Staff Reporter :
In the interest of the country’s 45 million businesspeople, transforming the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) into a modern digital organization is now a demand of the times. Amid global crises, Bangladesh faces major economic challenges such as attracting domestic and foreign investment, graduating from LDC status, strengthening exports, and boosting remittance inflows. Experts believe that addressing these challenges is not the sole responsibility of the government; the private sector must play a leading role, as private enterprises contribute roughly 80pc to the country’s economy.
In this context, FBCCI has increasingly become a top and significant organization for businessmen and industrialists, especially in protecting the private sector’s interests, providing policy advice, and contributing to overall economic development. With the 2025-27 term elections approaching, questions keep arising about what kind of FBCCI is needed and what the top business organization should focus on. Most general members (GB members), potential candidates, former senior leaders, and even non-members of FBCCI who work in the economic sector agree that major reforms in the organization’s core activities are necessary.
Key concerns include what the operational model of FBCCI should be, whether economic problems, crises, and opportunities are being highlighted effectively, and who is leading the apex business body recognized by Parliament. Over the past year, reform efforts within FBCCI have progressed slowly, with bureaucratic complexities sparking debate. After the fall of the previous Awami League government, former senior leaders also shared their opinions on FBCCI reforms in meetings and seminars at the end of last year.
Prominent figures including Mahbubur Rahman, President of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), former FBCCI President Mir Nasir Hossain, and Sakif Shamim, co-vice president candidate of the Progressive Business Council and Deputy Managing Director of LabAid Group, have also expressed their views on FBCCI reforms.
Mahbubur Rahman said that the country faces economic challenges such as graduating from LDC status, increasing domestic and foreign investment, and achieving export targets. To tackle these challenges, the role of FBCCI and other trade organizations is crucial. With competent and capable leadership, these organizations can become much stronger and work for the welfare of businesspeople. Therefore, businesspeople must rise above politics and unite.
Over the years, trade organizations have been politicized, and this must be minimized. Leadership of the organization should not be seized by force, otherwise past problems will recur. He emphasized that reform is an ongoing process and must be conducted within the law.
Mir Nasir Hossain added that FBCCI must be strengthened for the benefit of the country’s trade and commerce. Whenever businesspeople have faced crises in the past, FBCCI has taken the initiative to negotiate with the government for solutions. This continuity must be maintained, and competent leadership is essential. Businesspeople should always remain united.
He stressed that business leaders must be more active in solving members’ problems and highlighted FBCCI’s immense importance in protecting private sector interests, providing policy guidance, and contributing to overall economic development.
Sakif Shamim stated that businesspeople are the lifeblood of any country’s economy. Therefore, it is time to focus on improving the business environment for the country’s 45 million entrepreneurs.
He envisions taking FBCCI to a new height, with a strong international presence and extended networks. The organization should not only work on domestic issues but also actively participate in the global economy. To achieve this, specific and transformative steps are necessary to enhance import-export management and build strong relationships with international organizations.
He emphasized that the world is undergoing unprecedented advances in artificial intelligence (AI), which are revolutionizing efficiency, productivity, and innovation in business. For a developing economy like Bangladesh, leveraging this opportunity is a matter of time. He strongly believes that a modern digital transformation of FBCCI is no longer a luxury but essential for the welfare of nearly 45 million businesspeople.
This transformation could center on multiple innovative platforms. A robust Business Intelligence and Policy Lab (BIPL) could be established, using data and analytics dashboards to monitor real-time trade trends, regional market dynamics, and consumer behavior. The lab would enable FBCCI to provide precise, AI-based recommendations to the government for policy adjustments and incentives using scientific data.
Sakif Shamim said that the business ecosystem in Bangladesh is very weak. If elected by GB members, FBCCI would take initiatives such as establishing a business school, offering regular training, nurturing entrepreneurs, and recognizing most businesspeople as CIPs (Commercially Important Persons) for their contributions to the economy. He suggested allocating permanent exhibition space in the FBCCI Hatkhola building at minimal rent to associations without their own offices. A one-stop service would be ensured for resolving business problems.
Additionally, a modern B2B networking platform could be launched, where AI algorithms ensure smart matchmaking among members, connecting buyers, sellers, and domestic-international partners efficiently.
To reduce everyday difficulties for members, an AI-powered chatbot and helpdesk should be integrated for prompt problem-solving, increasing FBCCI’s operational efficiency.
A strong foundation is essential to achieve any large goal. Hence, the introduction of corporate membership could be the most assured strategy for success. This would allow top companies to directly participate in FBCCI’s activities, immediately strengthening its financial base and elevating its professionalism globally.
The driving force of the economic structure remains small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Priorities should include facilitating bank loans, lowering high-interest rates, and ensuring necessary policy support for SME entrepreneurs. To strengthen policy impact, a dedicated Government Liaison Wing should be established for structured communication with high-level government officials. An API gateway could also be introduced to streamline licensing, taxation, and import-export processes, ensuring effective policy advocacy and benefits with government agencies such as NBR, BIDA, and Customs.
Since challenges vary across regions, task forces for specific areas and sectors should ensure fast, visible results at the local level. Building strong international business relationships is crucial for import-export success. FBCCI should elevate ties with foreign embassies, high commissions, and international chambers to a new institutional level. Regular B2B summits and country-focused investment seminars should showcase Bangladesh’s opportunities to foreign investors.
An “Export Readiness Program” could help SMEs not yet fully integrated into international trade, providing training in market demand, compliance, and quality standards to open doors to global commerce.
He believes that ensuring the health and well-being of FBCCI members and their families is a moral responsibility of the organization. Establishing a dedicated clinic and hospital could continue this effort. He is confident that this well-organized, multifaceted plan-integrating technology, policy, trade diplomacy, and member welfare-will transform FBCCI into a smart, strong, and effective platform.
