Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has emphasised the need to transform the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) into a truly representative, effective, and non-political institution for the country’s business community.
Speaking at a meeting with business leaders held at the Ministry of Commerce conference room on Sunday morning, the minister said the FBCCI’s role must be strengthened to protect the interests of traders and effectively present their demands to the government.
He stressed that the organisation should play a vital role in securing policy support by exerting positive and constructive pressure when necessary but underscored that the FBCCI must never be used for political purposes.
“We want to see an FBCCI that acts as a collective platform for all businessmen,” the minister said, adding that the federation should serve as a supporting force for the Ministry of Commerce by providing realistic feedback for policymaking.
Muktadir further noted that competent, visionary, and energetic leadership is essential to make the organisation dynamic and fruitful. He insisted that the leadership should emerge from the business community itself to ensure the FBCCI remains committed to protecting their interests.
Assuring the leaders of the government’s commitment to a business-friendly environment, Muktadir announced that the new Import Policy is in its final stages and will be released soon.
Additionally, separate committees comprising business representatives will be formed to simplify services provided by the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, the Ministry of Industries, and the Ministry of Commerce.
The meeting was also addressed by Md Abdur Rahim Khan, additional secretary (Export) of the Ministry of Commerce and Administrator of FBCCI.
Other prominent participants who spoke at the event included former BGMEA president SM Fazlul Hoque, former FBCCI president Mir Nasir Hossain, BKMEA president Mohammad Hatem, former FBCCI directors Nasreen Fatema Awal and Abdul Haque, President of Bangladesh CNG Machinery Importers Association Zakir Hossain Nayon, General Secretary of Bangladesh Supermarket Association Zakir Hossain, former FBCCI director Gias Uddin Chowdhury Khokon, former president of Rangamati Chamber of Commerce and Industry Belayet Hossain Bhuiyan, former FBCCI vice-president Nizamuddin Rajesh, and former director Syed Md Bakhtiar.
During the discussion, the participating business leaders shared various suggestions to make the FBCCI more effective and business friendly. They also proposed appointing a representative from the business community as the administrator prior to the upcoming elections.
