The 48-hour blockade in Bangladesh, organized by the opposition party, continues to cause inconvenience to the public. Protesters are intermittently allowing vehicles to pass through, but transportation and businesses have been affected. The government has deployed additional security forces to maintain law and order during the blockade. The opposition party has accused the government of using excessive force against protesters and has called for dialogue to resolve the issue [5a38e7ca].
In addition to the ongoing blockades in Bangladesh, the Cochabamba department in Bolivia is also facing economic and infrastructure damage due to road blockades led by supporters of former president Evo Morales. Highways in Cochabamba were blocked at 23 points, resulting in damage to roads and economic losses estimated at nearly $1 billion nationwide. Cochabamba department alone reported losses of $236 million. The construction sector suffered losses due to the inability to transport materials, equipment, and personnel. The roads were cleared after congress passed a law to call elections for judges, but Morales and his supporters are still calling for the removal of key magistrates. Businesspeople in Cochabamba have asked authorities to prioritize the completion of a new highway to a neighboring department to avoid passing through Morales' main stronghold [2283c6bd].
The ongoing blockades and hartals in Bangladesh are having a significant negative impact on the country's economy. Dr. Atiur Rahman, former Governor of Bangladesh Bank, highlighted that these disruptions have resulted in a decline in investment, reduced productivity, and increased unemployment. The transportation sector has been severely affected, with road blockades causing significant disruptions to the movement of goods and people. Dr. Rahman called for a peaceful resolution to political conflicts to prevent further damage to the economy [c407f770].
The blockades and hartals organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and other like-minded political parties are a protest against the government's alleged misrule and corruption. The BNP claims that the government has failed to address the country's economic crisis and ensure good governance. The blockades are expected to disrupt transportation and normal activities in the country, further impacting the economy. The government has condemned the blockades, stating that they are an attempt to create chaos and destabilize the country. Security forces have been deployed to maintain law and order during the blockades. The BNP has a history of organizing blockades and protests to press for their demands. The current blockades are seen as a continuation of their efforts to challenge the government's authority and push for political change [82435530].
Protests in Bolivia have intensified over the economy's decline, paralyzing the government and leading to a bitter political fight between President Luis Arce and former President Evo Morales. The future of Bolivia's splintering Movement for Socialism (MAS) is at stake ahead of elections in 2025. Bolivia's financial quagmire stems from a rift within the governing party, with Morales' return from exile and plans to run in the 2025 vote setting him on a collision course with Arce. Arce disputes the legitimacy of Morales' campaign, further exacerbating the economic woes of Bolivia. Morales' allies in Congress have thwarted Arce's attempts to take on debt, adding to the tensions tearing at MAS and offering Bolivia's opposition a chance at power. However, the opposition is fractured and legitimacy is in question. Bolivians are incensed by Morales but disappointed by Arce [d1c1cd5a].
It is crucial for the government and political parties in both Bangladesh and Bolivia to find a compromise to save the countries and prevent further economic collapse. Foreign countries have criticized Bangladesh's human rights situation, while the government argues that they should focus on other global issues. The situation is causing anger among the people and affecting businesses and public transportation.