The non-stop nationwide agitation of the main opposition BNP began from Wednesday morning, the first day of a fresh year that promises a new beginning.
BNP, who will not be participating in the January 5 national elections, called the prevailing blockade programme from January 1 until the date of the polls.
They have announced of resisting the national elections. On the other hand, Awami League have declared of “staying active” and resisting BNP on the streets.
But, for the common people, 2014 brought on hopes for peace, relief, overall security and a better thoroughfare in everyday life.
Despite blockade, no major untoward incidents were reported in the early morning hours. In Dhaka, the morning began with the usual winter chill.
Inter-city buses in Motijheel, Gabtoli, Uttara, Mirpur and other routes were seen plying streets. Rail communications were operating normally.
Law enforcers were seen deployed through all major intersections in the city. Elite force Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) were seen patrolling the streets.
Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad was impressed with the security standards after army deployment ahead of the upcoming elections.
Meanwhile, foreign diplomats were running busy again hoping to mediate a solution between the two major political parties and formulate a consensus.
A total of over half the 300 available parliamentary seats have already been won with BNP not participating in polls. Awami League have secured 127 of them.
The Awami League has already said any consensus with the main opposition will take place after January 24. A fresh polls might be called after a “consensus is reached.”
On the other hand, the common people were frustrated in the prevailing political stand-off regarding who will come to power.
They were concerned with security during everyday thoroughfare, a better living standard and prices of essentials closer within the reach among other things.