Throughout 2024, Barishal remained a topic of discussion due to various events including the anti-discrimination student movement, the fall of the Awami League government, imbalanced market prices, natural disasters, and accidents on waterways and roads.
Political Cases:
At the beginning of the year, leaders and activists of the BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) in Barishal were subjected to legal action for boycotting the 12th National Parliament elections. Similarly, those who supported the student and public movements faced attacks, and in July, several BNP leaders and activists were also charged in legal cases.
After the interim government took office, a case was filed by the convener of Barishal city BNP, Moniruzzaman Faruk, on August 22, accusing 1,081 people including former ministers, two former city mayors, the district council chairman, and an FBCCI director.
Numerous cases were also filed against former members of parliament and leaders of the Awami League, Jatiya Party, and Workers' Party from various upazilas (sub-districts) of Barishal.
Rising Commodity Prices:
Throughout the year, rising commodity prices caused immense hardship for poor and middle-class families. The price hikes in essentials like soybean oil, eggs, rice, onions, potatoes, green chilies, and vegetables left nearly every family struggling.
Natural Disasters:
Barishal residents faced various natural disasters throughout the year, including cold waves and cyclones. On May 26, Cyclone Rimol caused the most damage in the southern region, with flooding that had never been seen before in the area. Experts attributed this to climate change.
Elections:
The 12th National Parliamentary election on January 7 created political tensions in several constituencies of Barishal. In constituencies like Barishal-2, Barishal-3, Barishal-4, Barishal-5, and Barishal-6, the Awami League candidates faced challenges due to rebel candidates from within their own party. After the parliamentary elections, there was a significant defeat for Awami League-supported candidates in by-elections to upazila and municipal seats, which became a major talking point throughout Barishal.
Armed Groups Disrupting the Student-People’s Movement:
During the student and people’s movement, individuals carrying weapons openly created panic in the city, attacking the demonstrators. These armed assailants have yet to be apprehended. From July to August 5, there was widespread fear among the student movement, media personnel, and supporters of the protests. Though a few cases were filed, the gunmen remained elusive. The citizens of Barishal have demanded that they be brought to justice and given exemplary punishment.
Journalist Abuse:
During the student uprising in July and August, the former Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Barishal Metropolitan Police, known as 'Three Option' Police Superintendent (SP) SM Tanveer Arafat, who was then the Deputy Commissioner of Traffic, was involved in a notorious incident. He was reported to have beaten up journalists covering the movement.
Public Seizure of Government Documents:
Locals in the Kaghashura area of the Kawnia police station in Barishal City detained two trucks suspected of carrying government documents. Upon inspection, the trucks were found to be carrying old paperwork from the Directorate of Education Engineering, Barishal office. This event sparked significant discussion throughout the year.
Additionally, other topics of discussion in Barishal included the public or secret political activities on the Sher-e-Bangla Medical College campus and the announcement of a ban on student politics at Barishal University.
