Making way for peace

The political programme of blockade and hartal of the main opposition political alliance continues, disrupting further the day-to-day life of the common people. But the country does not deserve to be in a quagmire like this. I think the blockade and strike should come to an end and the ruling party should be responsive to the call for dialogue by the civil society and the foreign development partners, including the United Nations.   They have also created pressure on the government for a meaningful negotiation with the opposition leading to a free, fair and inclusive election.  
For the last one and a half month, the country has seen unprecedented agitation and unrest and it has seriously damaged our economy. It is apparent that the ruling party has already realized that they cannot overlook the popular demand of a free and fair election for long as it will only isolate them from the common people further. We must put our country and its people above our petty party interests. I hope for the sake of our country and its people both the ruling party and the opposition will end the present stalemate and restore peace in our society so that we can forge ahead with our development programmes. We must not forget that flexibility is a sign of life, whereas stiffness is a sign of death.  
Sakibul Alam
Gopibagh Dhaka.