Business leaders have expressed concern about traffic jams, extortion, high VAT-tax and limitations of import policy. Both businessmen and policymakers emphasized maintaining improved law and order situation to facilitate business and trade in the post-election period.
To this end, the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) organized a view-exchange meeting at the DCCI Auditorium in the capital on Saturday (February 28).
Chairperson of Bangladesh Competition Commission AHM Ahsan was the chief guest at the meeting and Administrator of FBCCI Md Abdur Rahim Khan was the special guest.
DCCI president Taskin Ahmed said that in the past few years, the expected progress in the private sector has not been achieved due to strict monetary policy, deterioration of law-and-order situation, illegal extortion, irregularities and corruption and administrative complications. He expressed hope that the newly elected government will ensure a conducive environment for trade and investment by improving the law-and-order situation on a priority basis.
He said, there is no alternative to ensuring a safe and predictable environment for trade and investment along with stability in the macro economy. In this regard, it is necessary to further strengthen the coordination of the private sector with law enforcement agencies, policy-making institutions and economic ministries.
AHM Ahsan said that the market for essential goods has remained relatively stable in the current Ramadan due to the coordinated efforts of the government and the private sector.
He further said that if a business-friendly environment is ensured, the institutional costs of entrepreneurs will decrease, which has a positive impact on reducing the price of products.
FBCCI administrator Md Abdur Rahim Khan said that there is no alternative to improved law and order and orderly market management for business and commerce.
Abdul Jalil, director of the National Consumer Rights Protection Department, said that the quality is being affected due to the use of excessive fertilizers and pesticides in potato production. Export opportunities are also decreasing due to failure to meet international standards.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner Mohammad Harunur Rashid said that about 500,000 new battery-powered auto-rickshaws have been added to the capital in the post-election period, which has increased traffic congestion. Various initiatives have been taken to deal with the situation and positive changes are expected after Eid.
He also mentioned the need for import policies and supervision of charging garages to control auto-rickshaws. He also assured to take strict steps to prevent encroachment on sidewalks and roads and extortion.
Bangladesh Wholesale Edible Oil Traders Association President Md Golam Maula said that although there is discussion on market management during the crisis, long-term reforms are not visible after the situation improves. The prices of goods are increasing due to lack of reliable information on daily necessities and extortion in transportation—it is important to strictly control this.
Nahar Cold Storage Limited Managing Director Md Tariqul Islam Khan said that farmers are suffering as the price of potatoes in the northern region has dropped to Tk8 per kg. He demanded that compensation be ensured for the affected farmers.
