"How can we create wealth and employment for the country if confrontation continues at national level?" questioned President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and industry (FBCCI) Abdul Awal Mintoo.

He asked the politicians to be tolerant and resolve all political problems through discussion as soon as possible. "Otherwise, the nation will suffer for your failure," he cautioned.

Accompanied by other leaders of the apex business body, Mintoo visited factories at Madhabdi, dubbed as the Manchester of the East, spoke at a reception accorded to him and held meeting with Narsingdi chamber.

Apart from business people and local entrepreneurs, a large number of academics, politicians, professionals and civil society members attended the meetings and talked on the current political situation.

"Politics and economics are inter-linked. Businessmen can create jobs and if employment can be created for our youths, we will be able to overcome the social unrest," said the FBCCI chief to his audience.

But, for a congenial atmosphere to make investment and run businesses, the politicians have the leading role. "They must resolve the crisis through discussion. The nation cannot afford confrontation anymore."

The FBCCI chief said the business people, who create resources and employment for the nation, expect due respect from all quarters.

As local entrepreneurs and other FBCCI leaders came up with the allegation that they are subjected to terrorism and extortion, Mintoo asked them to get united to fight the evil forces.

Demanding improvement of law and order, the FBCCI president said it is also linked to the national politics. "We need a peaceful political environment for law and order."

Apart from addressing entrepreneurs at Madhabdi and a meeting at Narsingdi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he spoke at a reception accorded to him at Abed Textile Mills.

Deputy Commissioner Kazi Akhtar Hossain chaired the reception. It was also addressed by FBCCI Vice-President Kamaluddin Ahmed, Director Abul Kashem Ahmed, Narsingdi Chamber President Abdul Halim, BNP leader Tofazzal Hossain and Managing Director of Abed Textile Manjur Elahi.