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Respond to PM's offer

Business leaders urge opposition, say proposal opened door for talks

Refayet Ullah Mirdha
The businesses yesterday welcomed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's proposal for forming an all-party election-time government, hoping it would end the political uncertainty and protect the economy.
Leaders of chambers and trade bodies said the prime minister's proposal would open the door for dialogues even though they were unclear of her proposed form of government.
They urged the leaders of the opposition parties to respond to Hasina's proposal and continue dialogues so that any political uncertainty could be avoided.
"We are afraid of what might happen on October 24 and 25. The prime minister's proposal is a step forward for reducing political tension," Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) told The Daily Star over the phone.
"The prime minister's proposal is a positive sign in the country's politics. We hope the opposition political parties will also respond to her call," Akram said.
If the opposition parties do not respond timely, the proposal would remain merely a proposal and the businesses would be hostages to violent political situation again, he added.
He feared that if the opposition did not respond, the political situation might reach the point of no-return.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a televised speech on Friday proposed forming an all-party election-time government and urged the main opposition BNP to nominate its lawmakers for inclusion in the interim cabinet.
Echoing the views of the FBCCI chief, president of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Sabur Khan said the prime minister's proposal had given at least some relief to the businessmen as it would open a door for dialogue.
"We are welcoming the prime minister's proposal. It is a good indication that the political stalemate can be resolved through holding dialogues," Sabur told The Daily Star.
"The prime minister's proposal is a light at the end of the tunnel. Her proposal will create a positive political environment in the country," said SM Mannan Kochi, acting president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), the garment makers' platform.
"Like the entire nation, our international buyers are also worried about the political tension in Bangladesh. Her proposal will help relieve this tension," Kochi said.