Another hartal, another death

HARTAL which precipitates violence and deaths is uncalled for. This is precisely what we witnessed in the death of school teacher Shamsun Nahar Jharna in Noakhali during BNP-called dawn to dusk hartal on December 29. She sustained deadly injuries when pelted with brickbats by pro-hartal elements. Will the BNP answer for her death?

Hartal may be a political right but it cannot be forced upon others. Nothing can be gained by maiming and killing ordinary citizens who must go about their daily business. The culture of intimidation and wanton violence against people and property are completely unacceptable. We certainly do not want to see a re-enactment of the violent days of protests that gripped the nation in the last few months of 2013. Parties must exercise restraint on their activists so that innocent blood is not spilt.

There are rumours of more hartals in the coming days and weeks. Our principle stand is against hartal that brings no good to either the people or the country. That notwithstanding, we are witnessing a gradual shrinking of political space for the main opposition party. BNP rallies and processions are not being permitted. Indeed, if one goes by recent events, the authorities imposed Section 144 in Gazipur but BCL activists nevertheless brought out procession under the very nose of the police whilst the opposition party was harried.

The opposition should be afforded its legitimate room for peaceful assembly and protest, and that is the expectation of the people too.