We join with the rest of the world in mourning the sad demise of King Abdullah. We shall remember him for his efforts to further strengthen the long fraternal relations between our two countries.

For government ministers to say that there is no political crisis is like burying one's head in the sand. If there is no crisis then why the 30 dead and more than 900 injured since January 5?

Political violence has been responsible for the untimely deaths of at least 324 passengers and transport workers in two years alone, according to a report by the Passenger Welfare Association of Bangladesh. In addition, over 4.42 lakh passengers and transport workers suffered injuries, with 13,200 of them permanently maimed, while over 30,000 vehicles were vandalised.

Mindless directives are being issued curbing public freedom, interest and convenience in a blanket fashion. Bafflingly, authorities have indefinitely banned motor cyclists from carrying passengers on the back seat or front and that launch passengers will be issued tickets for cabins only after checking their national identity cards.