Kazi Zahidul Hasan :
Business leaders on Wednesday expressed concern over the political tension escalating in the wake of a court verdict in a case filed against Begum Khaleda Zia to be announced on Thursday.
They fear if the political tension bursts into street protest, that could negatively impact economic activities and disrupt export and pace of implementation of mega projects initiated by the government to remove energy shortfall and infrastructure bottlenecks.
“We don’t expect fresh political violence. But if it takes place, it could disrupt business activities, exports, and tarnish image of the country,” FBCCI (Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry) President M Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin told The New Nation yesterday.
He said, fresh political unrest could send a negative signal to the potential foreign investors, who are planning to invest in special economic zones.
“None is in favour of violent politics like hartal (strike), blockade and act of terrorism, as it always takes the economy hostage and makes democracy fragile. So, we expect sensible role from our leaders who are working for the welfare of the people and the economy,” said Mohiuddin.
He strongly believes that BNP will not enforce violent political programme, as it is a sensible and popular political party. The government should also be restraint and asks police to keep the situation peaceful.
EAB (Exporters’ Association of Bangladesh) President Abdus Salam Murshedy said “Political violence took heavy toll on economy. We do not expect a similar situation, the country witnessed in 2013. We want to do business peacefully. Any disruption in business activities will definitely hit the economy.
He further said violence will erode confidence of the
business community. Political uncertainty over a longer period could force the investors and businessmen to move out their capital to offshore ventures.
The EAB president urged all to maintain political stability at any cost for the sake of economy as well as maintain peace in the society.
“We’re concerned over the current political tension. If ruling Awami League and BNP men lock into street fight again it will seriously damage garment exports,” Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President M Siddiqur Rahman told The New Nation.
He said it could also tarnish the country’s image afresh that we are gradually recovering in the aftermath of Rana Plaza collapse, Holley Artisan attack and political violence in 2013.
“If political unrest erupts again, buyers would be shy in placing new orders to local manufacturers creating fresh uncertainty over the country’s apparel export trade,” he feared.
Business leaders also urged the government to ensure peaceful political space for all the parties restraining from excessive use of police force on opposition leaders and activists. It’s the government duty to maintain law and order, protect public property and ensures business environment, they added.
Business leaders on Wednesday expressed concern over the political tension escalating in the wake of a court verdict in a case filed against Begum Khaleda Zia to be announced on Thursday.
They fear if the political tension bursts into street protest, that could negatively impact economic activities and disrupt export and pace of implementation of mega projects initiated by the government to remove energy shortfall and infrastructure bottlenecks.
“We don’t expect fresh political violence. But if it takes place, it could disrupt business activities, exports, and tarnish image of the country,” FBCCI (Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry) President M Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin told The New Nation yesterday.
He said, fresh political unrest could send a negative signal to the potential foreign investors, who are planning to invest in special economic zones.
“None is in favour of violent politics like hartal (strike), blockade and act of terrorism, as it always takes the economy hostage and makes democracy fragile. So, we expect sensible role from our leaders who are working for the welfare of the people and the economy,” said Mohiuddin.
He strongly believes that BNP will not enforce violent political programme, as it is a sensible and popular political party. The government should also be restraint and asks police to keep the situation peaceful.
EAB (Exporters’ Association of Bangladesh) President Abdus Salam Murshedy said “Political violence took heavy toll on economy. We do not expect a similar situation, the country witnessed in 2013. We want to do business peacefully. Any disruption in business activities will definitely hit the economy.
He further said violence will erode confidence of the
business community. Political uncertainty over a longer period could force the investors and businessmen to move out their capital to offshore ventures.
The EAB president urged all to maintain political stability at any cost for the sake of economy as well as maintain peace in the society.
“We’re concerned over the current political tension. If ruling Awami League and BNP men lock into street fight again it will seriously damage garment exports,” Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President M Siddiqur Rahman told The New Nation.
He said it could also tarnish the country’s image afresh that we are gradually recovering in the aftermath of Rana Plaza collapse, Holley Artisan attack and political violence in 2013.
“If political unrest erupts again, buyers would be shy in placing new orders to local manufacturers creating fresh uncertainty over the country’s apparel export trade,” he feared.
Business leaders also urged the government to ensure peaceful political space for all the parties restraining from excessive use of police force on opposition leaders and activists. It’s the government duty to maintain law and order, protect public property and ensures business environment, they added.
