Describing hartals [shutdowns] as not an effective tool for democratic movements anymore, senior Awami League leader Obaidul Quaders says that it has lost its appeal as the people hardly respond to it now.
His remarks came on Sunday (Jul 7), when leftist parties observed an eight-hour countrywide shutdown protesting the recent gas prices hike.
The shutdown fetched no response from the people, according to Quader, who serves as the general secretary of the ruling party. “Life was as usual across the country, including capital Dhaka.”
According to him, the latest revision of gas prices was reasonable as the government would still have to give subsidies despite the hike.
Speaking to the media after a meeting of the party’s policymaking Presidium, Quader said, “Punitive action will be taken against those involved in breaching party discipline, and a decision will be taken in this regard at its working committee meeting.”
The meeting also discussed the month-long programme ahead of August 15, preparations for its next national council and others.