Dhaka, Oct. 9 -- Business leaders on Thursday urged the central bank to reinstate single-digit lending rates.

They deplored that ramped-up interest, currently hovering above 14 per cent, was harming business growth, investment and global competitiveness.

The strong plea for rate cut was made during a meeting with Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor Ahsan H Mansur, following a stocktaking of the country's overall trade and economic situation that took latest twists amid political upheavals associated with last year's uprising.

A 14-member delegation representing major trade bodies, including the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Kn...