Removal of the fear factors

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Both the Chief Adviser and the Chief of the Army have assured the businesses of the government's on-going anti-graft drive being carried out in a well-targeted way. At last Wednesday's dialogue on "Bangladesh Economy and Future Perspective" held in the capital city, the representatives of the businesses expressed their worries over the drive, creating a sense of fear and panic even among those who were otherwise not involved in any large corruption-laden deal. In a situation where lax governance was the norm and not the exception, it was not possible for everyone to do everything strictly in accordance with the letter and spirit of the law. Rather, the system that operated provided ample grounds for irregularities and petty offences being resorted to, by all concerned. In that situation, the on-going anti-graft drive has generated fear among many people, particularly those involved in businesses.
The fear factor, as has rightly been noted by a director of the Federation of the Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) at Wednesday's dialogue, has been created by anti-corruption and anti-hoarding drives, VAT and tax drive, bank account searching drive, too many questions of every activity, too many lists of offenders, breaking 'hats' and 'bazars' on 'khas' lands etc. All these drives, being simultaneously carried out, have shaken the confidence of the businesses. This situation provides no good ground for pursuit of normal business activities.
In this backdrop, the assurances, given by the Chief Adviser and the Chief of the Bangladesh Army, for removal of fear factor among all concerned people, are welcome. While the government goes for actions against big offenders who abused their public positions for amassing wealth, it should allow opportunities for others to go by the rules, making the system transparent and effective on operational lines.
Muhammad Alam
Hatirpool
Dhaka.