Bashundhara Group Chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan has urged the government to bring the BNP-Jamaat criminals to book for carrying out acts of sabotage of unprecedented gravity cashing in on the students’ movement.
“The BNP-Jamaat clique continued to unleash acts of sabotage like the 2014 pre-election period. I don’t know whether any trial for the political sabotage was held earlier. If they had been brought to law, they wouldn’t have plucked up the courage to do so now. I think the police and the intelligence agencies know who are behind the mayhem,” he told a meeting of business leaders.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was the chief guest at the meeting held at her office in the capital on Monday. PM’s Private Investment and Industry Adviser Salman F Rahman moderated the programme.
Addressing the programme, Ahmed Akbar Sobhan emphasized identifying the miscreants behind the mayhem and attacks on state establishments and bringing them to book.
He also urged all to get united against sabotage, saying they cannot survive as businessman otherwise. “I believe Bangladeshi entrepreneurs have resilience to overcome any challenging situation. If the business operations remain closed for seven or 15 days or even one month, they can survive. However, the authorities should curb the militant groups to save the economy.”
The Bashundhara Group chairman condemned the attacks on business entities, mega infrastructure like Padma Bridge and metro rail aimed at ruining the achievements of the government over the last 15 years.
He also highlighted the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and contributions of the private sector supported by the prudent policy of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“The private sector generates more employments than the public sector. None can deny the contribution of the private sector. All know that we’re struggling. We pay Tk120 per dollar now which was Tk80 earlier. All are bleeding here,” Ahmed Akbar Sobhan added.
He, however, said they are patient as they know more development awaits them ahead.
The seasoned entrepreneur believes the damages could have been minimised had the curfew been imposed earlier.
He also mentioned that the East West Media Group Ltd, which houses seven media outlets owned by Bashundhara Group, came under attack twice during the quota protests.
Ahmed Akbar Sobhan urged the businessmen to have patience and keep confidence in the prudent policy support of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“In the last 14 years, Bangladesh’s development saw a leap by 14 times. Today, PM Sheikh Hasina is not alone. We, the 20 crore people, are with her. We have 40 crore hands and we’ll go ahead with these 40 crore hands, no matter whatever damage they unleash. She will lead us and no one can do harm to us Insha-Allah,” he said.
The Bashundhara Group founder believes that no power in the world can stop Bangladesh’s exports, saying: “We export products at a minimum price in the world. No other countries offer such lower pricing. So, we have nothing to fear. I believe we’ll top the list within a short period,” he said.
He applauded the efforts of Salman F Rahman and FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam at the high-level meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
BDST: 2257 HRS, JULY 23, 2024
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