Of hartal

By Ramprashad Banik, JU
6 September 2005, 18:00 PM
There has been much debate on the issue of 'hartal' at home and abroad, and even in the parliament whether a ban on hartal should be imposed or not. The politicians of our country have exhausted themselves in arguing for or against the issue, which has now turned out to be a Frankenstein for all. Once it was very effective in voicing grievances because the common people used to participate in hartal spontaneously. But time has changed and so has the world. The political parties are now abusing hartal to the fullest degree. Then I don't understand why this time-consuming debate where the greater interest of general people is concerned? Any development needs a strong economic foundation. But hartal, as it is observed nowadays, always stands against our long-cherished economic emancipation. Besides, the destructive aspects of hartal, needless to mention, are known to all of us. Furthermore, the decadent image of the country is being tarnished more and more in the outside world because of hartal and suicidal politics. I firmly believe that none can point out a single argument in favour of hartal if the development of the country is prioritised. Then, why this unbearable procrastination in banning this practice?

Thirty-four years have passed since we achieved our independence. But we are yet to enjoy the benefit of our independence. Therefore, I fervently urge the government to ban hartal without any delay.