Banish hartal

Hartal must be banned because it is nothing but a suicidal programme. None, how much champion he may be of personal freedom, can be given the right to commit suicide or the right to persuade others to do so. For the same reason, we, particularly I, cannot accept "calling hartal" as a democratic right.

If any party wants to call hartal, they can do it. But aggressive picketing for hartal cannot be a democratic right. Businessmen must launch a movement so that a law is enacted by the government banning picketing. Pressure must be put on the government for enforcing the law to prove their sincerity in adopting an anti- hartal stand. On the other hand, the Awami League has no moral right to call hartal, as Sheikh Hasina herself promised unconditionally to the nation that she would not call hartal even if her party was in the opposition.

So there are two options open to the businessmen. First, to organise a movement demanding enactment of a law banning picketing and if any damage is done during a hartal, then the caller must pay for it.

Second, if the politicians do not accept such a law, the businessmen will have to unite and prevent picketing by the pro-hartal elements. In every market, they will keep lathi and banshi (stick and whistle) guards so that they can protect their valuables from picketers and prevent them from vandalising their shops etc.

Time has come to take the initiative against hartal.

So, FBCCI , BGMEA and such forums of businessmen must initiate the movement against hartal, regardless of their party affiliations .