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Business leaders urge parties to shun blame game, sit for talks
Govinda Shil
12/25/2005
Business leaders once again reiterated their concern over the growing political uncertainties and confrontations and urged the major parties to sit for reconciliation.
They said, instead of initiating dialogues, the parties have unfortunately embarked on a blame game, intensifying their hatred against each other.
"It is very unfortunate that they (both Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Awami League) continue to accuse each other instead of fighting Islamic extremist forces," said president of Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) Mir Nasir Hossain.
"The most expected norm of a democratic polity is that the parties must talk to each other when the nation faces any crisis. Unfortunately, we are yet to see this political culture in the country," said Nasir.
He added that no party in any country keeps itself incommunicado during such a political turmoil.
"The parties must stop hurling blame on each other and learn to be mutually tolerant in order to sustain democracy," Nasir noted.
Former FBCCI president Yussuf Abdullah Harun said the way the parties are reacting to the current rise of Islamic militancy is not at all expected.
"As the parties are not sitting for a constructive dialogue, the main culprits -- the Islamic extremists -- are enjoying a free run," Yussuf said, insisting that the party in power has to play a bigger role in such a crisis.
"It will be a national failure if the parties do not initiate dialogue at the earliest," said Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) president Fazlul Hoque.
He added that the entire business community was now living in discomfort and anticipation about the future.
Reacting to the current state of affairs, the BKMEA chief said, "enough is enough" and sought active cooperation from all major parties to help restore some semblance of political stability and rule of law.
Hoque told the FE that he feels the parties must exhibit democratic attitude and be tolerant while facing such national crises.
He also felt that the political leaders should be more forward-looking, liberal and sincere while dealing with the national issues.
The business leaders warned against serious politico-economic crisis if parties do not quit their "blame-game" and bridge their differences.
The Bangladesh Finished Leather, Leather-goods and Footwear Exporters Association (BFLLFEA) warned against fall in exports if the current stalemate continues.
Its president Tipu Sultan said the country is already facing a big setback as Japan recently declared that leather goods exports from Bangladesh would no more enjoy duty-free benefits in its market.
"I think most people of the country are frustrated at the attitude of the parties. It is appalling. The situation must improve immediately," observed the BFLLFEA president.
The chamber leaders said Prime Minister Khaleda Zia should not have threatened the AL leaders of facing sedation charges, and Sheikh Hasina should not have urged government employees abstain from their jobs.
"The government has a prime role to play… it must create a congenial environment so that everyone feels at ease and a sense of stimulation for a national dialogue," said Yussuf, the former FBCCI president.
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