The Country’s businessmen had threatened to besiege the offices of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and opposition leader Khaleda Zia if they did not take appropriate steps soon to resolve the country’s prevailing political gridlock.
From a human chain programme organised by the BGMEA, BKMEA and BTMA in front of the BGMEA premises in the capital’s Kawran Bazar yesterday, the warning was made. The programme was organised with an aim to put pressure on political parties to come to a consensus in resolving the ongoing political crisis.
Meanwhile, the FBCCI is scheduled to hold a flag demonstration bearing “white flag” with participations of the country’s businessmen on December 15.
“If the political leaders do not take any steps within 3-4 days, we will protest along with our four million workers,” BGMEA President M Atiqul Islam warned.
“If the political crisis continues, we will not be able to pay workers’ salary and over times, banks loans, LCs payment, insurance premiums,” Islam said.
FBCCI Vice-President Helal Uddin urged the politicians to stop politics of arson and vandalism.
The apparel apex trade body leaders also urged the political parties to keep the vehicles carrying RMG goods out of purview of hartals and blockades.
“Ensure security, or quit from politics,” said Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin, former BGMEA president, pointing a finger to the government.
“We were supposed to stay in factories but because of sick politics we are on the streets,” said Annisul Huq, former FBCCI president, and added: “Please, open the motherly heart and close the violent heart.”
Anisur Rahman Sinha, former BGMEA president, said, “Do not push the country along with this industry towards destruction for the sake of party’s interests.”
Meanwhile, Mostafa of Dress Up Limited said, “It is high time to boycott the fake politicians,” adding that they did not want the politics, which would push the country backward.
The country’s RMG sector and economy were at stake for the interest of the politicians, said Abdul Muktadir, director of FBCCI, adding that only the politician would be benefitted from politics and it [the RMG industry] would be the victims.
Civil society members, several chamber leaders and workers’ leaders expressed solidarity with the BGMEA, demanding an end to the ongoing political unrest in the country and to take necessary measures to come to a consensus.
Meanwhile, the businessmen observed “one minute silence” to show respect to Nelson Mandela, the great South African leader, who passed away on Friday.
