Shawdesh desk:

#Bangladesh now in centre of global attraction

#Businessmen worst sufferers of 1/11 govt

Bashundhara Group Chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan has mentioned that there is no alternative to Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh, saying country’s people and business community are with her.

“There’s no alternative to Sheikh Hasina. She herself is alternative to her. The country needs her again for her visionary leadership in running the country in light of vast experience,” he said while addressing a business conference on Saturday.

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) organised the ‘Business Conference on Building Smart Bangladesh’ at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the capital.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was the chief guest while her adviser Salman F Rahman and Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi were special guests at the event presided over by FBCCI President Jashim Uddin.

The Bashundhara Group Chairman said, “Whenever anyone utters the name of Bangladesh, they talk about Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Once they used to call Bangabandhu’s Bangladesh. But now they call Bangladesh of Bangabandhu plus Sheikh Hasina. She is a brand of the world. She has a magic stick which has made Bangladesh the centre of attraction across the world.”

He started his speech lauding the contribution of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to empowering community economy by expanding the social safety net coverage. “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina began her development miracle from the bottom line with rural economy. She gives priority to villages, rather than cities in development strategy. Around 50 million people are getting the benefit of different safety net schemes for widows, valiant freedom fighters, differently abled persons and other marginalised communities. The government is expending around Tk 570 billion per fiscal year for such inclusive activities,” he said.

Ahmed Akbar Sobhan mentioned that the rural communities are getting the benefit of development activities of Sheikh Hasina over the years. “The common people across the country are the beneficiaries of the development schemes.”

“We never got the alternative to Bangabandhu during his time. At present, Sheikh Hasina herself is the alternative to her,” he said.

On behalf of the business community, the Bashundhara Group Chairman urged the Prime Minister to protect the country’s economy from political violence ahead of the general election.

“Businessmen always want a peaceful environment to do business to lead the country to the next level of development. However, it’s a matter of sorrow that terrorist activities in the name of politics surfaced again. Anyone can hold meetings. However, none has the right to disrupt the life of commoners. Economy is the main aim of politics. All of us should think about economic development of 170 million people of the country. Democracy never allows anarchy in the name of politics. It’s our responsibility to protect the lives and assets of commoners,” added the seasoned businessman.

He urged the government to widen the tax coverage to reduce pressure on a selective group of people.

“I think around 40 million people in Bangladesh have the capacity to pay tax. However, only 3 million people who are rich pay tax regularly. We should go door to door to expand the tax net,” Ahmed Akbar Sobhan said.

He described the caretaker government as a curse for the business community as many entrepreneurs experienced inhuman torture during the last interim government.

“Many businessmen were jailed during the 1/11 government. I was lucky as I had been staying abroad at that time. My company staff were imprisoned. Another conspiracy is being hatched to install another 1/11 government in the name of caretaker government. If such government comes again, the established businessmen will be tortured again. Jamuna Group Chairman late Nurul Islam and our adviser Salman F Rahman were in jail,” the renowned businessman said.

Going down the memory lane, he said, “I was in London. I directed my company officials to stop all activities. I sent messages to all businessmen to stop activities (to show no confidence against the caretaker government). I wrote multiple letters to the United Nations then.”

The Bashundhara Group Chairman termed the people of Bangladesh a big asset like China.

“Now, leaders from the Europe and America are coming to Bangladesh. Why? They consider Bangladesh as the centerpiece in geopolitics. US Under Secretary (Uzra Zeya) mentioned that they came to Dhaka to strengthen the bilateral relationship. All of us deserve a peaceful election to take Bangladesh to the next level of development,” he said.

Mentioning that he is not directly involved in politics, Ahmed Akbar Sobhan said, “But I wish to come to politics when I remember this (torture by the 1/11 government). Because, we’re the worst victims of caretaker government. During the emergency period, nine officers of my company suffered in jail. They were forced to give statements against me, even in murder case.”

He believes the businessmen will remain with Sheikh Hasina forever. “You (Hasina) are the alternative to you. Sheikh Hasina is now the wonder of the entire world. She can attract the whole world, including Europe, America and India. The global diplomats keep Bangladesh in the middle point as Sheikh Hasina is maintaining good relations with all.”

He underscored the need for following the constitution regarding the next polls. “There’s no chance of violating the constitution. The general election will be held peacefully as per the rules. The business community is with you,” he said.

The Bashundhara Group Chairman mentioned that Sheikh Hasina has been working relentlessly to materialise the dreams of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

“Common people are getting the benefit of the Padma Bridge. Rural farmers from Mongla can now sell their vegetables at fair prices in Keraniganj after travelling through the Padma Bridge easily. There were many challenges and conspiracies against the bridge, Prof Yunus also hatched a conspiracy against the mega infrastructure. However, our leader Sheikh Hasina showed courage.”