Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman has expressed hope that the curfew will be lifted within the next seven days.
He shared this optimism after an exchange meeting with businessmen at the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) building in the capital’s Agargaon on Sunday.
Salman F Rahman mentioned that the curfew is being gradually relaxed each day and should be completely lifted within the next week.
"4G is being launched as no business is possible without the internet nowadays. With the prime minister's decision, we are slowly returning to normalcy," he added.
Salman F Rahman noted that the curfew relaxation time is being extended and that public life will soon return to normal. Businessmen have demanded the easing of congestion at Chittagong port, the reduction of extra duty collection, the resolution of certain NBR issues, and concessions on bank interest or late instalment payments.
He also mentioned that businessmen have requested a separate internet system to prevent future disruptions.
Acknowledging that the quota reform movement has impacted business and trade in Dhaka and surrounding districts, Salman F Rahman said sector-related parties have been asked to report the losses in writing by Sunday.
"We identified five key problems. Traders highlighted issues at Chittagong port, which we will address in a future meeting. They also raised concerns with the NBR, Bangladesh Bank, and the Ministry of Finance," he added.
Salman F Rahman suggested that in case the general internet system is damaged or shut down for any reason, a standby system could be established for businessmen to ensure continuity of operations.
Expressing solidarity with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he affirmed that the businessmen can overcome this situation and will provide all kinds of assistance to the government.
He claimed that rumours and false information about the quota movement have been spread on social media and by foreign media.
"There is a problem with our image abroad. It must be repaired now. First, we need to restore normalcy. Once everything is normal, the damage to our image will be largely recovered," he added.
