Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)– Bangladesh’s apex trade body has condemned the ‘unprecedented’ and naked attacks on the Buddhist temples, including some century-old pagodas.
“The business community is aggrieved and hurt. Repetition of such incidents might have negative impact on the country’s image, investment and international trade. Attention is needed in this regard,” the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) said in a statement on Thursday.
The FBCCI urged the authorities concerned to take effective measures so that such unexpected incidents do not take place further.
“Effective measures need to be taken urgently so that such incidents can’t have negative impacts on border trade between Bangladesh and Myanmar,” it said.
The trade body, on behalf of the business community, urged all to remain united to uphold the country’s traditional communal harmony that has been prevailing for ages.
Expressing deep sympathy for the Buddhist community for the loss of property and historical establishments, the statement said, “FBCCI thinks such heinous acts can’t take place without the instigation of vested quarters.”
Such heinous act is a big blow to the existing communal harmony which is in no way acceptable, the statement said.
The FBCCI urged the government to ensure exemplary punishment of those who are actually involved in the incidents through proper investigation.
Earlier, Wednesday, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) also expressed concern over the attack on the Buddhist community, religious establishments in Ramu and Patiya.
The trade body urged the government to take necessary steps to avert the recurrence of such unexpected incidents.
BBN/SSR/SI-05Oct12-9:40 pm (BST)
