Several business leaders of the country at a programme on Tuesday said readymade garment exports should not be a victim of politics.
“Buyers wanted to know what will be the situation of the country after October 25,” said Atiqul Islam, president of BGMEA (Bangladesh Garment Manufactures & Exporters Association).
“I am requesting the leader of the opposition to send a message to the foreigners, and also assure us, that the situation will be calm and quiet after October 25 for the interest of the garments industry,”Atiqul said at a view-exchange meeting to discuss Bangladesh’s current business and economic condition.
“RMG is our lifeline. I am asking the two leaders to reach a consensus on the polls,” he said, referring to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and opposition leader Khaleda Zia.
Atiqul also thanked Khaleda for keeping the garments industry out of the purview of general strikes.
Bangladesh Babsayi Parishad (business association) organised the programme in the capital’s Bangabandhu International Conference Centre. About 20 business leaders addressed the meeting, chaired by former FBCCI president Abdul Awal Mintu.
The businessmen also criticised the government for portraying a gloomy picture of the country’s economic sector, saying there was no alternative to ousting the Awami League-led alliance to save the economy.
Many of the speakers branded Khaleda as a future prime minister, and sought her support when she assumes office.
Moazzem Hossain, vice president of Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (Baira), claimed that the government had chalked out a “mega” plan to destroy overseas employment.
“Around 14 and a half lakh (1.45 million) people took part in the (official) registration process, but only 450 were sent abroad. The government has looted hundreds of crores of takas through this registration business,” Moazzem said.
Awlad Hossain, president of Faridpur Chamber of Commerce and Industries, said people were afraid of what would happen after October 25.
“I am urging the prime minister to accept the opposition party’s demand for the sake of fair elections. It is your (PM) duty to give comfort to the people of the country. If the government does not pay any heed, we will be with Begum Khaleda Zia after October 25,” he said.
