Dhaka – Stressing that the business and politics should not be mixed up, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed on Friday urged all to come under the same platform rising above differences in the greater interest of the country’s economy.
“We’re marching ahead economically. We’ll be able to reach our destination if we can reach a consensus on economic issues. There shouldn’t be any room in business for politics,” he told a function in the city marking the formal announcement of water buffalo genome sequencing success.
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s adviser Abdul Awal Mintoo, who got released from prison recently, was also present at the function.Turning to Mintoo, Tofail said, “He’s my brother…my friend. He’s very close to me. I missed him very much when I had a meeting with the business community a couple of days ago here.”
The veteran politician also said he arranged the meeting soon after his return from India and had thought that Mintoo got released from prison by the time.
Emphasising unity among all in the interest of country’s development, Tofail said the country will march towards further development if all can forget differences and take the journey for development together. “We’ll succeed if politics doesn’t turn into barriers to progress.”
Listing Bangladesh’s achievement in various sectors, he said Bangladesh is a country which has a brighter prospect. “We can do everything. We’ve proved it many times.”
Appreciating Mintoo’s efforts, Tofail said Bangladesh’s economy would be benefited through the initiative as Bangladesh now imports huge milk. “If we can work together rising above differences, the country will be benefited.”
Mintoo, looking very cheerful with the achievement of his company and remarks made by Tofail, said he would continue to work for the development of country’s agricultural sector for the betterment of rural people and economy overall.
Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Dr Gowher Rizvi, Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Li Jun, Deputy Chief of Mission of US Embassy in Dhaka Jon F Danilowicz, Mintoo’s son Tabith M Awal, Chinese researchers Jian Wang and Dr Gengyun also spoke on the occasion.- UNB
