The launch of Metro Rail in Dhaka, the inauguration of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport or the inauguration of the Karnaphuli Tunnel in Chattogram will be recognized as major achievements of economic and communication development in 2023. Direct train communication between Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar will help the sea port to attract regular travelers as well as tourists.
Like 2022, the country’s politics in 2023 also remained full of worries and concerns. The political arena remained heated throughout the year with rallies by the government and the opposition. These events were celebrated somewhat peacefully, but the violence that centered on a BNP rally on 28 October plunged the country into a deep political crisis and led to the arrest of thousands of party leaders and workers, including the BNP general secretary. Moreover, more than a thousand BNP leaders and workers were jailed in old cases.
The 12th parliamentary elections are going to be held amidst such a situation where all the parties are not participating in the elections. At a time when the ruling Awami League and their allies are contesting the body elections, BNP and their like-minded parties are calling for boycott of the elections besides organizing programs like strikes, blockades and non-cooperation programmes.