In any democratic society, political freedom and the right to express one's grievances are essential components. Everyone, be they citizens or members of the opposition party, have the right to voice their concerns and dissent against government policies.
However, it is crucial to strike a balance between these rights and the well-being of the population. Unfortunately, in Bangladesh, the practice of hartals, or general strikes, has often crossed this delicate line. What we witnessed on October 28 was more of the same, and in the wake of the opposition parties calling for blockades, once again, it will be the general population who are most inconvenienced.
Hartals have historically been used as a political tool in our country. While they may be effective in drawing attention to pressing issues and expressing public discontent, they are coercive in nature and inflict severe harm on the people.
Their impact on the economy cannot be stated enough. When businesses are forced to close, transportation is forced to come to a standstill, and productivity is forced to decrease, the economy suffers immensely. This ultimately harms the very people whom these strikes claim to represent.
Vital services, including healthcare and education, also take a hit; patients cannot access hospitals, and students miss valuable school and college days, which can have a lasting impact on their future. And of course, there is a palpable sense of fear and insecurity in society. Violence becomes the expectation, deterring people from venturing outside, causing psychological distress and further hampering the economy.
The recurrence of hartals not only hinders our progress but also damages our reputation on the global stage. It is high time for our political leaders to reconsider their strategies and prioritize the welfare of the people they serve. Bangladeshis deserve better.
