The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Ahead of the parliamentary polls, the FBCCI is making a move for consultations with chambers and trade bodies down to the district level to prepare a charter of demands addressed to major political parties.

But since time to the election is too short, the consultations may be held quickly at divisional headquarters.

The move has been taken as a recent FBCCI initiative failed to get the leaders of Awami League and BNP in a table to sort out differences and change track to constructive politics supportive to trade, investment and stability in the post- election environment.

A source close to the FBCCI said there is no alternative for major parties to take a new look to their political agenda of actions focused to reforming party strategies and culture of hostility.

He said the country cannot perpetually remain captive to politics of hatred and confrontation and when the FBCCI leaders speak for the change, they are in fact reflecting the expectations of the entire nation.

"Their politics has not only derailed the country's democracy but is also repeatedly sabotaging business, investment and prosperity," the source said adding, the FBCCI's move should be viewed from this perspective of change at national politics.

He said the FBCCI leaders have decided to go to the district chambers and trade associations to take their suggestions that can be incorporated in the business charter of demands.

The charter will be then presented to major parties urging them to clear their position in election manifestos as to how they are going to bring change in parochial politics to support business and uphold aspirations of the people that the nation will not be back to politics of hostility and violence again.

The source said that in view of the shortage of time, the FBCCI leaders have decided to hold six meetings at divisional headquarters where leaders of district chambers and trade associations under the divisions will be invited to consultations.

It may start from next week to end in the first week of November, the source said adding, two separate committees have been set up - one comprising two leading journalists and another three economists to help prepare the draft charter in the light of the outcome of the consultations.

The FBCCI will finally adopt it and present it to leaders of Awami League, BNP and other parties taking part in the elections. He said the emphasis in the business charter of demands would be on promoting and protecting business environment and the need to curve out a new politics to support business and economic growth.

"Politics which remains insensitive to business and bringing prosperity to the nation cannot win the heart of the nation and go unchallenged," the source said adding, "It is time for parties to show they have learnt from the 1/11 experience."

"As the private sector is on the driving seat of the country's economic growth," the FBCCI is working with the right move, the source said hoping political leaders will also take it in the right perspective.