The country has incurred a loss equivalent to Tk4,900 crore or 0.55% of GDP of FY2015 (2014-15) due to non-stop blockade and hartal called by the BNP-led alliance during January to mid-March this year.
The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), a leading think-tank of the country, came up with the estimate at a press briefing on its recommendations for the upcoming national budget for 2015-16 financial year (FY16), held on Sunday at Brac Centre Inn in Dhaka, reports BSS.
"As political unrest continues to take a toll on the Bangladesh economy, major sectors have incurred a loss equivalent to Tk4,900 crore or 0.55% of GDP of FY2015 (2014-15) during January to mid-March this year," said the CPD.
CPD Research Fellow Towfiqul Islam Khan presented an analysis of the economic loss covering major sectors including agriculture, poultry, shrimp, apparels, plastic, transport, tourism, banking and insurance, wholesale & retail trading, real estate and education.
The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) estimated the economic loss to the countrywide ceaseless blockade and recurring shutdowns till February 9 would be no less than Tk75,000 crore.
Moreover, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) said the country lost Tk36,445 crore in first 16 days of the blockade and strike.