Businessmen from Chittagong yesterday demanded the political parties end the ongoing political violence immediately in order to save the country and its economy.
They made these demands during their sit-in programme in front of Chittagong Chamber and Commerce Industry’s (CCCI) office in Chittagong’s Agrabad area.
CCCI oranised the 15-minute long sit-in programme which began at 12pm as part of a countrywide protest, called by Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, against the ongoing political violence.
The protesters also demanded the government take proper steps to save lives and properties on highways for smooth operation of the country’s economy.
Around 600 businessmen from 36 different trade bodies participated in the programme, holding the national flag with the slogan “Country is above all; Save the country, save its economy.”
Speakers at the rally referred to the recent arson and petrol bomb attacks, saying burning down lives and property is not a political movement, but is destructive activity that bodes ill for the prosperity of the economy.
CCCI President Mahbubul Alam said: “We want the government’s assurance of the protection of our manufacturing goods and products which are being destroyed while being transported due to violence on the streets. How are we going to pay the tax is our businesses are repeatedly affected by such incidents?”
He further threatened that traders will stop paying VAT and tax if the ongoing political crisis and violence lingers, urging BNP-led 20-party alliance to put an end to continuous blockades and hartals for the sake of the economy.
The sit-in included members from Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Bangladesh Garments Accessories and Packaging Manufactures Exports Association, and Bangladesh Recondition Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association.
Among others, Clearing and Forwarding Agents Association, Chittagong Women of Chamber and Commerce Industry, Bangladesh Ship Breakers Association, Chittagong Transport Traders Association, Dokan-Malik Samity, Hotel & Restaurant Owners Association, Freight Forward Association expressed solidarity with the programme.
It is high time for the government to resist the countywide violence that putting the county’s financial system into at stake, bussines said.
They also urged the government for taking stern steps to bring a halt to the ongoing political turmoil for the sake of safeguard of the county’s economy.
Businesspersons from across the city and its outskirts took to the streets yesterday to protest against the ongoing violent blockade and frequent hartal by the BNP-led 20-party alliance.
The demonstrators sang the national anthem with the national flag in their hands together in front of Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI).
RCCI President Md Muniruzzaman and its directors Hassen Ali, Farid Uddin, Dr Faisal Kabir Chowdhury, president of Sammilita Businessmen Association Shamsuddin and its General Secretary Sekender Ali spoke on the occasion.
The speakers said the BNP’s agitation had cost the national economy billions of Taka in losses and they also feared Bangladesh would miss its growth target due to the adverse impact of strikes and blockades.
RCCI President Muniruzzaman raised several demands, including a ban on blockade and shutdown.
“The political parties should come to a conclusion avoiding the violence in the name of political events for the sake of the country and its economy,” he said.