Call for economy based on Bangabandhu’s philosophy

Paying tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, business people and politicians at a programme on Wednesday laid stress on introducing a balanced economy in Bangladesh based on Bangabndhu’s philosophy of equality and justice.

They also said Bangladesh has achieved its industrial and trade development thanks to the economic philosophy of the father of the nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

They made the remarks at the virtual programme titled “Bangabandhu’s Economic Philosophy: Bangladesh in the Development of Industry and Trade” organised by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries.

Former commerce minister Tofail Ahmed, a member on ruling Awami League’s advisory council, attended the function as chief guest. He said Bangabandhu made the base of today’s economy of Bangladesh.

“Bangabandhu had far-reaching plans on everything in sectors like agriculture, bank-insurance, electricity and communication. His killers have prolonged the process of restructure and development of the country,” he said.

Tofail added that after 21 years of his assassination, Bangabandhu’s daughter became successful to put Bangladesh on the list of developing countries, he added.

Planning Minister MA Mannan said Bangabandhu is still alive through his development philosophy, plan and implementation strategy. Almost all the plans of the government are influenced by the philosophy of the father of the nation, he said.

The Prime Minister’s Adviser for Private Sector Industry and Investment Salman F Rahman said Bangabandhu’s economic philosophy was to develop a balanced economy through government and private partnership.

“Bangabandhu built the base of Bangladesh’s economy. Bangabandhu got three years and a half to develop of the war ravaged country, its fragile economy and disrupted communication system. And the countries per capita income rose to $271 from $93 during his tenure,” said FBCCI President Md Jashim Uddin.

Presenting keynote papers at the programme, the personal secretary of Bangabandhu Dr Muhammad Faras Uddin said the main economic philosophy of Bangabandhu was to free the general masses. He wanted to make a society free from discrimination, he said.

“We noticed that Vietnam exhausted Bangladesh in readymade garments or RMG sector. However, we need to increase diversified products to compete with the competitors and retain the previous position” the former Bangladesh Bank Governor also added.

Former FBCCI President Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin said the father of the nation Bangabandhu Shiekh Mujibur Rahman made the industrial policy in 1973 for the sake of the country’s economic development.

Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dhaka (MCCI) President Nihad Kabir said equality and justice were the philosophy of Bangabandhu. Bangabandhu wanted to introduce a balanced economy in Bangladesh, she also said.

Former FBCCI President AK Azad said Bangabandhu wanted to build country based on industry and agriculture, ensure jobs for all and make a discrimination-free society.