The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

A. Rouf Chowdhury and Annisul Huq, presidents candidates in the FBCCI election (2007-09) yesterday vowed to work for making the country's economy more vibrant if they are elected.

They also pledged they will work hard to attract investment and halting the soaring prices of essentials if they won the election scheduled to be held on March 17.

The two business leaders from the Association Group made the pledges while talking to reporters on the sidelines of an election projection meeting at the Diploma Engineers Institute.

In 2007-09 terms the president of the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) will be elected from the Association Group as per its rules. Bangladesh Vegetable Oil and Vanaspati Refiners Association president A Rouf Chowdhury said the FBCCI members now want such leadership whose suggestions and opinions will carry some value for the government.

"FBCCI members provide 85 percent of the country's total revenue. But, governments seldom give attention to the problems facing the businessmen who are the lifeline of the economy. If I am elected, I will ensure recognition of our contribution to the economy," Rouf said. He expressed resentment over what he said the governments like to listen to prescription of donor agencies and donor countries, though they contribute little to the Bangladesh economy. He said the national economy is passing through a very adverse time as investment climate is damaged while prices of essentials have gone beyond the tolerable level.

"Now FBCCI needs such leadership who can a give a new life to the present bleak economy," Rouf said.

Annisul Huq, former BGMEA president, told the journalists that he would give special emphasis on welfare of the country's small and medium entrepreneurs that will certainly advance the overall economy.

He said there would be a silent revolution through the FBCCI election on March 17. Businessmen will get their democratic rights to address their problems and interests.

"There was no planned course of action of the FBCCI in the past. With the help of my colleagues I will formulate an action plan to accelerate trade and investment particularly of small and medium enterprises," Annisul said.

A total of 22 candidates from the Association Group and 27 candidates from the Chamber Group will contest the election.

Twelve from each group will be elected as Directors through the voting.