With the journey of the new government amid people’s expectation for easing their economic and social woes, the business community’s demand is a business-friendly environment, said the Bangladesh chapter of International Chamber of Commerce in the editorial of its quarterly News Bulletin released on January 25.

To create an atmosphere conducive to business, all damaging political activities like hartals should be stopped and supporting infrastructure be ensured, the ICC-B remarked, according to a press release.

“There are no alternatives to an uninterrupted supply of gas and electricity, dynamic port facilities and smooth rail and waterways communications,” it said, pointing out that the political disturbances, such as hartals and street agitations, negatively affect business activities.

The quarterly made an observation that the December 29 election results clearly show that the electorates were totally frustrated with the performance of the past governments and sought a change.

The voters have set five priority agenda for the new government to address: inflation, corruption, food autarky, law and order and social security, the ICC-B News Bulletin said.

The new government, therefore, has to turn its words into actions combating corruption, improving governance, and bolstering the economic activities, the unit of the world business organisation suggested.

While expectations are high, realisations are obviously very challenging, especially in the wake of global recession, the ICC-B cautioned.

Pointing to the fact that the government has started with a lower inflation rate in the domestic front and downward trend in international oil and commodity prices, it suggested the government utilise this advantage in a prudent manner.

In fact, the great chance that the nation now has to change the fate of millions with the help of the homegrown development policy agenda and action plans, the ICC-B’s quarterly further remarked, pointing to Bangladesh’s ultimate goal to get rid of the curse of poverty through balanced growth and development.