Editorial
Shun mindless retribution
Come to the path of dialogue
It seems that the government has lost its sense of proportion, a precarious state to be in for a government that is led by the oldest party in the country. It is difficult to conclude otherwise from the absurd step it has chosen to take several opposition leaders to court for creating violence during hartal on Sunday
Reportedly, two cases have been filed against BNP leaders Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and LDP President Oli Ahmed and several other leaders and activists of 18-party alliance. In fact as many as 73 leaders of the newly formed alliance have been made accused in several cases including the cocktail blast at the secretariat and bus torching case.
To say the least, we find this utterly weird that party leaders belonging to the opposition are sought to be taken to the court accused of creating violence. Not that such action is the first of its kind. It had happened in the past which only exacerbated the situation
Not only does the government action appear irrational, there is little doubt also that the move has been motivated more by a feeling of vindictiveness rather than the government's wish to curb violence. And at a time like this, when the situation is turbulent, and when the need is for a more coolheaded approach to defuse the prevailing situation that has the prospect of escalating further, it seems that the government is itching for a confrontation by ratcheting up the level of confrontation.
We feel that the opposition for its part is only helping to make matters worse. Continual hartal for six days in the last fortnight, with more possibly in the offing, has brought suffering to the people. Not only has the economy suffered, look at the trouble the HSC examinees have had to face because of this.
We have said in the past and repeat that hartal will not take a political party anywhere; rather it will make public life miserable. We suggest both the parties engage in dialogue rather than in confrontation without further delay. The country can ill afford another spate of political uncertainty which will have the most deleterious consequences on the country.
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