Attacks on peaceful demonstrations
The recent police-aided attacks of BNP activists on supporters of Dr. Humayun Azad and Dr. Badruddoza Chowdhury were simply outrageous. The right to peaceful demonstration and protest is an important part of democracy. During the US/UK invasion of Iraq, street demonstrations were the main avenue by which the public in those countries could voice their legitimate disagreement with their governments. But the recent behaviour of the police and ruling party activists indicates that the government is not interested in upholding the people's right to peaceful protest.
This is an irresponsible and dangerous course to take. If demonstrations and other peaceful avenues of protest are closed, the culture of hartal will just be further legitimated as the only option for the political parties. The government should reconsider the implications of the recent violence. Instead of attacking demonstrations, the police should be concerned with protecting all peaceful demonstrators.
Otherwise, we will see more and more hartals.
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