The ongoing war in the Middle East is no longer just a regional conflict; it has become a ruthless game of global power politics, the victims of which are the least developed and developing countries of the world. The old strategy of controlling world politics by controlling the flow of fuel oil has come to the fore again. And the countries whose economies depend on energy imports, whose industrialization, transportation and the daily lives of their people are largely dependent on imported fuel are paying a high price for this arbitrariness.
Today, when the oil supply in the Middle East is disrupted, not only the price of fuel oil is rising – an entire way of life is being disrupted. Transportation costs are rising, electricity production is being disrupted, industrial factories are slowing down and food prices are rising. In other words, even if a war is thousands of miles away, its impact is felt in the lives of ordinary people, in the workplace and at every level of life. There is absolutely no room for denying this reality.
This is not a natural crisis; it is an artificially created global instability. Fuel oil is being used as a weapon in the struggle for geopolitical dominance, and the developing world is being damaged by that weapon. Those who produce oil, those who wage war, those who impose sanctions – they may be protecting their own interests; but countries like us are having to bear the burden.
In this context, the question is on everyone’s mind – what will we do? Will we just sit back and be crushed by this global power game, or will we find short-term and long-term ways to overcome the crisis from our own position?
This crisis is undoubtedly a difficult reality for Bangladesh. Our dependence on fuel oil imports, foreign exchange pressure, rising inflation – all of which make the situation increasingly complex.
But within this complexity lies the seed of immense potential. The current government led by Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has already taken some steps – energy-saving policies, finding alternative sources, and diversifying imports. But the reality is that this crisis cannot be addressed by government action alone. When a state is in crisis, it is no longer just the government’s problem; it becomes a national responsibility. No one can escape this responsibility.
First, the government’s responsibility is to take tough and realistic decisions. This crisis cannot be addressed through populist politics. A firm stance must be taken on these issues: controlling energy consumption, preventing waste, proper use of subsidies, and rapid expansion of alternative energy. New energy sources must be diplomatically secured and Bangladesh’s interests must be strongly represented at the international level.
Second, the private sector and industry must understand that this crisis is not only related to the government, but also to their own existence. They must increase energy efficiency in production, reduce unnecessary costs, and shift to alternative energy. Those who are still accustomed to the culture of waste must understand that waste in this crisis is a suicidal tendency.
Third, the role of educational institutions and the student community is very important. History is witness that during times of crisis, the country’s student community has given the nation direction. They have to play that role even today – they have to create awareness, set an example of responsible behavior and put national interests above personal interests.
The most important is the role of the general public. Dealing with this crisis will ultimately depend on the behavior of the people. Stopping unnecessary electricity use, using public transport instead of private vehicles, reducing waste – these small steps can bring about big changes. But there is still a tendency in our society – not to perceive the state’s problems as our own problems. This mindset change is very important.
Other countries in the world have already taken strict measures. In Europe, taxes have been imposed on the excess profits of energy companies, the United States is using its strategic oil reserves, fuel rationing has been introduced in various Asian countries, working hours have been reduced. In other words, everyone has understood –: sacrifices have to be made to deal with this crisis.
We also have to accept that reality. This crisis cannot be overcome with the politics of comfort, unreasonable expectations and irresponsible behavior. The greatest need today is national unity. We have to rise above political divisions, party interests, personal greed and profit and think as a united nation. If this crisis has taught us anything, it is that the strength of a nation lies in its unity, in its collective efforts.
Students, workers, farmers, businessmen, professionals – everyone has to work together. This is not a fight of a single group; it is a fight of the entire nation.
We have to remember that this crisis is not permanent. But how we deal with this crisis will determine our future. If we are responsible, restrained and united – then this crisis can open the door to new possibilities for us.
Otherwise, if we remain divided, avoid responsibility and deny reality – this crisis could turn into a long-term disaster for us. The decision is now ours – will we remain puppets in the game of global powers, or will we determine our own future?
This write up Opinion was posted at BNP media cell.
