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On Wednesday, the country’s business leaders stressed the need for immediate restoration of law and order and ensuring security as soon as possible to continue running the businesses and growth activities.
They voiced concerns over recent destructive activities, torching, and vandalisation targeting industrial and commercial establishments.
They urged the Chief of Army Staff, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, to ensure the security of business premises.
The business leaders also supported the formation of an interim government with Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus as the chief advisor.
They came up with the appeals at a press meet in a city hotel organised by The International Chamber of Commerce ICC, Bangladesh(ICCB).
Presiding over the meeting, ICCB President Md Mahbubur Rahman stressed the need to stop the destruction caused by miscreants, clarifying that students are not involved.
“We have gathered here on behalf of the country’s private sector to urge everyone to cooperate with each other in restoring law and order,” he said.
He urged the army to intervene to prevent further havoc.
Garment owners reported that many factories, supposed to open today, remained closed, with entrepreneurs hesitant to reopen, especially in areas like Ashulia, Bhaluka, and Narayanganj, he said.
Mr Rahman also expressed his condolence over the killing of hundreds of students in the violence.
He said the families of murdered students should be compensated, the injured should get treatment at government expense and maimed and those who have been injured for a lifetime should be rehabilitated.
Mahbubur Rahman also recalled past pressures on businesspeople during the Awami League government's tenure, where neutrality was not an option.
Responding to a question about meeting with the former prime minister to discuss student protests, police killings, and the curfew, he mentioned that they had no opportunity to raise their voices when invited to meet the head of the government.
AK Azad, former president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) and Managing Director of Ha-Meem Group, emphasised the need for protection, citing incidents of factories being set on fire, including those of Ha-Meem Group, Beximco, Gazi Group, and Square’s headquarters.
He urged the Army chief to take prompt action to improve the situation and protect their global image.
MA Matin Chowdhury, former president of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association, noted that many factories are unable to unload raw materials at the port, leading to stockpiling of products and buyers moving about 30 per cent of their orders elsewhere.
However, he expressed optimism saying that a quick improvement in the situation could stabilise the business environment.
MA Jabbar, Managing Director of DBL Group, highlighted that buyers are continuously inquiring about the current situation, which cannot be prolonged. He emphasised that rapid improvement and restoration of law and order are crucial for managing the situation.
FBCCI Vice-President Amin Helaly pointed out the private sector’s significant contribution of 85 per cent to the economy, stressing that halting it would impede economic progress.
Immediate improvement is necessary, he said.