Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- Expressing deep concern over the repeated strikes, Bangladesh Insurance Association (BIA) has urged the BNP-led 18 party alliance to withdraw its planned general strikes on March 18-19 as strikes ignite socio-political unrest and shutter economic prospect.
In a statement on Saturday, BIA President Sheikh Kabir Hossain expressed concern over the ongoing political instability and anarchy saying that if it continues, the country will be heading towards a social and economic debacle.
“Our export-import trade has already registered a negative impact for the ongoing political turmoil. Our economy is heading towards a crater because of arson on vehicles, trains, religion sensitive places like temples, vandalism etc,” he noted.
Hossain said the insurance companies are also affected by strike, generally known as hartal since they are required to play claims arising out of hartal. 
The BIA further contends that the planned strike should be withdrawn as local and foreign direct investment directly hinges on political stability.
The BIA urges all political parties not to go for such stringent step like hartal in future.
 
BBN/SSR/AD-16Mar16-7:25 pm (BST)