‘Country on triumphant march’

We have been liberated from Pakistan with the participation of mass people in the nine-month-long Liberation War in 1971, while economic freedom and prosperity came through the contribution of our hardworking workers and resilient entrepreneurs as well as government policies. A sustainable future lies ahead that requires hard work and commitment of all, former president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Md Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin told The Business Post’s Rafikul Islam in an interview

Shafiul, also a lawmaker, highlighted the enviable achievement Bangladesh has made in the last 50 years of independence.

We fought for freedom and then came economic development. How did we achieve it in the last 50 years?

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a superhero of Bangladesh’s independence. He played a significant role in the language movement in 1952, made a six-point demand in 1966, and led the country to realise freedom in 1971.

The Father of the Nation tried to pull this country out of the rubble pile caused by the destruction during the Liberation War but Sarbahara Party and Jasad (Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal) pulled it from behind. It was a very challenging era.

During the three and a half years of tenure of Bangabandhu, he took up massive plans to take the country forward and ensure the rights of people.

During his assassination in 1975, our economic growth was over 9 per cent even after the outbreak of famine in 1974. After taking power in 1975, the military junta made an anti-state decision. As a result, the economy began to retreat.

When the anti-liberation groups started to use national flags in their vehicles, economic development went on the back foot that hit everyone. People lost the taste of economic development, and we became further lame.

From 1991, democracy began to take hold in the country. The Sheikh Hasina-led government in 1996 brought back the taste of real democracy after a long time and went forward to realise the vision of the Father of the Nation.

Again when the Awami League came to power in 2008 after a pause, the country made significant development, and in the last 10-12 years, we are in the trajectory of an economic miracle, but there is no chance to be complacent. We got to move forward.

What are the things that played a key role in the achievements?

Policy, plan and visionary leadership by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as well as the hard work of entrepreneurs and workers are all that contributed equally to bring about this change.

The country is now self-sufficient in electricity and food. Padma Multipurpose Bridge, Elevated Express Way, Karnaphuli Tunnel, Ruppur Power Plant and a good number of flyovers are being constructed. Now our duty is to take the country forward.

Please tell us about the sectors we should work on.

There is huge work to do. As per the market economy, he who works more advances more, and so hard workers will become rich.

The premier is working really hard for the betterment of this country as well as countrymen. The government has set up community clinics and shelters as well as provided internet services across the country. Now we should work on how to improve quality.

We have admirable success in women empowerment. A considerable number of women are wage earners contributing to the economy.

Bangabandhu set up plans and Sheikh Hasina is carrying them out. Now we all have to work together to implement the plans, improve skills and ensure quality.

Where do you want to see the country in the future?

The IMF and the World Bank have made a forecast for Bangladesh’s economy that will be 23rd in the world by 2035.

Now Bangladesh’s per capita income is $2,554. We are ahead of Pakistan and India. We should sustain it.

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, we have achieved over 5 per cent growth. It is rare. So in the future, our economy will definitely be in a good position as we are on the right track.

As a business leader, what is your expectation from the business community?

PHP is now producing cars. This is a big transformation. Our entrepreneurs are very bold and skilled. The business leaders should discuss their issues with the government to remove all barriers to create a favourable business climate.