Dhaka: The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) on Sunday said they would soon hold countrywide rallies with the national flag in hands, seeking an end to destructive political programmes to restore business-friendly environment in the country.  

Emerging from an emergency board meeting, FBCCI president Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed said they would fix the date soon.  

“We’re not siding with any party. We’re in favour a vibrant economy. Let’s save the country and its economy,” he told reporters at the FBCCI Bhaban.  

FBCCI first vice president Monowara Hakim Ali and vice president M Helal Uddin were also present.  

The apex trade body chief said the trade body represents 3.5 crore businesspeople across the country and they will hold rallies holding the national flag from Teknaf to Tetulia. “This is our protest against destructive political activities and arson attacks.”

He also said they would sit with all the former presidents of the apex trade body at 5:00pm today (Sunday) to discuss programmes further. “We’ll let them know our decisions.”   

The FBCCI chief also said they will meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP chief Khaleda Zia seeking a solution to the current political crisis, which has already taken its toll on the country’s economy.

Responding to a question, Kazi Akram said there had been no dialogue in the last one year and the election was held. “They (politicians) will take decisions on how they will resolve the crisis. I don’t think there’ll be no solution if dialogue isn’t held.”  

He said they want an end to the current political crisis as the businesspeople are the worst sufferers. “We want to give all a message that the country’s interest is more important than that of party one. We need to protect the country.”  

The FBCCI chief said they will go step by step and are planning to handover a memorandum to both the Prime Minister and the BNP chief.  

On January 28, business leaders and exporters protested the mindless violence across the country and sought an end to the anarchy to help keep the wheel of the economy moving.

They urged the politicians not to do politics by killing innocent people, destroying the economy, and sought peaceful political programmes from the political parties to keep the economy functional.

Over 50 organisations under the leadership of Bangladesh Garment Manufactures and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) and other trade bodies related to the export industry formed a human chain in front of the city’s BGMEA Bhaban.

They also handed over a memorandum to Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia seeking a solution to destructive political programmes.

The country suffered a colossal economic loss of Tk 36445.76 crore in the first 16 days’ countrywide hartal and blockade programmes this month, according to Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).