Safety concerns and FDI

It is clear that people do not feel safe and that there exists widespread anxiety over the lack of basic security in the country. Providing security of life and property is the most basic of government functions, and the government should spare no expense or effort to ensure not only that the public is safe but that it feels safe. Getting to the bottom of the recent grenade attack -- to say nothing of the other incidents in the past including the seizure of a massive arms cache in April that remains shrouded in mystery -- is absolutely essential to restoring the credibility of the government and public confidence.

A further serious problem with the current climate of fear that envelops the country was elucidated at a meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce on Monday, namely that it is likely to have a negative impact on foreign investment that is needed to develop the economy. The AmCham head correctly noted that a country where the World Bank director does not feel safe is hardly likely to instill great confidence in foreign investors.

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This is very true and is yet another reason why the government must leave no stone unturned in its efforts to bring the perpetrators of August 21 to justice. What is at stake is not only the credibility of the government and the peace of mind of the public, but also the reputation of the country abroad and the effective functioning of the economy. If foreign investment to Bangladesh dries up it would be a catastrophe, and the last thing we need right now -- in the aftermath of floods and terrorist attacks -- is another catastrophe to further complicate our lives.