Amin Helali, the senior vice-president of Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), an apex organization of businessmen, has expressed concern over vandalism, arson, obstruction of traffic and vandalism in the ongoing program surrounding the quota reform movement.
He spoke to Barta24.com about the situation arising in the quota movement on Thursday afternoon. Considering the size of the economy of Bangladesh, if the economic activities are stopped one day, there is an apprehension of a loss of one and a half to two billion US dollars, said the business leader, saying that it is not possible to overcome this loss even in 2-3 months.
Amin Helali had a question, how the businessmen are seeing the ongoing quota movement. In this context, he said, 'We businessmen are worried about what we are seeing today in the continuation of the agitation of the last few days. Traders need a peaceful environment. There will be meetings, marches, agitations, demands. Our economy has advanced because of the culture we have created in the last 15 years.
Only 14 lakh government employees. We have to remember that every year 27 lakh boys and girls enter the workforce. If this large number of youths is to be given employment, then the economy cannot be shut down. I think we should all be responsible citizens' said this leader of FBCCI.
Regarding the ongoing agitation, Amin Helali said, 'We think there is a rationale for the demands that the students are agitating on. But the matter is now in the law court. We have to wait for the solution. Not a big deal. But this must go through a process.
He thinks that there is no incident that needs to be done today. We will ask the government, students and all concerned to behave responsibly. Attitudes also need to change. Rules must be followed. But the situation is such that we do not obey the court. Every institution should be respected.
Referring to the negative effects of violent programs on the economy, Amin Helali said, "If the economy of the state is not prosperous, if the revenue is not deposited in the treasury, then where will the employment come from?" If the revenue is to come in, the private sector or the economic activity where it exists must be kept undisturbed. Here responsibility must be introduced. Everyone has an agenda here. We want to say, there should be mutual respect. Everyone should be united in the interest of the state.
Amin Helali said, "If we calculate, if the economy is damaged in one day, it cannot be recovered in three months." Adverse situation in the whole world now. We are going through a competitive situation. Even in that, if the unstable situation returns again, it is difficult to cut that loss.
"Investment in the private sector has decreased. Corona, Ukraine war-multiple polarization in the whole world is now a critical situation. The economy of Bangladesh is also affected by this. Peace and order is needed to overcome the crisis and turn around the economy. If the economy is damaged now, then we will fall into more crisis,” he added.
Questioning the nature of the ongoing movement demanding quota reforms, he said, "What is happening now...we think it is clear that it is not just students here. A lot of fuelers are involved here. It is the responsibility of the government to identify them and how to resolve the demands of the students.
Amin Helali also said in this context, 'As a citizen, I respect every democratic movement. But it has to be systematic. We do not want irregularities and we discourage them. And students will agitate on their campuses...the agitation is established. It is not possible for them to do the violence that they do today. I think this is where the marmalade comes in. Those who are playing as leaders, are taking the students in the wrong direction.