Services contribute 44 percent to Dhaka district’s economy while manufacturing drives the remaining 56 percent, finds a Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) study conducted in February–March.
DCCI shared the findings on Saturday at a focus group discussion arranged as part of its Economic Position Index initiative aimed at revealing real economic behaviour including production, sales, export orders, investment patterns and business confidence.
“Existing local and global indices fail to reflect how and why economic activities are changing,” said DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed.
He said the chamber plans to develop the index for Dhaka first and later expand it across the country.
The index uses quarterly data from ready-made garments, textiles, wholesale and retail trade, real estate, transportation and storage and the banking sector.
The study surveyed 654 respondents including 365 in manufacturing and 289 in services, said DCCI Acting Secretary General AKM Asaduzzaman Patwary.
“The research covered food, textiles, RMG, leather, pharmaceuticals, rubber and plastics, non-metallic minerals and basic metals, as well as wholesale and retail, land transport and real estate,” he said.
He added that uninterrupted energy supply, improved law and order, lower interest rates, stronger financial stability and simplified VAT and tax procedures would enhance competitiveness.
“Policy advantages remain centred on the garment sector, making comparison with other industries difficult,” said former DCCI President Abul Kasem Khan.
He said SMEs drive the economy but their progress remains unsatisfactory.
Bangladesh is lagging behind in key indicators due to slow reform implementation, he added.
Digitising trade licences under city corporations would ease harassment and save time, he further said.
“Better data collection will improve policy outcomes,” said National Productivity Organisation Director General Md Nurul Alam.
More statistical depth is required to analyse economic changes, said former DCCI President Ashraf Ahmed.
International trade expert Nesar Ahmed said the questionnaire should be refined as Bangladesh has already utilised most benefits ahead of its LDC graduation.
“Foreign investor confidence is vital for trade and investment, and agriculture should be included in future studies,” said Foreign Affairs Ministry Director General Syed Muntasir Mamun.
Stronger coordination with institutional datasets would support the index findings, said Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute Chief Executive Officer Saif Uddin Ahammad.
More data on SME loan access barriers is required despite simplified policies, said Bangladesh Bank Director Nawshad Mustafa.
Agriculture must be included for a complete picture, said Bangladesh Bank Chief Economist’s Unit Director Md Salim Al Mamun.
“Using widely recognised formulas and publishing in reputed journals will boost credibility,” said Jagannath University Professor Md Aynul Islam.
A revised methodology is needed to reflect macroeconomic trends, said RAPID Research Director Md Deen Islam.
A better sampling approach would allow deeper coverage, said Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies Research Director Mohammad Jasim Uddin.
“A new Insolvency Act is being drafted to ease business operations and understanding drivers of business behaviour will make policies more effective,” said International Finance Corporation Senior Private Sector Specialist Miah Rahmat Ali.
DCCI Vice President Md Salem Sulaiman and board members attended the discussion.
