The economy has suffered a serious setback as the ongoing political unrest causes a loss of around Tk36,445 crore in 16 sectors only, says an independent estimate released yesterday.
The damage, equivalent to about 3% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) for 2014-15, was a result of the ongoing blockade and hartals, says the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) estimate.
“Daily losses stand around Tk2,300 crore because of the blockade,” said DCCI President Hossain Khaled while revealing the estimate at a press briefing yesterday.
The BNP-led 20-party alliance is enforcing the non-stop blockade with occasional and area-wise hartals across the country since January 6, following BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s alleged confinement at her Gulshan office.
The 16 sectors are readymade garments, transport and communication, agriculture, housing, tourism, wholesale and retail trade, production, revenue, ceramic, poultry, plastic, insurance, hawkers, land port and frozen foods.
“A dialogue is the only panacea to put an end to the current political stalemate,” said Khaled, urging all the political parties to reach a consensus.
“It is not possible to reach an acceptable solution through the use of muscle power or oppressing others,” he said.
The Dhaka chamber suggested that a “citizen’s council,” consisting senior representatives from the business community, media and the academe, should be formed and tasked finding a permanent solution. “The committee members should not have any political affiliation,” the chamber said.
“The council’s recommendations will be placed in parliament for a sustainable solution,” he said, explaining the formula.
Replying to a query, Khalid said the trade body would try, if allowed, to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
If the unrest continues, industrial production will be hampered and the employers would be forced to lay off to cover for the losses. “...consequently, unemployment will rise and social unrest stimulated,” the business leader said.
DCCI Senior Vice-President Humayun Rashid, Vice-President M Shoaib Choudhury, Directors AKD Khair Mohammad Khan, Alhaj Abdus Salam, K Atique-E-Rabbani, Osman Gani, Muktar Hossain Chowdhury, S Rumi Saifullah, and DCCI Secretary AHM Rezaul Kabir were present at the briefing.
