They also requested the CA to create an environment so that the political parties do not go for such programmes in future that disrupt smooth running of the business activities.

The president of top six business chambers and associations placed the demands to the President and CA Iajuddin Ahmed when they met him at Bangabhaban.

Mahbubur Rahman, president of International Chamber of Commerce-Bangladesh (ICCB), Fazlul Hoque, president of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), SM Fazlul Haque, president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), MA Awal, president of Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), MA Momen, president of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and AK Azad, president of Bangladesh Chamber of Industry (BCI) were in the delegation.

"You are the lifeblood of the economy, I feel your problem," the CA said adding that he had already taken some steps to solve the political crisis referring to his initiative where his advisers met with the chiefs of both the political parties on Wednesday.

"I am trying to convince the political leaders to avoid further disturbance. In addition to my initiatives, you can also come forward again to convince the political leaders," the CA said.

Contacted, BTMA President MA Awal said that they have urged the CA to resolve the political crisis before Sunday adding, "we also requested him (CA) to become more strong in tackling the present political situation so that business activities can run in full swing."

He also noted that to run businesses smoothly, it is very important to hold a free and fair election. "So we urged the CA to arrange the election in a way so that all political parties as well as the people are satisfied."

They had also asked the CA to ask the political parties to keep the economic activities out of purview of any political programmes, he added.

BKMEA President Fazlul Hoque said, "We don't know how and when the political crisis will be solved. But we think the president and CA would take some immediate measures to help resume economic activities and solve the political crisis."

"We have already met political leaders to find a solution which can save the country's economy, but none could assure us," DCCI President M A Momen said adding, "the president is our only hope now, who can stop further political unrest by taking adequate measures."