Blockades or hartals were frequently observed in the political milieu of Bangladesh in the past. The utilisation of these tactics by diverse political opposition groups was intended to attain their objectives but frequently led to extensive hardship among the populace. However, it is worth noting that there has been a noticeable decline in the occurrence of hartals or blockades orchestrated by political opposition factions in Bangladesh in recent years, following the extensive three-month hartal instigated by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in 2014. The effectiveness of the hartal as a political instrument started to decline during that particular era. Nevertheless, there has been a renewed occurrence of these disruptive protests that has once again captured the public's attention since the BNP reintroduced hartals starting October 29th. The profound economic consequences should not be disregarded amidst the immobilisation of the nation's transit infrastructure, the outbreak of violence, and the disruption of critical services and producing sectors.
The interruption of the transport sector is a prominent and direct consequence of blockades. The use of barricades obstructs roadways, automobiles are intentionally ignited, and the operation of public transportation comes to a standstill. This phenomenon not only hinders the regular transportation of many individuals but also significantly disrupts the flow of commodities and services. Consequently, supply networks experience disruptions, leading to a significant increase in logistical costs.
The commerce sector in Bangladesh has a substantial decline in its growth due to the occurrence of blockades. Due to the inability of enterprises to function, their operational activities come to a standstill. The impact of commercial operations, including trade, manufacturing, and exporting, is significant, resulting in a notable decrease in revenue. Blockades disproportionately affect small and medium-sized firms (SMEs), which are crucial to the economic foundation of Bangladesh.
Blockades frequently result in instances of violence, acts of vandalism, and the deliberate destruction of both public and private property. Not only does this pose a threat to human life, but it also leads to substantial economic repercussions. The financial implications ofrestoring and maintaining infrastructure, vehicles, and property are significant. The responsibility is with the government and, eventually, the taxpayers.
Acomplete understanding of the economic implications of blockades is crucial since they permeate all sectors of Bangladesh's economy. Blockades, characterised by the closure of roads and the interruption of public transit, significantly influence the economy. A recent report presents the economic ramifications of a single day of blockage in Bangladesh surpassing BDT 6,000 crore, which serves as a poignant reminder of the extensive implications of such occurrences.
The interruption of the transport sector is a prominent and
direct consequence of blockades. The use of barricades obstructs roadways, automobiles are
intentionally ignited, and the operation of public transportation
comes to a standstill. This phenomenon
not only hinders the regular transportation of many
individuals but also significantly disrupts the flow of commodities and services.
Consequently, supply networks experience disruptions, leading to a
significant increase in logistical costs
Blockades impede the transportation of commodities, hence detrimental impacts on regional enterprises and global commerce. Delays and disturbances in the supply chain harm exports, which are a substantial driver of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP). The occurrence of financial losses among exporters has the potential to negatively impact the reputation of Bangladesh as a dependable trade partner.
Blockades in commercial enterprises lead to employee dismissal, resulting in financial loss and potential poverty. This situation is particularly problematic for those relying on daily wages, as it exacerbates their precarious financial situation and further exacerbates their poverty.Recurrent blockades create uncertainty and instability, affecting foreign and local investments. Investors are cautious in transferring financial resources to nations with frequent economic disturbances, as they could negatively impact economic growth.
Interrupting supply networks can result in inflationary pressures and subsequent price hikes for critical goods. The increase in the cost of living disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable parts of the population, exacerbating their financial challenges in meeting basic needs.
The financial industry also experiences the impact of blockades. The inability of enterprises to function has resulted in the postponement of loan repayments, exerting an adverse influence on the financial stability of banks. This phenomenon can generate a cascading impact inside the financial industry, possibly influencing the savings and investments of individuals in the general population.
Blockades impose additional financial burdens on the government due to the expenses incurred for law enforcement and the preservation of public order. The allocation of these monies may have been directed towards critical public services, the construction of infrastructure, or programmes aimed at alleviating poverty. The allocation of resources towards this diversion impedes the government's capacity to meet its responsibilities towards the populace effectively.
The economic ramifications of blockades extend beyond the temporal confines of the protests. In the long run, the potential ramifications encompass a decline in the rate of economic expansion, diminished levels of foreign investment, and a generally unfavourable view of the country's economic stability. This phenomenon has the potential to result in the overlooking of economic development prospects.
Although the economic ramifications of blockades are indisputable, it is imperative to bear in mind the human toll they exact. The repercussions of these political manoeuvres frequently result in innocent individuals experiencing physical, psychological, and emotional distress. Disruptions to individuals' lives can occur, and unfortunate loss of life may transpire in certain instances.
Therefore, we need to emphasise the significant economic ramifications of blockades, underscoring their immense magnitude that necessitates serious consideration. The impediment to Bangladesh's progress and development is an unyielding fact. The country must consider the prudence of utilising disruptive strategies within politics as a collective entity.
A compelling necessity exists for adopting a more accountable and productive methodology towards political dissent and protest. The prioritisation of engaging in discourse, cultivating a culture of compromise, and collaborating for the collective benefit of the nation should take precedence over acts that detrimentally impact the economy and the well-being of the general populace.
There is a pressing need to reassess the mechanisms employed in politics, with a renewed emphasis on nonviolent and constructive approaches to attaining political goals. The nation can be shielded from substantial economic and personal hardships by doing so. The future trajectory and economic well-being of Bangladesh are contingent upon the decisions made in the present time.
The writer is a Professor in the Department of Public Administration at the University of Rajshahi.