Extension of blockade gives a severe jolt

EXTENSION of the countrywide blockade from 72 to 131 hours by the opposition strikes the public as a thunderbolt. It cannot be justified on any ground even allowing for the fact that the opposition feels persecuted. The simple point to note is that in asserting dissent and articulating a party's legitimate demand, the people cannot be held ransom to it, far less punished so cruelly.
Just when the second 72-hour undefined shutdown wreaking sabotage on the railway and lethal burning of vehicles was coming to an end, people's expectation of a respite is jarringly belied by the 59-hour extension to it. This was preceded by another round of 72-hour blockade with its trails of destruction, death, burning and bone chilling insecurity of life which left its deep scars.
Khaleda Zia's call for continuing with what she calls a 'peaceful movement' is nothing short of an open invitation to an orgy of violence arson, destruction and plunder which neither she nor her senior leaders can rein in once it is on the roll.
Nationally and internationally exasperating reactions are being aired over increasing disregard for human life in Bangladesh. In particular, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the EU have taken a serious note of escalating political violence in Bangladesh. They have underscored the urgency on the part of the major political parties to step back from a dangerous brinkmanship, a message they should heed.