Welcome 2019
Today is the first day of 2019. This is the time of the year when we say goodbye to the old and welcome the new; to review 2018 and judge whether we are better or worse off than we were 12 months ago. This is the day for taking stock of the things done in the past year. The previous year was eventful. The New Year is an occasion for celebration everywhere in the world in varying degrees. Bangladesh is no exception to this. People round the world celebrate it in a joyous mood hoping that they would continue to be blessed with joy, happiness and peace in the twelve months of the year ahead.
Each New Year brings forth an avalanche of messages and words of inspiration from the government and political leaders. However, people will feel relieved if they see peace instead of unwanted confrontation and violence. As law and order is of much importance for a disciplined society, so is its need for Bangladesh. Any breach of it may bring about immense social disorder. Our previous experiences require us to be more cautious. It is the economy that has to perform very well to ensure the progress and prosperity we want to have in future. The year 2019 should be another solid step in that direction. While this is a time for festivity, the thinkers and those truly concerned about the well-being of the country should also take time out to ponder on the course of the country in the weeks and months ahead. Bangladesh is moving ahead steadily. Let us further strengthen our resolve on the first day of the New Year to build the nation. This year will be a testing time to see how long we can come near achieving what should be our major goal: the establishment of economic stability that would ensure sustainable developments.
The indestructible Bangladeshi sense of optimism at the possibility of new beginnings may prove to be the antidote to any drawbacks in future. That eternal aspiration for betterment seems more acute now than ever. The Independent wishes our readers and patrons a very happy New Year.
