SO far BNP's political programme has cost 113 lives.

Sixty of them were victims of arson attacks on buses and public transport. More than 1,200 vehicles have been destroyed by fire or damaged by miscreants. One hundred thirty people are writhing in agony in the bum units. And on Sunday only, 43 vehicles were damaged or put on fire. To compound matters, political clashes and traffic accidents, including bullet riddled bodies, number 17. The crossfire deaths and public beatings, a euphemism for crossfire, have gone up to 36 since January 5. We state the horrendous figures only to put the issue in true perspective

The businessmen, having lost in billions, and having found no other alternative, have taken recourse of the judiciary about hartal and oborodh. Most of all, the SSC students have been traumatised because of dislocation they have suffered due to continual rescheduling of their exams.

It is unthinkable, and we have said this umpteen times in the last two months, that the country should be sacrificed at the altar of ego, whims and arrogance of irrational and insensitive politics.

It is time both the AL and BNP realised that continued obduracy will cause more injury to the country. The AL and BNP must heed the call of the people who are getting disenchanted with the degeneration of politics, and want only the safety and security of their lives.

We urge the BNP to shun the path of violence and the government to commit to address the political issue which is indeed at the heart of the problem. To reconcile between political opponents is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom.