Business leaders concerned over arrest of Azad

The business community yesterday expressed concern over the arrest of Abul Kalam Azad, an industrialist and the chairman of Azad Group.
Annisul Huq, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), said they are worried as the police are harassing a successful entrepreneur.
Huq said this after a meeting with Commerce Minister Faruk Khan at his secretariat office. He also called for proper investigation into the allegations against Azad to ensure justice.
The FBCCI president and other leaders also met Home Minister Sahara Khatun and State Minister for Home Shamsul Haque Tuku to discuss the issue of arrest of Azad, also a Commercially Important Person (CIP).
Azad was arrested on Thursday night on charges of assaulting a police officer. Expressing sympathy for the injured police officer, Annisul Huq demanded formation of an impartial investigation committee with a justice and two businessmen.
He also said the business community has full confidence in the ability of the police to maintain the law and order.
President of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Zafar Osman, President of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) Fazlul Hoque, Acting President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Faruk Hasan and FBCCI leaders Abul Kashem Ahmed and Abu Alam Chowdhury were present at the meetings.