Photo: Messenger
Miscreants set fire to at least 10 buses in different regions, including the capital, within a mere 12-hour span starting from 6 PM on Saturday to 6 PM on Sunday, as reported by the media cell of the Fire Service. These occurrences unfolded against the backdrop of a 72-hour blockade, which was followed by a 48-hour blockade resuming on Sunday after a brief two-day hiatus. The country found itself engulfed in fear and apprehension due to the rampant arson attacks in the name of assemblies, blockades, and hartals. The consequences were dire, with a continuous surge in commodity prices, mounting workloads in both public and private institutions, and industrial production grinding to a halt.
The education sector was not spared from the turmoil. While the sector was showing signs of recovery after Covid-19, students now found themselves hesitant to participate in ongoing programs. Fearful parents refrained from allowing their children to leave their homes.
Employees faced mounting work pressure as they struggled to navigate their way to offices during the days of the blockade. Families lived in constant worry about the prospect of returning to offices, yet the harsh reality was that leaving home was essential to earning a livelihood and preserving their jobs.
The blockade also took a severe toll on the country’s economy, exacerbating the already high prices of goods. Daily commodities became scarcer, driving prices further up, making it increasingly difficult for the common people to afford basic necessities. Street vendors, a vital economic lifeline, experienced a sharp decline in sales during rallies, blockades, and hartal programs. Long-distance passenger services came to a standstill and caused substantial financial losses for those involved in the transportation sector.
The agricultural sector faced its own set of challenges. Produce from remote areas struggled to reach district cities and the capital due to the blockade, resulting in wastage of perishable goods and severe financial setbacks for farmers. In a nutshell, the strikes and blockades created hardships for people across all social classes, disrupting their daily lives and economic stability.
Mahbubul Alam, the president of FBCCI, informed that strikes and blockades incurred a daily loss of Tk 6,500 crores, plunging the business community into dire straits. However, the importance of political stability is a prerequisite for all movements. Without it, the country’s future remained uncertain. So, we need an urgent solution and stability in the face of these challenges.
Messenger/Fardin
