On January 5th Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina banned a political opponent’s demonstration and hundreds of activists were arrested. The opposition leader Khaleda Zia was confined to her office. This prompted opposition groups to indefinitely blockade roads, rail and river transport and call for early elections. Since then violence has escalated. Busses and trains firebombed. Over Fifty-four people have died. The 4,000 factories that employ four million people in the garment industry. (80% of exports) have closed. The tourist industry is dead with hotels empty. The trickledown effect has resulted in shortages of everyday commodities and lost jobs. People are afraid to venture out of their homes. Each political side is blaming the other for the escalating violence and resulting economic disaster. The ones suffering the most are those who have lost jobs and see bleak futures in this standoff. See also: