Blanket accusations against businesses improper: Fahmida Khatun

Businesses involved in wrongdoing must be brought under the law, but genuine entrepreneurs should be allowed to run their operations without obstruction, said Fahmida Khatun, executive director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).

“Most businesspeople want to contribute to the country’s development, employment generation and investment,” she said, adding that blanket accusations against them are not appropriate.

The economist made the remarks yesterday while speaking as the chief guest at a shadow parliament debate competition organised by Debate for Democracy at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (FDC) in Dhaka.

She said that prolonged geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could put fresh pressure on the economy.

“If the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East persist, the economy will face additional strain,” Fahmida said, adding that higher fuel prices, job losses and supply chain disruptions could worsen the situation.

Against this backdrop, she emphasised maintaining a supportive climate for entrepreneurs so that economic activity continues without disruption.

The CPD executive director also highlighted the importance of restoring stability in the banking sector, describing it as the “guardian of people’s money and the centre of the economy.”

She also said politicisation of the central bank in the past contributed to a rise in wilful loan defaults.

Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, chairman of Debate for Democracy, presided over the event.

In his remarks, he said the new government has inherited a fragile economy and that rebuilding confidence among businesses is vital for recovery.

He also called for the withdrawal of cases filed to harass businesspeople, arguing that legal complications and restrictions have discouraged investment and disrupted business activity.

The debate was held on the motion: “The new government will meet public expectations through achieving economic stability.”

A team from Primeasia University won the competition, defeating Dhaka International University in the final round.