Anwar Hossain. Senior VfcoCb.ili man of the Bau gladesh Yarn -Merchants Association (BYMA). said the government policy on production. import and marketing of yarn should meet people's fun damental. rights to have cloth-lug.

In an Interview with The Dally Star, he said the coming budget should contain measures to guarantee supply of clothes to each and every citizen at minimum price, The last budget overlooked the is-

He was Interviewed by Ehsanul Haq and Rafiq Hasan

Following Is the text of his Interview:

The Daily Star IDS/: What is your sector's expectation from the next budget? Do you think the priorities in the last bud yet were Implemented prop erly?

Anwar Hossain (AH): Yarn is i he main component of cloth and the government should formulate accurate policy regarding its production, import and marketing for the welfare of the commonman.

We expect that the government would make the next budget guaranteeing supply of

cloths to each and every citizen at a minimum price

DS: What is the recent trend in your sector? Is it growing or declining? Why?

AH: Last year, the supply of fabrics was not sufficient in the local market So the cloth merchants inc reased prices of cloths al dll ferent limes.

maklng an abnormal situation In the market during the whole year I think the gov ernment »Ik>uM keep vigilance over the market

DS: What kind of problems did your sector face with the fiscal policies adopted in the last budget: VAT. tax structure and tariff duties?

AH As long as the local textile industries are not able to meet the demand of the domestic market, the import of the fabrics should be allowed So all taxes on fabrics should be waived to make them available to the commonman at a cheap price.

DS How do you look at the over-all economic scenario of the country and what are your suggestions to Improve it?

AH: The textile sector can play a vital role to gear up the economy If the government provides them proper guidance in this regard, the much potential textile sector would be able to make a change in the over-all economy of the country.

DS: What is your opinion about the current political sit-

nation? How is it affecting your sector?

AH: The people are losing confidence in our leaders due to long current political impasse in the country. This is also affecting the production and business of the country The problems of the general * businessmen are Increasing day by day due to arrogant policy of the government

DS: How do you look at the overall economic scenario of the country and what are your suggestions to improve it?

AH The economic activity Is bound to be stagnant if there Is no accountability, transparency and evaluation In the government. The government has to apply democratic behaviour to ensure progress in social and economic sector

DS: When was your association former^

AH: It was formed Just after independence and it is the only representative body of the yarn traders in the country

/Readers are irwtted to send their views on the next budget along with passport size photographs.