Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

Two years ago, when we stepped into an exciting new decade, few would have guessed that the new decade would begin with a global pandemic. As we exit the year 2021, however, all around we can see the hope of a better future increasing among people. Even though it is good to see the number of new infections and deaths in Bangladesh come down the way it has in recent months, we should remain extremely vigilant about the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus, which has been tearing through many countries.

In order to ensure that we can fully overcome the pandemic, we must continue to work hard in the new year. The government has to focus on improving our healthcare sector, learning from the tragic lessons from the past two years. It should also ramp up its vaccination campaign and make sure that those who are in need of the booster shot the most get them on time and without hassle. The citizens of the country must continue to maintain the proper health safety guidelines and help each other out in times of need. As has been revealed by numerous studies, the pandemic has caused complete chaos in the lives of millions of people. Many have lost their loved ones and their livelihoods. Poverty has increased rapidly over the last two years, and the government has to work extra hard and effectively if we are to overcome such a huge setback. While the economy seems to be finally recovering from the pandemic, we must try our utmost best to make this recovery inclusive. That is the best way to build a better future for all.

Road safety has again been a thorny issue this year, as numerous students and others have needlessly lost their lives due to the apathy of the authorities to ensure safety on our roads. We have seen students once again taking to the streets, protesting the utter disorder that has taken over them. In the new year, we hope to see that change for the better. The cases of violence against women and children that have occurred in the last year are also worrying, and as a society we have to try and eradicate such violence. Moreover, the intolerance on part of the state and its actors that has led to the shrinking of the public sphere, of the space for dissent, etc also has to be addressed with urgency, if we are to prevent our democracy from spiralling into complete despotism. As citizens, we must remember to actively participate in the functioning of the state if we are to reverse the trend towards authoritarianism.

As a newspaper devoted to the truth, The Daily Star commits to continue to work for public interest, social justice, the young people of this country, development, the environment, better democratic practices, and freedom of expression. We thank all of you who have stood by us all these years. A very Happy New Year to our readers and patrons!