Put hartal issue into a referendum
Engr. SH Kaiser, Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka
The main aim of the struggle for Independence from the colonial British rule and subsequently from the Pak Military Junta was to establish a democratic society to be governed by democratic ideals. In democracy, the wishes and aspirations of the common people are reflected. The majority of our people are poor and less knowledgeable about how a true democracy must operate. Yet, in the elections held in a free and fair atmosphere, the decisions given by those illiterate majority remain praiseworthy, although we see the outcome of such elections as acceptable only in sofar as the "exercise of the right to franchise" is concerned. But we are sorry to notice that the "call of hartal" and its outcome is thoroughly unacceptable as this "right to call hartal", to compel people not to venture out, come through intimidation, damage to personal life and property. Under the above circumstances, it is suggested that the prerogative to 'calling hartal" should be brought to a "referendum." Only a referendum can reflect public opinion "for or against" it, which in turn can give birth to a law proscribing such agitational and disruptive means to achieve one's political goals.
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