The International Chambers of Commerce Bangladesh on Wednesday said that short-sighted policies and lack of leadership and statesmanship led the country to political polarisation and conflicts.

It said that two major political parties of the country must settle the issue of form of government for conducting future elections and ensure stable government and an effective parliament.
Sagacity and commitment of the leadership are needed to choose the next course for the country, the ICCB said in a handout.

It also said that Nepal and Pakistan had opted for interim non-political government to conduct elections.
The handout said that in last several months the country witnessed escalation of political unrest and agitations.
Although such rise in political unrest is expected before elections, it has been too early as the polls are still a few months away.

ICCB observed that that Bangladesh has been drawing positive attention globally for its economic potentials, competitive strength and its growing domestic market.
It said that if Bangladesh needed to become a middle-income country by 2021 it would require efforts in many fronts including investment, macroeconomic governance and meeting energy and infrastructure deficits.

To achieve the desired objectives, we need to grow between 7.5 to 8 per cent per annum with a minimum investment of 25 per cent of GDP. The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and the Bangladesh Bank have recently projected 6-6.2 per cent growth during the current FY, whereas several agencies place the estimate below 6 per cent, it continued.

Despite the enormous challenges, people have taken the country forward on the economic front. The government has to create an enabling environment that encourages individual initiatives to flourish and for economic activity to continue, the ICCB handout said.