Political consensus for the sake of business
While they
are working hard
to take their
businesses to the next steps, the bad politics, sometimes extremely violent, has been creating problems for them
Mushfique Wadud
Despite all odds, some of our businesses have gone a long way. Some of them are in the leading positions in their respective field. Unfortunately, in their long struggling journey, our business people have got very little support from the government. Rather, in many cases, government policies have created obstacles to the progress of our businesses.
In the last couple of years, no other thing is as problematic for our business people as the confrontational politics. While they are working hard to take their businesses to the next steps, the bad politics, sometimes extremely violent, has been creating problems for them. Our politics have become violent for quite sometimes. But it is at its worse scenario in the last couple of years.
The violent strike and blockade started in 2012 continued for 2014. During this time, businesses remained shut for a significant amount of time. There have been little disturbances in the last one year and then we have militancy problem. Although militancy is not directly linked to politics, it certainly took advantages from our confrontational politics.
The main exporting goods for Bangladesh is Ready-made garment industries. The sector is struggling hard after two disastrous accidents- Rana Plaza and Tazreen fire. According to industry insiders, many factories were shut down following the two incidents and the industry is also suffering from an image crisis. A good number of workers have become unemployed following the two accidents. Manufacturers said that they fear even worse condition in the coming years.
The condition of shrimp industry, another major exporting items, is even worse than garments. There were ban on shrimp industry following the detection of some poisonous materials. Though export has resumed, the volume is much lesser than the previous times.
The condition of manpower export sector is also no good. Manpower exports in major countries remain suspended in major countries. People who are in middle east countries and some European countries are not sure if they can continue there. Many believe that the crisis is largely political. Other exporting businesses are also crisis. Sri Lanka is a good example how political situation can hamper the progress of businesses. Its performance in RMG industry was good in the initial stage. However, after Tamil insurgency, the potentials were destroyed. Many experts fear that Bangladeshs condition can be same if the confrontational politics continue.
Sovereignty of a country is largely depended on its economy. If the country loses its major businesses, it will naturally be depended on other countries. As such, for the sake of the businesses, our political parties should shun the confrontation. Lets be unite for the sake of businesses.
Mushfique Wadud is freelance journalist and communication consultant. He can be reached at [email protected]
