A Futile Hartal

Another hartal came to an end at midnight last night. Once again it has demonstrated the futility of a brand of politics that shows scant regard for the people, and places the maximum emphasis on partisan pursuits. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies had called the hartal ostensibly to demand resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner, but in reality to prevent filing of nomination papers for the forthcoming municipal elections. Boycott of the polls is the principal goal of the opposition, and attempt to foil filing of nominations through hartals was a logical tactic to achieve the goal. However, in both counts the opposition's case looks forlorn.

The logic behind "boycott" of the municipal polls on grounds of perceived partiality of the CEC has not been accepted by anyone other than the most rabidly partisan. Besides, it is doubtful whether political parties can exercise effective control over local government polls such as the ones to municipalities and Union Parishads. Under such circumstances, calling of hartals to foil such elections is rather futile. Not surprisingly, reports from election offices around the country show a high degree of participation by prospective candidates, and the Election Commission has not reported any disruption to the nomination filing process.

Given such a situation, we are well within our rights to ask, what was this hartal all about? And what purpose would any future hartals serve, should the opposition call them as part of the same exercise? It is clearly evident that the opposition's current tactics have little to do with the aspirations or anxieties of the people they claim to represent. Hartals are once again being used as a ladder to climb to power, even if it means beraking the back of the people, economically and socially. It is rather surprising that, having roundly condemned hartals as anti-development and anti-people during its terms in office, the BNP is now indulging in such activities without the faintest consideration for the welfare of the people or the future of the nation. What the BNP and its allies need to understand is that, if they wish to endear themselves to the people, they ought to turn away from the politics of hartals, and embrace politics that is good.