The unprecedented standoff in the country's power and energy sector, combined with deeply misleading statements from policymakers, has sparked intense public rage and widespread social unrest. On one hand, there is a severe crisis of essential fuel; on the other hand, there are sensational, non-technical political claims—both together reflecting deep amateurism and policy chaos in state governance.

Recently, Finance and Planning Adviser Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir claimed that the former Prime Minister is personally designing the engineering and technical aspects of an extremely complex and sensitive mega-project like the Padma Barrage. This remark has created widespread commotion and debate nationally. The merit-based community within the country's science, technology, and engineering sectors has categorized this claim as utterly devoid of scientific reality and blatantly ridiculous.

According to experts, bypassing highly intricate mathematical and engineering parameters—such as the hydraulic pressure of a turbulent river like the Padma, complex river morphology, soil bearing capacity at the riverbed, and multi-directional structural load calculations—makes it completely impossible for any non-engineer to design such a mega-project. Putting forward such unscientific claims from top state positions is not only irresponsible but also a alarming example of severe administrative amateurism.

Alongside policy confusion in science and technology, ordinary citizens are plunged into an unprecedented power and gas crisis in reality. From street corners to industrial zones, despair prevails everywhere. Due to the chronic lack of gas and electricity, major industrial sectors are struggling to survive. Production has already collapsed, pushing numerous factories to rock bottom, as a direct result of which nearly eight hundred thousand workers have lost their jobs and been thrown into the abyss of unemployment.

A veteran political analyst expressed deep indignation over the past and present dual roles of leaders from the BNP and like-minded parties, as well as the suffering of the public. He remarked:

"At one time, even during a minor deficit, opposition parties would vociferously take to the streets chanting—'Give gas, give electricity, or step down.' Yet today, when the people of the country endure extreme suffering day and night amidst an unprecedented power and gas crisis, and when factories close down leaving lakhs of people unemployed, their administrative silence and catchy rhetoric amount to total irresponsibility. Upon coming to state governance, they have thrown the country into utter mismanagement."

According to analysts, the propaganda and confusion that political opponents tried to spread in the past regarding various mega-projects in the country (such as the Padma Bridge, Metro Rail, or the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant) have now returned as a policy boomerang against them. After unnecessarily questioning administrative decisions and strategies back then, they are now resorting to unscientific and flashy claims to cover up their own extreme failures in managing state affairs and the economic crisis. Failing to restructure effective energy management on one side, and attempting to divert public attention with unscientific claims like the Padma Barrage on the other, is a political gimmick that not only disappoints ordinary people but also completely destroys public trust in the entire administrative framework.

Research and Social Media Analysis Report:

Against the backdrop of current social and political instability, public opinion and reactions on social media have become highly explosive and divided into three primary currents. Analyzing reactions to recent posts centered around the 'Bangladesh Crisis', three major mindsets and streams of public opinion among digital users have been identified:

1. Intense Anger and Demand for Radical Programs (Unrest & Street-Centric)

A large segment of social media users, while expressing intense political wrath, is showing immediate support for hardline street programs. To break free from the overall national deadlock and administrative failure, they favor anti-government actions or aggressive steps like shutting down Dhaka directly.

• Example: A post from the profile named 'Adibashi Meye' reads: "To save the country, to save the people---- Make 'Dhaka Lockdown' successful! Make it successful, 20 September 2026." Users like 'Nafiza Islam' and 'Md Gias Uddin' expressed solidarity with responses like "Right" and "Exactly right."

2. Utter Frustration Towards the Traditional Political Structure and Anarchism

A second major section of users, without supporting any specific political party, expresses deep distrust and aversion toward the entire political system of the country. They hold both the ruling and opposition factions equally responsible for the suffering of ordinary people, viewing all political parties as self-serving.

• Example: The profile 'Fucking BD Politics' commented: "All of them are pretending to be innocent," while 'ML Manik' raised a neutral yet deeply cynical question: "Haven't you seen the list of what you yourselves have done?"

3. Restoration of the Previous Regime and Political Solidarity

The third stream of comments proposes returning to the previous government or Awami League governance and safeguarding Sheikh Hasina's leadership as the sole solution to overcome the current crisis. They view Sheikh Hasina's leadership as the only safe path for national security and economic stability.

• Example: 'Miraj Hossain' wrote: "The independence, sovereignty, and the lives and livelihoods of the general public are safe only in the hands of Sheikh Hasina..." Additionally, 'Jouno Television' and 'Mahim Khan' expressed hopes for a political shift alongside slogans like "Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu."

This analysis of social network reactions proves that public trust in policymakers is at an all-time low. One group is leaning toward radical street movements, another group has lost all faith in the political framework, while a third group hopes for the return of the former governance system.

Author: Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury, Politician, Mayor, Sylhet City Corporation.