Instant strike call ‘a crime’

The FBCCI on Tuesday termed the ‘impromptu’ call for countrywide daylong shutdown for Wednesday by Jamaat-e-Islami ‘tantamount to crime’.

Staff Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 5 Feb 2013, 10:15 AM
Updated : 5 Feb 2013, 11:16 AM

In a statement, the apex trade body also expressed concern over the general strike call and urged the party to withdraw the programme.

Two apparel exporters’ organisations – Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) – also called for revoking the shutdown call in separate statements.

Jamaat on Tuesday announced the lockdown for the second consecutive day demanding release of its leaders facing trials on charges of crimes against humanity perpetrated during the 1971 Liberation War.

The fresh blockade call came on the very day the party’s Assistant Secretary General Abdul Quader Molla was sentenced to life in jail by the International Crimes Tribunal-2.

The Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) statement, signed by its Secretary General Meer Shahabuddin Mohammad, said the people in no way could accept this instantly called strike "which amounts to crime in their eye.”

It said the business community cannot support such anarchy and damage to public life and property in the name of shutdown.

The trade body urged all the political parties to stop calling such ‘suicidal programmes’ in future.

The statement said the economy was going to be on a strong footing thanks to efforts by the government and the private sector. “All are making relentless efforts to (help Bangladeshi products) survive the intense global competition”

It said endeavours were on to maintain export growth of Bangladeshi products, particularly of readymade garment products, find out new markets for them, overcome the imminent problems over GSP facility, and attract new investment.

“In such a situation these sort of unexpected political programmes and frequent shutdowns are putting the country’s trade and commerce at risk and negatively impacting local and foreign investment,” it added.

The apex trade body said general strike could adversely impact the prices of essentials, “which is not expected of us”. It maintained the strike would deter export-import activities and supply of goods.

The Wednesday’s strike will also affect the ongoing Secondary School Certificate examinations and the students, it said.

The BGMEA and BKMEA statements said the call for shutdown for the second consecutive day created deep concern in the export-oriented readymade garment industry.

They said it would not be possible to overcome the damages inflicted on the economy if ‘the things go this way’.