A 'change' is in the offing in Bangladesh, says Hossain Zillur

---

FE Report
The country is about to experience a 'change' once a free, fair and credible parliamentary election, scheduled for December 18, is held that will pave the way for return to democracy, said the commerce adviser on Tuesday.
"A change is in the offing in Bangladesh," Hossain Zillur Rahman said, speaking as chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the three-day German Trade Show-2008 in the city.
"The changes we are expecting from the political parties are underway," he said adding: "We need to move forward to power socio-economic development processes in the country for betterment of mass people."
Replying to a question at the sideline of the inaugural ceremony on non-fulfillment of BNP's demand, he said: "Our efforts to build confidence of all parties on holding a free, fair and credible election will continue."
"We will take all possible measures to remove the causes which are hindering our efforts in building trust among political parities."
Mr. Rahman said the caretaker administration wants changes in the culture of the political parties to ensure development of democracy that will result in stability and an environment free from confrontations.
Regarding the trade show, he said this will open a new era of opportunities in terms of Bangladesh and German trade relations in the future days.
Six weeks before the parliamentary election, the trade show is also a signal of confidence regarding a peaceful transition to the parliamentary government and sustainable democracy for Bangladesh after the elections, free from confrontational politics of past, said German ambassador in Dhaka Frank Meyke, speaking as the special guest.
He further said: "Constructive parliamentary work, the banning of hartals, curbing of corruption, maintaining and building on the structural reforms and achievements of the caretaker government-these would be important signals for German investors and for tapping the full potential of our bilateral trade."
Speaking as special guest, executive chairman of the Board of Investment (BoI) Kamaluddin Ahmed, however, urged the German businessmen to invest in the country.
"The BoI will extend all possible cooperation for making your investment in the country," he added.
Mentioning the importance of the trade show, president of Bangladesh German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BGCCI) Saiful Islam said: "As we enter an era of global financial turmoil and worldwide economic instability we realise from statistics that there is a gradual shift of economic power and financial strength from the west to the east."
He said the trade show has been organised with a view to showcasing and enhancing the existing harmonious relationship between Bangladesh and Germany, the second largest destination of the country's export products after USA.
Mr. Islam said in 2006 Bangladesh's exports to Germany increased by hefty 33.76 per cent, from Euro1172.45 million in 2005 to Euro 1556.60 million in 2006. The increase in Bangladesh's exports to the country in the past eight months of this year marked 10 per cent growth compared to that in 2007.
"I am very glad to inform you that Draxelmaier, a well known German manufacturer of electronic components of car interiors and wiring harnesses for premium cars like Mercedes Benz, Bugatti, Porche, BMW, has setup a company in the country," he informed the participants at the inaugural ceremony of the trade show.
The trade show, organized by the BGCCI in collaboration with German Embassy in and GTZ, will end on November 8. Around 69 organistions, mostly German, have set up over 103 stalls in the fair to showcase their products.
Annisul Huq, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries, and Saria Sadique, convener of the exhibition and senior vice president of BGCCI, among others, were present in the inaugural ceremony.