Businessmen's insecurity

The same day, miscreants gunned down the owner of Jalalabad Air Express, Mokhlisur Rahman at his Taltola office in Sylhet. The incident is related to the institution of a case in the local court, which the killers wanted withdrawn. It is inconceivable why the plaintiff of a case be murdered for his refusal to heed what a group of miscreants asked him to do.

The two incidents provide a snapshot view of the danger under which the country's business community operates.

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Enough has been written and spoken about the atrocious law and order situation prevailing in the country. The social impact of such a state of affairs aside, it could adversely impact on the economy by dampening investment.

The development partners have said as much, particularly since the port city of Chittagong began to witness an upsurge in the instances of criminality against business people. The crime-frenzy has developed a pattern of its own and the criminals do seem to have well calibrated tactic and strategy to achieve their objectives.

Illegal toll seekers of varied denominations have carved out their virtual fiefdom. Few people can build a house without being approached by toll seekers for fund, nor can one run a transport service or a grocery without paying toll to local mastans! Aren't our laws strong enough to deter such acts of criminality? The problem lies with law enforcement.

While the extortionists threaten someone not complying with their illegitimate demands with dire consequences, the money paid by an individual or a business entity is added to the overall cost of operation (production), squeezing the consumers to foot the bill in the end. Such 'extra expenses' are getting exorbitant by the day to impact upon the economy's competitiveness.

If we fail to rein in such acts of criminality to remove fears from the minds of those seeking to improve the economic health of the nation, our strivings for a better future will be negated.