Famed poet Jibanananda Das once wrote in a poem, “ Odvut adhar ek eshechhey ei prithibite aj, jara ondho shobcheye beshi aj chokhey dekhe tara, jader hridoye kono prem nei, preeti nei, korunar aloron nei, Prithibi ochol aj tader suporamorsho chhara (A strange darkness has descended upon the earth. Now those that are most blind see the most, the world can't do for a moment, without the good counsel of those.)
The adverse economic effect of Covid 19 pandemic and the impact of the Russia-Ukraine War have hammered the economy of the whole world including Bangladesh. Fuel prices, inflation, price hike, fall of remittance inflow, trade deficit and disrupted supply chain have generated a chaotic economic scenario everywhere including our country.
Jesus Christ, when he was crucified, said about his killers, "Forgive them my Lord. They don't know what they do." We began Gregorian year 2020 a few days ago. Gregorian year is also interrelated with Jesus Christ. 2020 is a leap year.
We all pray so that it turns out to be a remarkable and beneficial year for all of us. However, the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in a US drone attack has triggered a great deal of apprehensions. Qasem Soleimani was termed a terrorist by the US government. Nevertheless, Qasem Soleimani was immensely popular in Iran. A few dozens of people died in a stampede in his funeral. The killing of Qasem Soleimani was a jolt for the New Year.
The geopolitical circumstances of the Middle East have been restless for last several years over Islamic State (IS), Iraq War and some other disputed issues. Iran has launched counter attacks on US military bases in Iraq. Iran claimed that they have killed 80 American soldiers. It has frightened the peace-loving masses of the world.
