Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Md Siddiqur Rahman on Monday claimed the ongoing student demonstration for safer roads was hurting the export oriented garment industry.
He added that the movement was also tarnishing Bangladesh’s image.
The BGMEA leader made the comments at a press conference called to brief media on the impact of the student demonstration on the export oriented garment industry, in Dhaka.
“Due to the ongoing student protests, the export oriented garment sector has faced the biggest trouble. For the last week, we have been unable to transport finished goods to Chittagong from Dhaka, or bring imported raw materials to Dhaka from Chittagong,” Siddiqur said.
“The movement has tarnished the image of the country as well as the businesses,” he added.
Siddiqur further said global buyers had canceled tours to Bangladesh, which had been scheduled to negotiate business deals, due to the ongoing demonstration.
The number of work orders may fall and even be transferred to other countries if the situation was not resolved, he added.
However, the BGMEA could not provide statistics on the financial losses incurred.
Furthermore, the BGMEA president thanked students for going back to their classes following the prime minister’s call, though he expressed concern that the transport system had not gone back to normal. “The students opened our eyes to the anarchy and indiscipline on the roads. However, with grave concern, we have notice that students have gone back to classes but the transport system is yet to return to normal. Very few vehicles are travelling on highways, and the business community has to suffer.”
“As a trade body, we do not want to witness activities which hinder business, as well as people’s lives,” he added.
The BGMEA leader urged cooperation from people of all quarters to ensure that the business environment remained stable.
Regarding road safety, Siddiqur said: “The government has to give importance to road safety. To ensure safety on the roads, we need effective laws and proper implementation.”
He asked the government to train drivers on a regular basis, and not allow underage driving.
BGMEA vice president Mohammad Nasir was also present at the press briefing.
On July 29, two college students of Shaheed Ramiz Uddin School and College were killed when a bus ploughed through a group of students in front of Kurmitola General Hospital on Airport Road.
Following the incident, thousands of students began demonstrations across the country in the demand for safe roads and justice for accident victims, bringing transportation to a standstill.
