carry forward the lessons this holy month imparts. The patience, charity, and restraint encouraged during the month are all much-needed values for us at this time that we should try to emulate throughout the year. Let the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr mark a new beginning characterised by harmony rather than division or conflict at every turn.

With millions of people leaving the capital and elsewhere to celebrate Eid with their loved ones, it is crucial that safe, hassle-free journey is ensured for everyone. Understandably, given the war in the Middle East and the resulting strain on fuel supplies, there are fewer buses on the roads, leaving operators struggling to accommodate the surge of passengers. Moreover, long queues at the refuelling stations are lengthening the journey time. Many stations are also running out of fuel, adding to the uncertainty faced by both operators and travellers. Add to that poor road conditions, incomplete construction work, unauthorised bus stops, and slow toll collection in many places, which are contributing to kilometres of gridlocks on major highways.

As in previous years, road safety remains a major concern this time, too. On Wednesday morning, a speeding microbus lost control and overturned on the Dhaka-Bogura highway, killing three people and injuring 10 others. It is imperative that the authorities work diligently to ensure that citizens reach their destinations safely. This means directing traffic efficiently, reducing delays wherever possible, and enforcing the law to prevent reckless driving.

Despite the Middle East crisis, remittance inflows are reportedly seeing a boost. According to Bangladesh Bank data, expatriate Bangladeshis sent home $2.20 billion in the first 14 days of March, up 36 percent from $1.62 billion during the same period last year. However, while our reserves benefit from the surge of dollars sent by migrant workers, many at home are still being deprived of their due pay and bonuses. As of Tuesday, at least 31 percent of garment factories in six key industrial belts were reportedly yet to pay Eid bonuses to workers, despite the government-set deadline having already passed. Another report in Prothom Alo stated that 1,026 factories across Dhaka, Chattogram, Mymensingh, Khulna, and Sylhet had yet to pay February wages and bonuses as of Tuesday afternoon. It is unacceptable that so many workers are having to face this crisis despite RMG being hailed as our largest export sector. This must be addressed without delay.

This Eid season, we wish for a Bangladesh that reflects kindness, empathy, and honesty. We urge the authorities to fulfil their duties proper to ensure a quality life for all citizens. Amid the festivities, we also hope citizens will act with kindness towards one another in every circumstance. We wish our readers and well-wishers a safe and happy Eid.