Get united for free, fair polls

"For the sake of national interest and prosperity, the political parties should resolve all disagreements among themselves over national issues through discussion," said FBCCI President Mir Nasir Hossain.

The call came at a view exchange meeting between the Jatiya Party leaders and the business leaders at the conference room of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) in the city.

Speaking at the meeting, Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad said that the Awami League's current agitation has cast a shadow over the upcoming national elections.

He said there has been a debate over the issue of caretaker government and electoral reforms, but no way can be found out to settle the dispute.

This year has special significance as the tenure of the present government ends this year and a new government will be elected as well, said the JP chief.

"But there has not been a consensus between the two major political parties, even on a smaller issue. They do not want to maintain any social relation. They even do not bother with the existing problems and people's suffering. Their main goal is to capture power," he added.

Jatiya Party presidium members Kazi Zafar Ahmed, Kazi Feroz Rashid and MA Hannan and Secretary General ABM Ruhul Amin Howlader also attended the meeting.

FBCCI President Mir Nasir said the country has no dearth of resources and opportunities for its economic development, but there is a lack of political will, proper planning, tolerance and political stability.

"We can create a trade- and investment-friendly environment through tolerance and consensus between the ruling and the opposition parties," he added.

JP Chairman Ershad said the economy is suffering mainly due to bureaucratic complexity, lack of good governance, corruption, unavailability of capital, high interest rates and unfriendly-investment environment.

He also placed a 17-point recommendation to accelerate the industrialisation process in the country.

The recommendations include an end to political conflict, reduction of VAT, setting up of an export processing zone in northern region, modernisation of sea ports, relocating the Kamlapur Railway Station and depot outside Dhaka, introducing e-governance and ensuring good governance.

FBCCI directors MA Rouf Chowdhury, MA Awal, Aftab-Ul Islam, Abul Kashem Haider, Abu Motaleb and Khurshid Ali also spoke at the function.