Editorial
Economy caught in a vicious cycle
Back to back hartals and holidays
The nation's economy is set to suffer another round of crisis as the country closes down for potentially nine days from March 15. With the 18-party alliance calling a two-day hartal on March 18-19 and BNP's declared strike on March 21 for release of arrested leaders coupled with government holidays, the only working day for the next week will be Wednesday. With merely one day of the week open for business, chances of anything productive occurring is slim at best.
This elongated shutdown is likely to have several adverse effects. The inter-district road transportation network, including railway that has in the past faced incidences of arson, will effectively face closure. Usual flow of goods and material will be severely curtailed hampering both production and supply of goods. Understandably the business community is suffering from high anxiety. According to one estimate the economy has faced losses to the tune of Tk1,600 crore per each day of hartal. The hartals of today are different from those in the past. Goods-laden trucks carrying export material destined for Chittagong port were allowed to go about their way. Times unfortunately have changed. These are now torched. Besides industry, local retailers in the past could keep their shops open in their respective localities. Sadly that is not the case anymore, for picketers have no moral compunctions in attacking even the insignificant street vendor selling vegetables.
We are exasperated by the lack of enthusiasm of major parties to sit in dialogue and find a solution to the ongoing political gridlock. Beyond mere rhetoric on the need to negotiate, both the incumbent and opposition alliance appear nonchalant to the fact that their actions are grinding the economy to a halt. Should the economy go down under due to irresponsible behaviour, we will all pay a hefty price a lesson our politicians should take to heart.
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