Some unidentified miscreants yesterday exploded a cocktail before the headquarters of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) where businessmen, mostly garment manufacturers, were observing a hunger strike demanding immediate end to the ongoing political unrest.
None was reported hurt in the blast.
Around 12:30pm, a crude bomb went off near the stage where the businessmen were siting and delivering speeches, witnesses said.
Earlier around 12:25pm, a group of garment workers joined the strike. Soon after their arrival, the cocktail exploded and the workers instantly brought procession around the stage with slogan, they said.
Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporter Association (BKMEA) Acting President Aslam Sunny was delivering speech when the bomb exploded.
In his immediate reaction, BGMEA President Atiqul Islam said: “No one can achieve anything by hurling bombs. We will not bow to bombers.”
He urged the political parties to shun the path of violent political programme that hurts business and lives of people.
The BGMEA, BKMEA and Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) jointly organised the day-long token hunger strike to place home their demands that include restoration of business friendly atmosphere in the country.
The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry ((FBCCI) and Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) in separate statements immediately after the incident condemned the attack and expressed deep concern.
The DCCI said the businessmen are now coming out on the streets only to raise their voice to save their industry.
“If this situation continues, our economy will be hit hardly. In order to come out of this deadlock all concerned should come forward to find a way out,” it said.
