1. INTRODUCTION:
Political risk is a type of risk faced by investors, corporations, and governments. It is a risk that
can be understood and managed with reasoned foresight and investment. Broadly, political risk
refers to the complications businesses and governments may face as a result of what are
commonly referred to as political decisions—or any political change that alters the expected
outcome and value of a given economic action by changing the probability of achieving
business objectives. Political risk faced by firms can be defined as the risk of a strategic,
financial, or personnel loss for a firm because of such nonmarket factors as macroeconomic and
social policies (fiscal, monetary, trade, investment, industrial, income, labour, and
developmental), or events related to political instability (terrorism, riots, coups, civil war, and
insurrection). Portfolio investors may face similar financial losses. Moreover, governments may
face complications in their ability to execute diplomatic, military or other initiatives as a result
of political risk.
Understanding risk as part probability and part impact provides insight into political risk. For a
business, the implication for political risk is that there is a measure of likelihood that political
events may complicate its pursuit of earnings through direct impacts (such as taxes or fees) or
indirect impacts (such as opportunity cost forgone). As a result, political risk is similar to an
expected value such that the likelihood of a political event occurring may reduce the desirability
of that investment by reducing its anticipated returns.
There are both macro- and micro-level political risks. Macro-level political risks have similar
impacts across all foreign actors in a given location. While these are included in country risk
analysis, it would be incorrect to equate macro-level political risk analysis with country risk as
country risk only looks at national-level risks and also includes financial and economic risks.
Micro-level risks focus on sector, firm, or project specific risk.
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2. POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT OF BANGLADESH:
The political system of Bangladesh is followed by representative democracy. Despite being a
democratic country the safeguards of democracy are not being exercised properly which have
negative impact on business operation. Political unrest is almost a daily occurrence in
Bangladesh which hinders the daily national and international trading system of the country.
Foreign firms are feared to come in Bangladesh with FDI. Bangladesh is a democratic country in
name but not in action.
The following biased democracy safeguards are some of the main hindrances of international
business in Bangladesh.
 Individual right to freedom of expression, opinion and organization are restricted.
 Media are more or less biased to the current government.
 There is more or less regular election sometimes major parties avoid election.
 There are often face to face clashes among the leading political parties.
 Despite being the court system is independent most of the times its functions are
directed by current government.
 Corrupted political state bureaucracy
 Corrupted political police and armed force.
This situation does not support entrepreneurship that’s why it can’t make a man innovative.
That’s why local business can’t be strong. To be competitive in international business such
political system and government is failing to make local business more efficient and more
effective. That’s why Bangladesh is lagging behind in international business competition.
Since born time Bangladesh is facing huge challenges, including a political and economic,
serious poverty problems as one of the world's poorest countries, annual floods on its low-lying
coasts, power shortages and rampant corruption. However, some recent political and economic
developments are encouraging. The economy grew 6.71% during the 2011 fiscal year, following
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3. a growth rate of 6.32% in 2012 and 6.01% in 2013. According to the World Economic Forum
Global Competitiveness Report 2012-2013, political unrest and corruption is seemed to be the
greatest problem by companies facing economic development and doing business in
Bangladesh. Most of the leaders of the leading political parties are highly corrupted. The
leading parties are dominated mostly by the family members of the chairperson of the parties.
DOING BUSINESS IN BANGLADESH:
Bangladesh remains one of the poorest countries in the world despite its growth rates. It is
considered to be a developing economy and its GDP is estimated to have grown 6.71% in 2011,
6.32% in 2012 and another 6.1% which is consistently decreasing. Even so, economic
development is hampered by flooding, power outages and a terrible infrastructure and
embedded and widespread corruption hinders the business environment. The political
landscape is unstable as the ruling and the main opposition party shares a historical animosity,
severely obstructing any progress on the policy agenda. It is considered not to be a politically
stable country as it involves corruption and bribery as key obstacle that needs to be handled.
Tensions in the political system have been serious by a series of bombings over the past years,
which included bombings of high level opposition leaders, mass bombings on August 17th 2005
and a series of suicide attacks on state institutions. These incidents have thrown the potential
impact of growing Islamic extremism in Bangladesh and the need for measures to tackle both
its immediate and underlying causes into sharp relief.
