The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The absence of democracy has slowed down the country's economic activities, including export and investment, experts told a discussion here Saturday.

They felt that the quick restoration of democracy is a must to revive the confidence of the private sector, which is the main driving force of economic growth.

Bangladesh Policy Forum (BPF), an independent think tank, organized the discussion at the National Press Club to focus on the current economic trends and challenges with Prof Farid Uddin Khan in the chair. Former Energy Ministry Adviser Mahmudur Rahman presented the keynote paper in the meeting, which was addressed, among others, by Prof Dr Mahbubullah of Dhaka University and Brig Gen (retd) Shafayet Ahmed. They told the discussion that many tough government steps, including the ongoing anti-graft drive, has slowed down the economy. The rural economy is one of the worst victims of the government's stringent measures as many local bazars where farmers and small village traders used to display their goods have been destroyed, they said.

Mahmudur Rahman said Bangladesh in its history experienced negative growth rate in export only thrice-in 1981-82, 84-85 and 2001-02 fiscal years.