Nat'l consensus a must to fight challenges facing nation

Speakers at a discussion yesterday laid emphasis on creating consensus on different issues for the greater economic and social development of the country.
The discussion on 'Necessity of Consensus Government and Tasks' was held at the auditorium of the Institute of Engineers Bangladesh (IEB), Chittagong.
Global Bangla Foundation, Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Chittagong Press Club (CPC) and Bangladesh Research Forum jointly organised the discussion with Global Bangla Foundation President and Columnist Sadek Khan in the chair.
Representatives from different business bodies, political parties and representatives of local administration took part in the discussion.
They included former minister and Awami League leader MA Mannan, former city mayor and Jatiya Party leader Mahmudul Islam Chowdhury, former BGMEA president SM Fazlul Hoque, BGMEA First Vice-president MA Salam, former CCCI president Farid Ahmad Chowdhury, BGMEA Director Ershad Ullah, CCCI Director Nasiruddin, CPC President Ali Abbas, Awami League South District unit General Secretary Moslem Uddin, North District General Secretary MA Salam, BNP South District unit Vice-president Nazrul Islam, Jamaat-e-Islami city unit Assistant Secretary Nazrul Islam, and former FBCCI vice-president Kamal Uddin.
Sadek Khan in his keynote paper placed 22-point suggestion in favour of forming a consensus government.
He said national consensus on different issues among the different political parties is a must to fight various challenges facing the nation.
MA Mannan said consensus for sending any party to power would not be acceptable.
Mahmudul Islam said it is now time to evaluate the activities of the present caretaker government for holding a free and fair election.
Business leaders underscored the need for creating consensus among the political leaders for the sake of economic development of the country, keeping aside the political differences.
“We don't want to return to the politics of rivalry that prevailed before 9/11," said CCCI President Saifuzzaman.