The shrewd political brilliance of BNP is paying dividends for them as they are successfully on the way to what they had planned in this crucial interregnum of the caretaker government.

The AL is now in a very critical position as the obtaining situation is not at all in its favour. They have to cry for neutrality finding no way out. The BNP has manipulated the situation very cunningly and this is where the AL has been beaten by BNP's political shrewdness. BNP knew well that this is a very busy time for the nation, particularly for the educational institutions. University admission tests, test exams for HSC and SSC examinees along with the annual exams of schools are on. It is a very crucial season also for the poor people as winter makes life even more difficult for them. The situation influences the parents too and they are naturally much disturbed now, and this has helped BNP to raise their voice against 'public predicaments.'

The season is by no means appropriate for political activism but AL is forced to indulge in it since they have few options. Though some people raise the question why 'blockade' is the only option, I want to draw their attention whether there was any other option left to see the back of the stubborn M. A. Aziz or force K. M. Hasan not to take up the post? Invisible strings are controlling the whole administrative machinery including the Chief Adviser and Election Commission. On this very point AL must endure criticism, because what they are doing only increases the difficulty of the common people. They must have thought the matter carefully through, before launching their protest against election engineering, with political wisdom. It can be said that the AL had taken BNP lightly as a contender unlike the BNP.

The whole nation is uncertain still about holding a free and fair election in Bangladesh, but the question must be asked whether AL's political shrewdness is a thing of the past

Md. Maidul Islam, University of Dhaka

I could not say enough about prospect and potential of Bangladesh. Our people are caring, honest and hard working. They admire and appreciate education. Entrepreneurs are everywhere! They have dreams and work hard to achieve it. When dealing with foreign counterparts, they are diligent, cordial, schedule concise and dedicated. As a business executive, my experience with them is excellent. They never want handout, just looking for a chance. Chance to prove; chance to learn.

My request to our leading social experts and media reporters is to guide the ill-fated out-dated politicians to pursue non-violence approach to overcome current political crisis.

How could any political parties allow 10-12 years old kids dancing on the street or throwing rocks at police? Those kids should be in the school!

I would like to see political parties engage in social work. They should pursue voters with development plan. If our politicians can motivate people to create anarchy, they can also motivate them to do good work. Let them be like those entrepreneurs.

Engr. Md. Zaman, P.E., M.B.A. California, USA

The blockade programme called by the 14-party alliance has caused heavy damage to the country's economy, enormous sufferings to the education sector at the time of examination and admission period, working people had to take risk of their lives and spend huge amount for transport, not to speak of the people attending patients at hospitals and clinics and requiring medical treatment, the poor working class including day labourers, and so many small or big business people could not earn their living.

This is not a situation where people have to sacrifice so heavily. If the 11-point demands are met, it will only benefit one section of politicians to go to power. It will be of no benefit to commoners, because we have seen in the past the activities of most of the major political parties while they were in power. Why should we common people suffer so much? In the name of establishing environment for free and fair election, the political parties are not supposed to call this sort of hartal- blockade. In the name of upholding one constitutional right, other is being denied.

The Caretaker Government is supposed to honour the civil and constitutional rights of all citizens of the country, not only those of few aspiring political persons.

Dr. Mohammad Abdul Hai, Department of Chemistry Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka

Again blockade! Agitation, street violence and endless sufferings for commuters! One is ashamed to mention that when people are suffering due to this, cheering parody and awful dances by the politician raise the question in our minds as to what they really want? Is it democracy? We can't think that in the 21st century politician can behave in this manner.

Unfortunately, we are heading towards another period of uncertainty due to the political rivalry between the AL and BNP. Neither of these two major parties practices democracy within their own party. Otherwise, how every year Khaleda and Hasina become party presidents? Somebody else should come in front. It is matter of shame that the red-capped mayor, Mohiuddin, has always been against any development of Chittagong Port, and AL had been supporting him. Does the AL think that by doing so it will be benefited?

In the name of democracy blockade of Chittagong Port will not be acceptable. Hasina has to realize it. We can't pay the penalty for ships at outer anchorage waiting to be unloaded. Alternatively, Mongla Port needs to be made more effective too. This is the time we need to sit together for our betterment. The two Rahman dynasties need not to be in power any more. We the majority of the people want peace and development. We want our country to progress and compete with the outside world. We want our kids to get proper uninterrupted education. Farmers must get the right price for their crops. Day labourers must earn their daily wages. Please, Ms. Hasina and Khaleda don't think we are fools. We know what you want. Please don't make us hostage. You have done enough. Don't divert foreign investment by blockade.

W. Islam, On e-mail

No one else, but the Awami League (AL) leaders and the 14-party combine for that fateful day when people killed their own brethren by beating mercilessly exceeding all the limits of cruelty! Thank you for publishing the true stories written by some letter writers who described the savage act of some look-a-like human beings. Thanks to Ajit Kr. Roy (DS Nov.01,'06) for expressing his indignation very frankly. Yes, the first to share the blame are the President and General Secretary of the AL, who incited and instigated their followers to lay siege to Dhaka with sticks and poles. They should be made to account for this, and then the beastly characters should be tracked with the help of the TV footages and tried for killing innocent people. I also hail the writer for reminding the Bangladeshis, whose memories are short lived, how brutal and savage were the members of Rakkhi Bahini in 1973, which used to catch innocents and kill them! Let us (all the helpless) pray to Almighty Allah for salvation of this unfortunate nation but not repeat mockeries (like the AL who are so good in composing sentimental statements after such killings) and shed crocodile tears!

A F Rahman, On e-mail

It appears to me and perhaps to most of the neutral observers that the two ladies are fighting with their goons and in the process the poor people of Bangladesh are becoming victims. The two ladies are simply not paying attention to the loss people are suffering. Are they worthy of anyone's votes? The people of Bangladesh should find a way out to teach these two a lesson of their lives by simply rejecting both of them.

I think the best person suited to the development of Bangladesh is Mr. Mohammed Yunus, the Nobel Laureate. Could he be brought to do some extra good work for the people of Bangladesh? The whole world will appreciate that.

Anis Mohiuddin, Kolkata

As a conscientious and tormented citizen of the country, I believe it is time we came out of the quagmire of such unholy, mistrustful and confrontational politics that is chipping away at the development we have achieved, and vitality we have attained so far.

The answer to our quest for a peaceful developing society does not lie in the removal of Justice MA Aziz, the CEC, or the CA. Even if we did so, we would still have to face the same uncertainty, if not after five years then surely within the next ten.

What we need is a national government comprising people from all walks of life for a limited period of time. Its task would be to ensure separation of the judiciary and autonomy of the Election Commission (EC), at the earliest. The EC must be made totally independent of the executive and given the power to frame and execute electoral laws as per the provisions of the constitution. Alongside this, it is also extremely important to make the ACC truly independent and functional. To legitimise this the national government should also go for a referendum and also propose to abolish the 13th amendment, which the subsequently elected government would carry out as per the mandate of the people.

I believe, this could and would be a workable solution to make democracy work in a peaceful atmosphere and ensure prosperity of the nation.

S. K Chakraborty, On e-mail