US decision to hurt export

The country's business community yesterday expressed surprise at the US government's decision to list Bangladesh as a high-risk country. They said Bangladesh has always been as a moderate Muslim country.

Reacting sharply to the decision, they said such branding of the country will hurt its businesses seriously, have a negative impact on its trade and discourage genuine businessmen from travelling to the US.

In his reaction, President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Kutubuddin Ahmed said exporters would face problems in getting visas, attending trade fairs and meeting buyers.

Inclusion of the Bangladesh's name in the group would create negative impression about it, he said. "We will write the congressional caucus to pursue the US government to withdraw Bangladesh from its list."

Urging the government to take up the matter with the US, Kutub said: "If need be, we would extend all support to the government in this regard."

Md Golam Mostafa, former president of the Bangladesh Frozen Foods Exporters Association, said the US decision would have a negative impact on the country's export-oriented industries.

"The US is one of the most friendly countries of Bangladesh. So, the government has to identify reasons why it has been listed as a high-risk one," he added.

The Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Service (BASIS) President Habibullah N Karim also feels that the decision to brand Bangladesh as a high-risk country is unwarranted.

He said if the decision means Bangladeshis being subjected to scrutiny like finger tests, then it would definitely have a negative impact on software export.

He said it is a matter of grave concern since the US is the largest market for Bangladesh.

President of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Matiur Rahman is also concerned at the US decision because of its ramifications on exports.

"It would not only hamper our business with the US but also with other countries in the world," he said. "Being a moderate Muslim country, Bangladesh was never involved in any sort of terrorism or destructive activities."

The Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) President Monjurul Huq said the decision was a matter of serious concern because exports would hard hit.

"It is very sad for us because the US is our largest market and the US importers would hesitate to come to Bangladesh following the decision," Huq said.

Now, the market may be squeezed following the labelling, he observed.