Staff Reporter :
Business leaders have called on the government to take swift action to improve law and order and ensure energy security, emphasising that both are essential for fostering economic growth and industrial stability.
Speaking at a conference titled “Private Sector Outlook: Expectations and Priorities”, organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) yesterday, they highlighted the current law and order situation as a significant obstacle to business operations.
Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Finance Adviser to the Government, and Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Commerce Adviser, attended the event as the chief guest and special guest, respectively. Dr Ahmed remarked, “Unprecedented corruption in the banking sector has undermined financial stability. However, ongoing reforms and efforts to control inflation offer hope for improvement.”
Ashraf Ahmed, President of DCCI, urged the government to ensure an uninterrupted supply of gas and electricity, as well as improved law enforcement, to reduce business costs and sustain industrial productivity.
He also called for reforms in tax administration, automation of business processes, and lower interest rates to support the private sector, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Mohammad Hatem, President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), advocated for a zero-tolerance approach to law enforcement issues and suggested postponing Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status to allow for better preparation.
Several speakers emphasised the urgency of police reform to create a more public-friendly law enforcement system.
Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin called for greater collaboration between the government and the private sector to enhance security measures and economic policies.
He stressed the importance of boosting trade capacity in anticipation of LDC graduation and proposed extending the timeline for better preparedness.
Shawkot Aziz Russell, President of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), highlighted the high costs associated with imported energy and urged the government to invest in domestic gas production and efficient waste management systems.
