The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Economists and business leaders have welcomed Chief Adviser's address to the nation and suggested to start implementation process of his commitments for stabilising business and politics.

The Chief Adviser in his address to the nation on Wednesday announced to open dialogue with political parties, promised to end the ban on indoor politics across the country, pledged to ease emergency rule in phases and above all made it clear that the polls will be held by the end of 2008, if possible, well ahead of the deadline.

Speaking of the economy, Dr Fakhruddin admitted that the prices went beyond control. He pledged to take steps to help agriculture and power sectors. Economists and businessmen welcomed these pledges of the chief executive.

President of Bangladesh Economic Association Dr Quazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmed said stable politics is important to stabilise the economy and business. So the Government and the political parties should sit in dialogues with open heart for removal of the deadlocks.

He said business confidence should be restored. But the anti-corruption drive should not be stopped.

Truth commission or any other acceptable mechanism should be introduced to fade away fear factors from business. The better business forum should start to function to find out a reasonable.

The economist suggested intensive market monitoring both in the cities and rural areas to curb prices of essentials. At the same time import of food grains should be increased. At least 1 million ton rice should be imported to ease the market.

"The CA addressed well the issues of agricultural rehabilitation. Now his announcements should be materialised," he said.

Noted economist Dr Atiur Rahman said, "the CA himself is an economist and naturally economy dominated his speech. I think his speech will be helpful to ease tension both in political and economic field."

Political uncertainty is a barrier to business activities. The CA wanted to open dialogue with the parties and that should not be delayed. The fear factors should be removed and the better business forum should start to work immediately, he suggested.

President of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industries (DCCI) Hussain Khaled said, "Definitely the Chief Advisers speech is positive. It would be better if the Government started to do earlier what the CA is saying now."

He said there were some suspicions, confusions and mistrusts in people's mind about future of the Government. The Chief Advisers speech would help remove these confusions. But it depends on ensuing actions of the Government.

Now the Government should start implementation of the commitments made by the Chief Adviser he said adding "We do not want talks; we want to see the deeds."