By IANS,
Dhaka : With a fortnight to go for the crucial parliamentary polls, Bangladesh’s business community is trying hard to bring the two warring women politicians, Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia, together to listen to their woes and determine their post-poll priorities.
The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) has received a nod from Hasina and wants to bring Zia too on its platform, where it can submit to both leaders a charter of demands to rejuvenate the economy, which has been hurt by the global meltdown.
FBCCI chief Annisul Haq told the New Age newspaper he hoped to meet Zia shortly and get her consent to attend a convention.
Past efforts, including one by FBCCI, have failed. The two leaders briefly met at the Armed Forces’ Day last month and exchanged pleasantries in the presence of other guests.
But the captains of business and industry want more and want to impress upon them the economic priorities.
Both former prime ministers leading political alliances, however, have just launched a nationwide campaign for the Dec 29 poll and it would be uncertain if they would find time for the Dec 27 convention.
“The two leaders at the convention may hear what the business community expects from the next elected government and the opposition,” said Haq.