As a foreign investor investing in the Bangladesh, they will have regular interruptions from
these political and social situations. Strikes, changes in regulation policies, bombings, riot, etc.
are major problems that a business considers to be ineffective and they are common in
Bangladesh which needs to be handled by the business itself.
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4. STRENGTHS
WEEKNESS
1. Geographic location
1. No inclusive growth
2.strong agricultural backup
2.week HDI performance
3. Rapid development by NGO
3. poor inrustructure
4. Economic reforms remitances from
overseas
4.lower per capita productivity
5.mainstearming women
6 limited physical capital.
5. limited resources
6. large human capital
SWOT of Bangladesh
OPPORTUNITIES
1. Declining vulnarability to natural diasters
THREATS
1. Global financial cricis
2. comparatively lower cost of capital
3. young labor force at cheaper cost
2. lower FDIgrowth
4.global recession
3.higher skilled foreign workers
5. sharing the market growth with
neighbour countries
4. rise of neighbouring countries
5. political unrest
6. unpenetrated markets
Figure: SWOT Analysis of Bangladesh’s Business environment
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5. PRESENT POLITICAL SITUATION IN BANGLADESH:
Since the year began, a series of general strikes have paralyzed Bangladesh, and hundreds have
died in violent clashes between rival political factions. Top opposition leaders and human rights
activists have been arrested. Courts have delivered guilty verdicts and death sentences that
flout the most basic standards of due process. Responsibility for this crisis sits squarely with
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the leader of the Awami League party. Ms. Hasina seems
determined to hang on to power in advance of general elections scheduled for January and to
neutralize her opponents by any means necessary.
In 2011, she scrapped a constitutional provision for the governing party to cede power to a
neutral caretaker government three months before elections take place. Instead, Ms. Hasina
set up an “all-party” government over which she presides. This is not acceptable to Khaleda Zia,
a former prime minister who is the leader of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, or
B.N.P. The two are locked in a potentially explosive impasse. Meanwhile, the Jamaat-e-Islami
party, an ally of the B.N.P., has been banned from participating in the upcoming elections.
Many Bangladeshis who support the Awami League fear that Islamist parties are threatening
the foundation of a country that fought bitterly to separate from Pakistan in 1971. But banning
Jamaat-e-Islami from participating in the electoral process is only forcing frustrated supporters
into the streets.
Figure: Flow diagram of negative impact of hartal.
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6. Meanwhile, trials held by the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh, which was set up in
2009 to try people accused of committing atrocities during the 1971 war with Pakistan, have
targeted opposition leaders. The tribunal appears to be yet another tool to stifle political
opponents. If violations of rights continue, Bangladesh could face pressure, including perhaps
sanctions, from the international community. Prime Minister Hasina needs to restore autonomy
to Bangladesh’s judiciary, stop persecuting human rights activists and work with the political
opposition to find an acceptable transitional government ahead of next year’s election.
Table- Estimations of the direct costs of political instability from 1 January to 16 May, 2013
based on news reports from The Daily StarMonth
Days of
Nations
Citizens
Citizen
Police
Police
Vechile
Bus
Police
unrest
wide
killed
injured
killed
injured
damage
damage
van
hartals
damage
Jan
5
2
5
252
2
60
513
50
9
Feb
16
4
41
1381
4
102
183
12
8
Mar
16
9
44
909
2
49
376
26
8
Apr
12
8
5
453
0
74
255
19
3
May
6
4
36
400
4
11
180
54
2
Total
55
27
131
3395
12
296
1507
161
30
Source: Reporting from The Daily Star. Note: May totals only include up through May 16.
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7. IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON TRANSPORT SECTOR:
There is a great loss in transport sector due to recent political violence and political instability
since November. Political violence activist burnt down about 400 vehicles from November,
2012 to 19th March, 2013.They also set aflame railway 92 times. They burned down the vehicle
of Fire Brigade also. According to the calculation of fire service and civil defense, 356 vehicles
have been set afire.
