Business leaders see confidence boost in Tarique's speech: BKMEA president
We, businesspeople, were looking for a speech like this, says BKMEA executive president
Business leaders have welcomed BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman's remarks following his return to Bangladesh, saying his speech could help restore confidence among entrepreneurs and the wider public.
Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, president of the Bangladesh Employers Federation and Executive President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), told The Business Standard today (25 December) that Tarique's address was viewed very positively by the business community.
"We see his speech very positively. It will create confidence among businesspeople, and not only among them, but also among the people of the country," Ehsan said.
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He added that if Tarique can change the mindset of those within the party who still hold outdated views or engage in negative practices, it could bring meaningful and positive change to Bangladesh.
"After so many years, the speech he delivered provided new direction not only for the business community but also for the people of the country. It opened up a new perspective," Ehsan said.
Ehsan also noted that in his 17-minute speech, the BNP leader refrained from expressing bitterness or negativity, despite referring to the persecution faced by him, his family and his brother during the previous government's tenure.
"Instead, he spoke about plans to build a new Bangladesh and the need for change. We, businesspeople, were looking for a speech like this," he added.
Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh today from London after more than 17 years in exile, drawing massive crowds of supporters.
He attended a reception rally on 300 feet road in Purbachal, following a homecoming that saw thousands of emotional supporters and BNP activists lining the streets of Dhaka, starting his speech with the words, "Beloved Bangladesh."
'We want peace," the BNP leader emphasised, also saying he has a plan for the country and its people. "We will build a Bangladesh that every mother dreams of," Tarique pledged.
