Bangladesh’s business leaders called on the Chief of Army Staff to take steps to ensure the safety of factories as the incidents of arson attacks created anxiety and fears.
They made the call at a press conference organised by the International Chamber of Commerce, Bangladesh (ICC-B) at a hotel in Dhaka on Wednesday.
Speaking there, ICC-B President Mahbubur Rahman said Bangladesh achieved a significant reputation in the global market of ready-made garments (RMG).
“We cannot damage this reputation. Law and order must be restored right now to make industries run.”
Praising the students community, ICC-B president said, “The students of the country have accomplished a task which will be remembered.”
“Now, we must stop the miscreants doing destruction and help the economy back on track.”

Mahbubur Rahman said, “We know that students are not involved in these heinous activities. We all have to stop the perpetrators now, or the situation will worsen.”
“We urge the Army Chief to intervene to stop the destructive activities.
He also said the businessmen always want proper policy and security to run business peacefully for the sake of the country’s economic development.
The business community is not concerned about the government change, ICC-B president added.
Managing Director of Ha-Meem Group AK Azad said the presidents of Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) could not attend to talk about  the situation of the country’s business.
Azad said the ICC-B had to take the initiative to speak on the situation so the businesses could be run smoothly.
He said, “Business people are worried because of the arson attacks on factories. Many factories were burnt and vandalised. Around 40 lakh people work in the garment industry. We must protect our lives and factories.”
Azad informed that the miscreants attacked the business units of Ha-Meem Group, Beximco, Gazi Group, Square and Ananta Group.
“The factories in Ashulia areas are at high risk of attacks.”
Ha-Meem Group president said, “Every day, buyers want to know about the products’ delivery, but we cannot confirm them due to the current situation in the country.”
“Safety and security is crucial to operate factories. Our main goal is to restore normal economic activities,” he said.
AK Azad, also former FBCCI president, said Bangladesh’s global image is deteriorating further and “now, we must restore law and order, run factories, ensure safety of general people and activate police to put the economy back on track.”
President of Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury welcomed the Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus as the chief of the interim government.
He urged the Army to take appropriate measures to avoid any further damage to business and economy.
Former president of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) MA Matin Chowdhury said they could not export properly for the last two months due to different problems including shipments and unloading raw materials at the port.  
“Factories are stockpiling products. Buyers are shifting about 30% of their orders elsewhere.”
He said, “Our exports will be okay if industrial problems are resolved soon. Business environment will stabilise if the situation improves quickly.”
FBCCI senior Vice-President Amin Helaly said the country’s businesses are going through a tough time.
The private sector contributes 85% to the country’s economy, law and orders must be improved to activate the economic activities, he stressed.
MA Jabbar, Managing Director of DBL Group, said “Global buyers have confidence in Bangladesh. We received over-capacity orders this year. But we are not now able to deliver products as the problems including production and shipments arise.”
“As a result, the country has to face irreparable economic losses. We need to improve the situation rapidly to avoid further losses,” he emphasised.