Figure: No of burned transportation.
According to fire service and civil defense, 356 bus-truck have been set alight from November
to 18th March and the loss in money amount is about Tk 14,33,00000.According to another
reliable source of bus-truck owner‘s association and BRTA, from 28th February to 5th March, a
loss money amount is about 18 crore in transport sector. From December to 3rd March, the
loss amount of BRTC is about Tk 33,900,000. And the loss of Bangladesh Railway is about Tk
93,900,000. According to BRTA and bus-truck owner‘s association, 955 vehicles have been set
ablaze from 28th February to 5th March. As per as calculation of police force, 129 of their vans
have been broken and 37 of their vans have been set on fire.
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8. RISK FOR SMALL BUSINESS:
Small business like Shop owners have incurred losses worth around Tk 15,000 crore in the last
two months due to the ongoing political turbulence, traders. The situation has taken a turn for
the worse as many shop-owners are being unable to pay monthly rents and employees’ wages.
The sector counts Tk 250 crore in lost profits a day as there are little to no customers at the
shops for fear of violence. Customers have almost stopped buying non-essential goods amid the
ongoing political situation and so, daily sales have fallen significantly. On a normal day, 25 lakh
small business owners transact worth around Tk 2,500 crore across the country, but the
number has now come close to Tk 500 crore. Most small business owners are facing a cash
crisis due to the sales slump. Many traders are also unable to pay their dues to the wholesalers.
Traders are being forced to sell their family lands or ornaments to keep the business afloat as
most banks are not interested in extending loans to them amid such a volatile situation. It is the
peak season for selling warm clothes, but shop owners cannot tap into that opportunity as for
such unrest and a short supply of products. Customers are now less interested in buying luxury
goods, as people’s purchasing power, especially for the fixed income groups, has declined
significantly due to the ongoing political unrest.
Daily lost profit: Tk 250 cr.
Daily sales decline: 80% to 500 cr.
IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCEON GDP:
The economy counts Tk 1,600 crore in losses for each daylong countrywide political violence
while the country faces 40 political violences a year on average raising the figure of the losses
to Tk 64,000 crore, reports UNB. This was found in a survey conducted by the Dhaka Chamber
of Commerce and Industry (DCCI). The survey showed that the GDP is affected by 6.5 percent
due to countrywide shutdowns and the GDP growth could be doubled if there is no political
violence. The readymade garment (RMG) sector counts Tk 360 crore losses each day for
political violence while the wholesale market, shopping malls, showrooms, small shops
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9. together count a loss of Tk 600 due to each political violence, it said. The DCCI chief alleged that
political demonstrations are taking place even in commercial hubs like Motijheel, halting the
business activities and hurting the economy. The country‘s GDP in2011-12 fiscal was Tk 914,780
crore and the estimated GDP for 2012-13 fiscal is Tk 978,814 crore. There are a number of
other estimates which has also tried to calculate the economic loss from Political violences –
however methodologies used were not available.
