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Why hartal?

22 January 2006, 18:00 PM
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
By Mohammed Ali, Manchester, UK
22 January 2006, 18:00 PM
. PHOTO: AFP
If the opposition parties are so serious about the safety, security and welfare of us, citizens, then why can't they pursue their concerns through legally and constitutionally approved ways - that is through parliament? A country's opposition parties are the only recognised critics and watchdog which are assigned the job of overseeing the government's policies and their implementation. Thus, it is normal for an opposition party in any country to oppose the government's proposed policies; though, it is very abnormal to oppose every policy. This is because the government of a country is elected and given the authority by the majority of the public to govern the country the way they want, not how the opposition wants.

In this case, the opposition parties of our country do not want to contradict the government policies in parliament because the government will not simply give in on every demand of the opposition. Likewise, if the opposition party supports every policy of the government, consequently, if tranquility, satisfaction and success prevail amongst the public, it will manifestly signify its trust and allegiance to the government. If this happens, there will be virtually no chance for the opposition to persuade the public to vote for them in the next general election.

Ultimately, the opposition parties are left with only one option, which is to incite its supporters to bring about agitation programmes against the government. Hence, I can guarantee that without public support, there is not a single opposition party in this world that can enforce hartal and bring the whole country to a halt.

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In Bangladesh, there are multitudes of people who are fanatically obsessed with their political parties' interests. Even if their political parties want to engage them in any activity, which will bring total destruction to the country, they will not hesitate to go by the party dictates. People of our country want to see their political party in power and don't like to be in the opposition.

It is proven from history that foreigners governed us better, regrettably though. I am immensely saddened to learn that we cannot govern ourselves with stability.

If we consider the quote of MK Gandhi then surely, we will be able to reform ourselves swiftly. Gandhi said, "You will have to be the change you want to see in others."