Businesses want Sheikh Hasina as PM for next term

Desk Report: Top business leaders and entrepreneurs across the political divides today said they want to see Sheikh Hasina as the prime minister of the country for next term again, terming her as the ‘symbol of hope’ for the entire business community and common people as well for the country’s thriving growth.

The business leaders said this at a Business Conference organized by Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BCCI) here today to express support to the leadership of Sheikh Hasina in future.

Top business entrepreneurs, CEOs, managing directors of manufacturing industries and export-import enterprises, leaders of steel industries, service oriented organizations, power sector and ICT and leaders of trade bodies joined the conference.

“We want continuation of the policy and functioning of the regulatory body consistently and predictably to take forward the country to that level that we are dreaming for,” Shafiul Alam Mohiuddin, president of the apex body of the country’s business and commerce said.

“Business community wants a leader who have vision, courage, cooperation and whose doors are always open for them,” he said, adding that Sheikh Hasina is the last resort to resolve any problem of industries, owners and workers and she stands as the guardian for development.

They extended their full support to the ‘zero tolerance’ policy of Sheikh Hasina to corruption, urging her to give punishment if there is any ‘black sheep’ in the business community.

PM’s advisor on private enterprises and chairman of Beximco Group Salman F Rahman said the business community is very much grateful to the Prime Minister as she extended cooperation to every business person irrespective of their political affiliation to do business freely over the last 10 years.

“Sheikh Hasina never considered which businessperson is Awami League or non-Awami League. Many big deals were held in the country in the last ten years. But none can say they had to face interference of any entity like ‘Hawa Bhaban’ or give any bribe for doing business,” he said.

A video documentary on the development of various sectors and mega projects undertaken by the present government was screened at the programme that began with playing of the national anthem.

Responding to the expectation of the business leaders, the prime minister said it is the responsibility of the government to create a congenial atmosphere for the business. The government will not do business but create atmosphere for development of industries, trade and commerce, she said.

Laying importance on maintaining peace and stability in the country, she said business can thrive amidst a peaceful atmosphere.

The government went for dialogue with the political parties to hold the coming election in a peaceful situation, she said, seeking support of everybody to maintain peace ahead of the election.

Sheikh Hasina said she has no desire to come to power by any means. The party which will get public support will come to power. Awami League will come to power again if it gets the peoples’ mandate, otherwise not, she said.

“I want peace and the people to exercise their franchise in a peaceful atmosphere to choose their government. The country would certainly move ahead if peace prevails in society,” she said.

The prime minister, however, laid importance on continuation of the government, saying her government has embarked on massive development works in every sector. Continuation of the present government is very crucial to continue the existing business atmosphere.

Construction of the Padma Bridge, nuclear power plant, Karnaphuli tunnel as well as other projects have been taken for socioeconomic development of country, she said, adding that addressing the adverse effect of climate change and poverty alleviation are also crucial tasks. _BSS

risingbd/Dhaka/December 19, 2018/AKA