progress the country has made over the past decaThe political tension puts a damper on the tremendous de, an international trade body said yesterday.
“Among investors, there is a sense that the economy has come of age, and is on the march,” the International Chamber of Commerce-Bangladesh said in the editorial of its news bulletin.
“During the past decade, human development indicators went hand-in-hand with economic growth, signalling a population base capable of sustaining the growth.”
Citing the steady growth of about 6 percent, the significant drop in poverty and increased life expectancy, literacy and per capita food intake, ICCB said the country has great prospects ahead, which the ongoing political turmoil looks set to negate.
While it understands the practice of increased political activity in the lead-up to national elections, the trade body is at a loss over the “remarkable heightening” of political agitation in recent times.
“Regular elections are still six to nine months away — it is too early for a rise of pre-election political activity. What we are involved in now, are leading us to what may soon be an inflection point for the country.”
“The major political parties have a responsibility to the nation. Bangladesh is foregoing non-party government for national election, whereas Nepal and even Pakistan are opting for interim non-political government to conduct elections. This issue must be laid to rest: the form of government to conduct future elections and ensure stable government and an effective parliament,” ICCB said.
“The two major political parties must settle this issue, and move ahead to confront the other challenges facing us,” it said.
“What we are involved in now has the potential to engulf the country and society in clashes and polarisation that we thought were behind us. Which way we will be headed will require sagacity and commitment from our leadership; so far, we have seen no evidence to give us hope.”