Sector
Loss per one day
Loss per one year
(core tk)
(core tk)
360
14,400
1.56%
Govt. Revenue
250
10,000
1.02%
Wholesale market,
600
24,000
2.45%
Education
50
2,000
0.20%
Financial institution
50
2,000
0.20%
Insurance Company
15
600
0.06%
Transport and
60
2,400
0.24%
Tourism
50
2,000
0.20%
Production
100
4,000
0.41%
Others
65
2,600
0.26%
Total
1600
64,000
6.5%
Readymade
Loss in GDP (%)
garments
shopping malls and
other shops
Communication
Figure: GDP Loss per day, per year and in percentage
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10. IMPACTOF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON HUMAN RIGHTS:
Political violence is a common means used by people or political parties around the world to
achieve political goals. Many group and individual believe that violence is not only justified but
also necessary in order to achieve their political objects. The number of political violence is
threatening the livelihoods, safety and security of ordinary citizens. The risk and intensity of
political violence in Bangladesh is exacerbated by the easy accessibility of small arms and light
weapons. In 2011, 135 people were killed and 11532 injured as a result of political violence. A
person was killed and 50 injured during the first day of the 36 hour countrywide political
violence called by BNP led 18 party alliance. On the killing spot10 others also injured. In the
city‘s Laxi Bazar area at about 8 am 4 bombs exploded. Another 2 bombs was exploded in
Pallabi of Mirpur. A group of opposition exploded 2 bombs in front of Mirpur Ideal School. In
front of Kancha Bazar at Mirpur 2 bombs was exploded. Three bombs exploded beside the
office of the Narcotics Control department in Tejgaon. Political violence supporters exploded a
bomb just opposite the Notre Dame College. Another group of political violence supporter
blasted 4 or 5 bombs in the south Kamalapur Area. During political violence in Barisal 4 people
including ASI of sadar police station injured. In Rajshahi at least 10 people including a police
man were wounded in separate clashes. In Chittagong 7 people injured during chase and
counter chase. At the AK Khan gate picketers exploded several bombs. In Laxmipur 20 bombs
were exploded. In Narayanganj 5 people were injured in a series of clashes. The picketers
exploded 5 bombs here Pro- political violence element torched 12 vehicles in separate places of
the city on 1st April 2013 ahead of next daylong country wide shutdown of the opposite
alliance. A stuff bus of Titas gas was set fire bypolitical violence supporters at
Karwanbazar(TheBangladesh CHRONICLE, April 1, 2013). In 2nd April2013 some 40 people
were injured when 6 compartment and the locomotive of a passenger train veered off the
tracks in estern Bangladesh as miscreants removed several fish-plates hour of before the
opposition sponsored political violence began ( Xinhua, April 03, 2013). On 8 april 2013 in
Chittagong at least 17 people, including police were injured in clashes between the political
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11. violence supporters and law enforcers. In Fatikchari 7 persons were injured for the clash (The
Independent, 10 April, 2013). These are the small partial scenario
of
political
violence
caused by political violence in bangladesh. Table A enlighten the information gathered by
ODHIKAR. The table shows us people killed and injured on account of political violence is
increased from January to March.
EXPORT SENARIO AT THE PRESENT TIME:
Economics and business leaders feel that the economy is facing a disaster because of political
violence, blocked and political instability. Exporters are incurring losses as they cannot make
shipment of goods due to shut down. The frequent political violence’s are severely damaging
the economy. Reporting from Dhaka for Indian daily, Deccan Herald, Hassan Shahriar
points out that a single day‘s shutdown means losses amounting to at least us $69 million
in export, production and revenue. Business leaders say strike has stalled the economythat
was making rapid progress‖ he wrote. According to a source in Bangladesh Garments
Exporter Association, the garments sectors which is country‘s biggest sources of revenue,
losses $18 million daily during a political violence (Online Asia Times, July 16, 2002). Acting
BKME president Habibur Rahman said that the knit wear industry experienced a staggering
growth of over 37% in the first four month of the current fiscal year and the general strike
would deal a big blow to it (BKMEA, Novembor 27,2010). The country‘s major exporters
feared that they are unlikely to achieve the targeted export earning set for this fiscal year
(FY 2012-2013). The situation will worsen by the persisting political turmoil. Buyers do not feel
confident about coming and placing orders during any political instability. The country‘s major
exporters said that the target of earning $28 billion is unlikely to achievr this fiscal if the
situation continuous. Exporter of garment, jute, shrimp, leather and footwear products that
account for 85% to 90% of the total earnings said many buyers have already cancelled their
recent meetings, expressed their concern over the situation and threatened of canceling orders
in case of failure to meet lead time. Chairman of Sterling group Md. Siddqur Rahman said that
Buyers will shift to other places even it cost them one or two doller extra for a piece of product
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12. as they do not want to take any risk ( The Financial Express, March 10, 2013). FBCCI vice
president Helal Uddin Ahmad said that the country will incur a loss of at least TK 6,000 crore
due particularly to disruption in the supply chain as around 20 lakh shops across the country
remain shut (New Age, 3 March 2013). As recent political hazard continue to impact our export
economy directly, cost of garment manufacturing has already gone up by 30%. Furthermore
political violence’s are squeezing out the profit margin of our exporters since nearly half of the
exporter are now air shipping the goods to their destination (Dhaka Courier, 14th
March
2013). ―Air shipment cost an additional amount of TK 2 million to 2.5 million per container‖
said an entrepreneur. Normally the air cargo charges $3.5 for each kg of weight the authority‘s
sources said, demand as high as $5 to $6 for each kg for weight (The Independent, 17 March,
2013). The momentum of export sector seems to be losing theme because protective measures
are absolutely absent from preventing worsening situation, Govt. needs to ensure not only
safety but also a smooth flow of operation inside the export processing chains.
