Third force unwanted

"> Second from left, Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, speaks at a press briefing on the impact of the ongoing political deadlock on the economy, at the federation office in Dhaka yesterday. Leaders from other leading trade bodies were also present. Photo: StarThe business community does not want any third force or state of emergency in the country, as the previous experience of third force was not good for trade, chief of apex trade body FBCCI said yesterday.
“Businessmen were on the run during the tenure of the last third force. They were neglected then," said Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), at a press conference at the federation office in Dhaka.
Ahmed, also a member of the Awami League advisory council, however, did not elaborate on the "third force".
The FBCCI held an emergency board meeting at its office yesterday to discuss the impact of shutdowns on economy, as the political crisis is deepening owing to the rigidness of political leaders.
Ahmed said, "If the leaders do not pay heed to our request of breaking the political deadlock through a dialogue, we will weigh more pressure on them."
"But we are worried about our businesses. We want a peaceful atmosphere to do business smoothly," he added.
Replying to queries of journalists, the FBCCI boss said they would not offer any formula for resolving the crisis, as this was not their job.
He also said businessmen may have their own political choices but they are united when any crisis is impacting trades.
The FBCCI has written to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia seeking appointments to discuss the current political situation and economy of the country.
Ahmed said the economic indicators were in the positive territory and that any kind of political uncertainty would damage the good prospect of the country.
Welcoming Saturday's telephone conversation between Hasina and Khaleda over an initiative to hold dialogue on polls-time government, he said: "We hope the conversation will advance and they will reach an understanding."
Former FBCCI presidents Yousuf Abdullah Haroon, Salman F Rahman, Akram Hossain, AK Azad, Mir Nasir Hossain, Annisul Huq; president of Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Rokia Afzal Rahman; president of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sabur Khan; president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association Atiqul Islam; and president of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association AKM Salim Osman were also present in the press conference.