TDS Desk:

Businesses have claimed that they had been unable to speak freely during the last 15 years under the premiership of fallen dictator Sheikh Hasina.

They also alleged that major business associations, including the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), and Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), had been turned into political platforms during Hasina’s regime, preventing businesses from expressing their own opinions to address industrial issues.

The business community made these remarks at a view-exchange meeting organised by the Bangladesh Garments Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGAPMEA) at a Dhaka hotel on Monday.

They also highlighted the harassment faced by businesses from officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), which they claimed led to a significant slowdown in business activities.  Despite this, false export data was released by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), they added.

The speakers called for the resignation of the NBR chairman, citing rampant corruption and money laundering due to the absence of accountability during Hasina’s regime.

Speaking at the event as the chief guest, former FBCCI president Abdul Awal Mintoo said that the lack of accountability in the country had allowed a vested group to accumulate wealth without creating assets or engaging in hard work.

He argued that the absence of democracy prevented the public from protesting against these injustices.

“A government truly representative of the people is crucial now to ensure accountability as soon as possible. It’s time for everyone to speak the truth. I did not earn any money from the government during my tenure as FBCCI president, so I urge businessmen to conduct their businesses honestly,” Mintoo stated.

Former FBCCI vice president Abdul Quasem Haider echoed these sentiments, lamenting that they had been unable to voice their concerns over the past 15 years. He stressed the need for FBCCI to be an organisation for businesses, not a political platform.

Haider criticised the previous government for significantly increasing gas and electricity bills and raising bank interest rates, without allowing the business community to raise their voices in protest.

He also decried the widespread corruption and money laundering that occurred during this period.

While speaking at the event, BGMEA Vice President Abdullah Hil Rakib emphasised that they wanted to focus on business and contribute to the economy without being aligned with any political party.

He noted that some businessmen’s properties had been destroyed, yet they were unable to speak out. “We want safety and security to operate our businesses and factories. During this crisis, we need soft loans. Export data was fabricated to hasten the country’s graduation from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) status, creating an export gap of around $16 billion. The LDC graduation should be deferred,” he stated.

He also said that interim government head Dr Muhammad Yunus is a global brand and that this opportunity should be used to enhance Bangladesh’s international image.

Newly elected BTMA President Showkat Aziz Russell claimed that the industry had not seen significant improvement over the last 15 years.

Executive President of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) Mohammad Hatem remarked that businesses have no political affiliations and need support from all quarters to contribute effectively to the economy.