IMPORT SENARIO AT THE PRESENT TIME:
Port plays an important role in the economy of Banglaesh. Political violence has a significant
influence on port. Following table shows us decreasing amount of released container in
Chittagong Port The dispatch rate of container in chittagong port is decreasing from January
2013 to March 2013 due to continuous political violence and violence. Though clearing up of
the container is decreased in the February, on average 2 thousand 85 containers are released
everyday. The rate of import is relatively less than rate of dispatched container as a result the
number of cleared up container increased from 13 thousand to 19 thousand suddenly.
Commissioner of Chittagong custom house Md.MasudSadik let us to know that as a result of
downward tendency of dispatched container, loss of 800 core taka is incurred in March. The
chairman of FBCCI KaziAkram Uddin Ahmed convey that production is stagnated as a result
of political violence. Lack of security is the main reason of less clearing up. The imported
goods and raw material cann’t be reached to the destiny timely. The chairman of chittagong
chamber said that business activity is running less than 15 days in March. As business activity is
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13. almost stopped investor are fail to repay the bank loan. For this cause the dispatch of imported
product is foiled. If this political situation is continued port will bound to stop its operation. The
officials of custom house and the representative of importers inform that on average every
container bear the product prized 25 to 35 lakh taka. According to port secretary of caring and
forward unit Liakot Ali Haolader, The 19 thousand container approximately hold the product
valued 6000 crore taka. The Benepol port is failed to fulfill its target for collecting revenue.
Following table shows us the facts.
THE RISE OF TERRORISM IN BANGLADESH:
Religious terrorism, using violence in the name of religious ideologies, has seen a sharp rise in
the country. In all its manifestations, it is one of the most serious security challenges currently
confronting Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, the risks and vulnerabilities created by terrorism have
become a serious threat to national security. Terrorism has become a threat to life, the
economy and political and religious pluralism in Bangladesh. Religious assassinations, political
violence and bombings in public places of festivity, entertainment and worship, have stunned
the country. In the South Asian regional context, terrorism is a serious and growing threat to
regional security. Compared to the other South Asians states, terrorism in Bangladesh is
relatively new, and is a largely home-grown phenomenon. Bangladesh has witnessed a sharp
rise in terrorism since the mid-nineties. Over the last two decades, a number of militant groups
have established their presence through violent acts of terrorism in Bangladesh. As a result
critical sectors in Bangladesh, including energy, transportation, law enforcement, information
technology, finance and public health, have all become increasingly vulnerable to terrorist
activities. Political terrorism largely stems from unhealthy competition to retain/gain power at
any cost. This is the most dangerous form of terrorism in Bangladesh. The competition for
political support has caused the cost and repercussions of this kind of terrorism to be largely
ignored by mainstream political parties. This ignorance and inaction not only further
exacerbates the issue, but perhaps even promotes political terrorism by signalling tacit
acquiescence. Religious terrorism, using violence in the name of religious ideologies, has seen a
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14. sharp rise in the country. In all its manifestations, it is one of the most serious security
challenges currently confronting Bangladesh. Anti-state terrorism constitutes acts of terror
directed specifically against the government and state institutions and officials. An example of
this is the case of the Sarbaharaparty, the objectives of which include overthrowing the existing
establishment and reconfiguring state ideology. Ethnic terrorism in Bangladesh is rooted in the
quest of indigenous minorities to protect their lands from encroachment and to safeguard their
own ethnic identity. This can result in terrorism arising from conflicts in interest between
majority and minority groups in a region, which may both resort to violence to further their
political agendas. The consequences of terrorism are catastrophic. This is particularly true
when certain terrorist groups have geographical protection, financial support and international
networks to support their activities. An example of this is some of the militant groups in
Bangladesh, which are aided by Muslim extremist organisations. The Bangladesh police and
other law enforcement agencies can also be blamed for the rise of terrorism because of their
corruption and political partiality. There are regular complaints regarding human right
violations by law enforcement. In addition to this, inefficient border management on both the
India-Bangladesh and Bangladesh-Myanmar borders facilitates the movement of terrorists and
the proliferation of organised crime. Political parties, policy-makers and the civil society have so
far failed to chalk out a proper plan to combat terrorism. The government has, on certain
occasions, directly or indirectly employed military forces to combat terrorism, but that has only
had positive effects in the short term. A set of congruent policies is necessary to combat
terrorism in Bangladesh. The incumbent government should also take initiatives to reduce
economic inequality.
