DCCI urges politicians to stop blame game

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Asif Ibrahim yesterday urged politicians to shun the blame game to help boost the economy.
“We do not want to see any more hartal, blockade or any other disruptive political activity,” Ibrahim said in his speech to an iftar party at Hotel Ruposhi Bangla in Dhaka.
“These only harm economic development and tarnish the country's image.”
The chamber leader said the economy is becoming healthier but its politics becoming confrontational. “If the trend goes on, it will be difficult to attain the targets announced by the government.”
The government has set a 7 percent economic growth target for the current fiscal after achieving 6.7 percent growth in fiscal 2010-2011.
Ibrahim said different national and international forums have identified political stability as one of the main drawbacks of Bangladesh, apart from shabby road communications and a sliding law and order.
He also said a deepening concern looms over the economic horizon as there are indications that major export destinations, such as USA and Europe, will face a prolonged economic recession. “It will have an adverse impact on Bangladesh's economy too.”
The second biggest concern, after the stressed-out balance of payments, is an uncontrollable spiral in commodity prices, he said.
Ibrahim said Bangladesh has the opportunity to be a China-plus-one. “We do not want to miss the train.”