The price of political violence
Tuesday, 20 January 2015
Panic has seized people again due to fresh political violence. Their normal life is being disrupted. Garment sector, transport system, tourism, foreign investment etc. are being badly affected. Continued unrest is creating session jams in the educational institutions. According to reports, transport sector alone has been losing Tk.2000 millions per day due to political instability.
Political experts observe that politics of strike or blockade should be avoided since it causes sufferings and impedes development. As such, the government should give space to the opposition also so that they can exercise their rights of democratic politics, because violence takes place when democratic rights are violated.
Political analysts also note that although BNP is one of the largest political parties in the country that won city corporation and upazila elections, it is not being allowed to hold political gatherings and other political activities which is not fair. The only sustainable solution to this gridlock is to hold a fruitful dialogue between the government and the opposition. The international community has also expressed similar opinion and urged upon all concerned to exercise restraint and work out an amicable settlement.
Md. Abdullah-Al-Helal
Assistant Professor
Centre for General Education
Northern University Bangladesh
helalabdullah@gmail.com