Lull in economy

FOLLOWING the Gulshan attack, an uneasy calm has descended on business in the country which is bad news for the economy. People are afraid to go to markets or shopping malls as rumours of militant attacks spread. According to many businessmen they are now being able to do only 20 to 30 per cent of their usual business. One of my friends who works for an upscale restaurant expressed his frustration over the current business trend. Media reports say that foreign buyers are not willing to visit Bangladesh at this time and they want to observe the situation for some time.  
If things continue like this it will be difficult for many small businesses to survive. It is high time we all were united to fight extremism. It is good to see the religious leaders are also condemning all kinds of extremism. We should arrange for imparting lessons on religion in all schools so that young people are not misled by the militants. Gulshan has now become a place where people are normally reluctant to pay a visit. It will take some time before everything comes back to normal. The extremists are out to create insecurity, confusion and instability in society and we can only fight successfully if we are united.
Saiful Islam
Baridhara DOHS, Dhaka