Blockade loss Tk 66 billion a day, says MCCI

Md Saiful Islam, President of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dhaka (MCCI), claims all economic activities-exports and industries meant for domestic markets-are facing serious troubles as a result of the political programmes.

Citing statistics, the MCCI chief mentions that blockade loss a day is equivalent to Tk 66 billion.

"We are seeing some movement of vehicles in Dhaka city, but actually the movement of vehicles across the country usually remains at a halt during the blockade programme."

The chief of the elite chamber says export-oriented industries are not getting their raw materials and domestic industries cannot send their goods to dealers and other parts of the country. Export-oriented industries are now counting discounts and they will face "order cancellations shortly".

Mr. Islam says Bangladesh experienced more than 14 years of peaceful political ambiance with its economic dividend. "We had only 80-billion-dollar economy in 2008, now we are nearly half-a-trillion-dollar economy."

He thinks such achievement was due to the political stability for a long period.

Mr. Islam reminds that such programmes not only impact the industries, also affect the branding image of Bangladesh.

"As a result, the FDIs and credit rating will go down."

The MCCI chief feels that there is no alternative to pacifist political parties. "Peaceful programmes will win the heart of the people as the current agitative programmes affect life and livelihood of the common people."