The opposition’s ongoing countrywide blockade has seen scores killed and many injured. Shockingly, 19 people were critically burnt as a bus was torched in the capital on Thursday evening. These appalling acts of violence committed since the announcement of the election schedule have raised the death toll up to 18, while the fates of many burn victims remain uncertain.
In addition to the arson and crude bomb attacks, this week’s blockade has seen criminal behaviour of a different sort. At least 20 people have been injured by the derailment of trains. Such deliberate sabotage of roads and railway lines doesn’t just bring the country’s transport and economic activity to a halt, but cynically threatens human life.
The police have been placed under extra strain as escalating levels of bomb and arson attacks have caused fear among the general public and dozens of people have been injured in violent clashes.
While the opposition has every right to protest, we strongly condemn acts of violence and sabotage. The BNP would win more credibility and support for its arguments if it disassociated itself from such acts, rather than threatening a nonstop shutdown next week.
Recklessly endangering the lives of innocent people, and causing such damage to the economy, are not in the interest of the nation or the opposition as they do not make the protest look legitimate. These acts of carnage and sabotage must stop if it wishes to give its protests legitimacy.
