Today BNP, the opposition party, has called a nationwide hartal or strike. This used to be a more common occurrence, but has not been done in 3 1/2 years, (partly because there was a state of emergency declared for 2007-2008 and a military caretaker government was in control, and protests were made illegal). The last hartal occurred in 2006 and was led by the Awami League (the current party in power) against BNP.
Today's hartal is evidence of the increasing tensions (always simmering just below the surface in the best of circumstances) between the two parties. This article does a good job of summarizing BNP's public demands, and this a more behind-the-scenes glimpse.
Everyone is a little on edge, as these have a history of turning violent. Generally the hartal stays out of Gulshan / Baridhara / Banani and as there is an increased police / military presence in this area as to prevent any foreigners / embassies getting swept up in the possible violence. (I guess this is something both sides agree would be bad for the country.) But even so, everyone says to stay home just in case.
To give you an idea of how I'm coping, I'm currently watching Superman 4 on HBO India. It's at the part where Superman and Clark Kent go on a double date with Lois Lane and Mariel Hemingway. Hilarious hijinks ensue.
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