Ensure security to encourage investment

Naraynganj is an important business hub of our country but, recently, we have been noticing a slide in the law and order situation there. A few ruling party leaders are engaged in illegal activities, like creating hindrance to business activities and resorting to random extortion, as if there were no one to prevent it. Even the law enforcers express inability to take any action as a section of powerful people of the ruling party is directly involved in it.
The government adopted an 'Open Door Policy' to attract foreign investment to Bangladesh and established special Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in order to attract new foreign and local investment and stimulate rapid economic growth, particularly through industrialisation. It has created enthusiasm among local and foreign investors. But, nowadays, many investors of the Adamjee Export Processing Zone are harassed. It is hurting our country's image as many foreign investors are operating their business in the EPZ area.
Recently, a daily newspaper has published a story on harassment of the contractors doing business in the EPZ. If the ruling party does not rein in the bad leaders of the party, it will greatly hamper the party's image. Security is a very important issue and, we are afraid, lack of it will discourage new and existing investors to invest in our country. So, the security of both the local and foreign investors must be ensured by the government.
Akmal Hossain
Narayanganj