No way out?

People's sufferings due to the ongoing political strife seem nowhere near the end as there is hardly any sign of the two major political parties reaching an agreement anytime soon. 

Already 23 lives have been lost and scores injured across the country since the beginning of the ongoing blockade.

Yet, both the sides are adamant that they won't budge an inch from their positions.

The BNP-led 20-party combine wants to intensify this violent blockade after Bishwa Ijtema ends today, and turn it into a “non-cooperation movement” to force the government to sit with the opposition over a fresh inclusive election, party insiders said.

While the government hinted at using law enforcement agencies against its rivals at the highest level to “keep the situation under control”, ruling Awami League insiders said.

Sources close to Khaleda Zia said the BNP chief is closely monitoring the blockade programme and maintaining contacts with party leaders at different tiers and giving them necessary directions over the phone to intensify the movement after the Biswa Ijtema.

Talking to The Daily Star, a number of BNP leaders said they have no other option but to wage a tougher nonstop movement in days to come.

They have reached a point of no return since the government is trying to cling to power for five years “breaching its promise to hold the 11th parliamentary polls within a short time”, they added.

“We will consider calling off the ongoing movement only if the government calls for dialogue and allow us due space for political activities,” a senior BNP leader said.

According to party insiders, Khaleda is very much optimistic that the ongoing non-stop movement will surely yield positive results and she is ready to face any consequences to make the agitation a success this time.

Last night, Khaleda expressed her firm determination to continue the movement until her demand is met.

“There is no question of retreat. The movement will go on until the voting rights of people are ensured,” MK Anwar, a standing committee member of BNP, quoted Khaleda as saying.

Anwar was talking to reporters after meeting Khaleda at her Gulshan office where she has been confined to since January 3.

In a press statement, BNP Joint Secretary General Rizvi Ahmed said their party chairperson is firm on her position. She will continue the movement until victory, no matter how much time it takes.

Meanwhile, people bear the brunt of the political deadlock.

With most of the long-route buses being kept off the road and train schedules almost falling apart following sabotage by pickets, the country's transport sector is limping along.

Then there are arson attacks. Five people, including a child, were burnt to death in a petrol bomb attack on a bus in Rangpur on Friday.

Addressing a programme of National Security Intelligence (NSI) yesterday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the hands of the culprits who make and hurl petrol bombs should be burnt so they can feel the pain of arson victims.

Sources in the AL-led 14-party alliance say law enforcement agencies will soon start a massive crackdown on the opposition.

And pro-government leaders and activists would take to the streets to assist law enforcers to counter the opposition's anti-government movement, they added.

A senior AL leader said, “The government contemplates giving shoot-on-sight order to BGB and chief of the paramilitary force Maj Gen Abdul Aziz has already indicated this.”

According to sources, the government might come up with such an order after January 20 as it is waiting for devotees to return home after Biswa Ijtema.

BGB Director General Maj Gen Abdul Aziz on Thursday said the paramilitary force deployed to maintain law and order would use “lethal weapons” if the force or the people came under attack.

Food Minister Qamrul Islam thanked the border force chief for the remarks saying, "I want to salute the BGB director general." Qamrul, also joint general secretary of AL, said the BNP's movement would come to an end just in 10 days.

Talking to The Daily Star, AL Presidium Member Nooh-Ul-Alam Lenin said the number of mobile courts and their activities would be increased to punish criminals. “Besides, the law enforcement agencies might take instant decision to keep the situation normal."

The government's hard line is fully backed by the police chief and the Rab DG.

Police boss AKM Shahidul Haque at a view exchange meeting titled “resist criminal and subversive activities” in Rangpur said they will work for the elected government taking people with them till the last drop of their blood.

At the same programme, Rab DG Benazir Ahmed said the next election would be held as per schedule and people would exercise their right to vote.