Hartal is a term used in South Asian countries, especially in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, to refer to a general strike or shutdown of businesses and public transportation services. There are several other synonyms for the same term, including bandh, chakka jam, and bundh. Bandh generally refers to a complete shutdown of all activities, while chakka jam is used for blocking roads and other means of transportation. Bundh is a Hindi word that also means a strike or shutdown. These terms are frequently seen in South Asian news during political protests and social movements to bring attention to issues and gain support from the masses.