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15. CONCLUDING REMARKS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
Frequently political leaders in Bangladesh are selected according to family practice. In most of
the case coming from a political family is prevailed as prerequisite for leadership. As a result
prudence and providence is over and over again uncared for. So, the cycle of nepotism must be
broken up for political sustainability.
 The prime minister of Bangladesh enjoys absolute power which is guarded by the
constitution. Reducing of prime minister‘s power and diversifying few to opposition
could reduce political tensions.
 Scope should be formed for the politicians who have sound experience about root level
political affairs. They can use their skill for resolving crisis.
 Strong lawful action against any political leaders and
government high
officials
if
found guilty through the amendment of the constitution shall raise fear in the minds of
dispute planner and executor.
 For ensuring Knowledge and efficiency the present rule of eligibility of a political
candidate should modified.
 NGO and civil society can play a well-built role for building consciousness among the
people. The person who active in one political party‘s political violence often seen
that the same person is going to another party‘s political violence and play
destructive role in both case. This kind of event takes place only for a little amount of
money which can be avoided by creating awareness.
 Independent judicial division will be effectual to extend the answerability of
government.
 Parliament is dominated by government where oppositions are so marginalized. As a
result they prefer streets rather than parliament to press their demand. Constitution
could be amended to enlarge the scope of speaking of opposition party.
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16.  Policy makers think that in Bangladesh disguised democracy is continuing. Here
monarchy is running under the cover of democracy. To abate this tendency scope for
young generation must be created based on their efficiency.
TOTAL WORDS- 4,400
REFERENCES
Editorial (2013, November 20). Political Crisis in Bangladesh. The New York Times. Retrieved
from http://www.nytimes.com.
SumanSaha (Monday, December 16, 2013). Shop owners struggle to stay afloat. The Daily Star.
Retrieved from http:// www.thedailystar.net
Sangbadpatre Politicalviolencechitra by AjoyDasgupta (2001); [42], Ahmed, Imtiaz (2011) [43].
http://www.dhakachamber.com/cipe/EPPs%20&%20Studie s/Political%20stability.pdf
http://www.dhakachamber.com/cipe/EPPs%20&%20Studies/Political%20stability.pdf
http://eprothomalo.com/displaypage.php?id=2013_03_22_10_0_b#
http://eprothomalo.com/index.php?opt=view&page=1&date=2013-03-27#
http://eprothomalo.com/index.php?opt=view&page=3&date=2013-03-27#
http://banglanews24.com/English/detailsnews.php?nssl=175a462b8596a328146049ce3532894
e&nttl=0804201367436
http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/stockmarke t-a-big-casualty-of-hartal/
http://en.bdtodaynews.com/stocks-plunge-amid- hartal/
http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/loss-not- less-than-tk-500cr/
http://www.thefinancialexpress- bd.com/more.php?date=2012-04-22&news_id=127447
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17. http://news.org.bd/news/business/revenue- collection-pace-still-slow-in-july-feb/
http://www.newagebd.com/detail.php?date=2013-03-28&nid=44240#.UZu1XGXyFXh
DCCI (Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry) survey
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