Certain group spreading propaganda about Bangladesh abroad: Adviser

Terming the country's business environment 'quite good', Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin has said a certain group is spreading propaganda about Bangladesh abroad.
"A group is spreading negative propaganda about Bangladesh abroad, including security risks, which is affecting the export sector," he said.
"There is no such lack of security in Bangladesh," the adviser emphasised.
He made the observations after inaugurating a three-day Global Sourcing Expo-2025 in Purbachal of the city on Monday.
Maybe the number of foreign buyers is now comparatively less in the country, which is a temporary phenomenon, he said, adding that no separate action is needed for this.
"We are trying to bring back buyers through normal processes," he continued.
Speaking as the special guest, President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) Mohammad Hatem feared that a section of foreign buyers is not coming to Bangladesh due to security concerns.
The commerce adviser, however, disagreed with the BKMEA president.
Mr. Bashir said misinformation is often spread about many third world countries, creating unnecessary fears.
"But there is no such major security deficiency in our country that hinders the normal movement of people," said the adviser.
Speaking at the inaugural session as the chief guest, Mr. Bashir said: "This (the expo) is an arrangement to bring all entrepreneurs under one roof. I hope this gathering of domestic and foreign entrepreneurs will enrich the country's export and trade sector."
Although this expo is being held in the country for the first time, the aim is to organise it twice a year, he added.
BKMEA leader Hatem also accused the adviser of not responding duly to calls to save the garment sector and also incorporating the new labor law, which they found imperfect.
Jointly initiated by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and the Ministry of Commerce, the three-day Global Sourcing Expo is being held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal.
Among others, Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy to the Chief Adviser on International Affairs, Mahbubur Rahman, Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Md. Abdur Rahim Khan, Administrator, FBCC and Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Mohammad Hasan Arif Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Export Promotion Bureau spoke at the event.
One of the objectives of this event is to showcase Bangladesh's export potential in the global market and to further strengthen international business relations.
Buyers, investors and sourcing organisations from different countries including Afghanistan, China, Iran, Japan, Myanmar, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, UAE and USA will participate in this expo.
As many as 125 organisations from eight notable export sectors of Bangladesh namely ready-made garments, leather and leather products, jute and jute products, agriculture and agricultural products, plastic and kitchenware, home decor and furniture, pharmaceutical and ICT sectors, multinational companies, wholesalers, supply chain representatives and important decision-makers from various export markets are taking part in this event.

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