Restoring law and order is essential to revive private sector growth, said Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Taskeen Ahmed on Saturday, blaming extortion, corruption and bureaucratic red tape for slowing business activity.
Speaking at a view exchange meeting titled “Necessity of maintaining an improved law & order situation to facilitate the ease of doing business” at the DCCI Auditorium, he said contractionary monetary policy and deterioration in law and order have constrained trade and investment.
Illegal extortion, irregularities and administrative complexities have prevented the private sector from achieving expected progress in recent years, he added.
“A safe and predictable environment is non-negotiable for boosting trade and investment alongside macroeconomic stability,” he said, calling for stronger coordination among businesses, law enforcement agencies, policymakers and ministries.
Bangladesh Competition Commission Chairman A H M Ahsan attended the event as Chief Guest, while Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Administrator Md Abdur Rahim Khan joined as Special Guest, according to a statement.
Market stability during Ramadan, particularly for essential commodities, reflects coordinated efforts by the government and private sector, said Bangladesh Competition Commission Chairman A H M Ahsan.
Accurate data on supply and distribution of essential goods remains critical for effective market management, he said, adding that coordinated supply and demand mechanisms reduce institutional costs and ease product prices.
Cooperation with law enforcement agencies is necessary to maintain order, he said, expressing expectation of stronger measures from the newly elected government to ensure safety across sectors.
Improved law and order and disciplined market management are prerequisites for smooth business operations, said Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Administrator Md Abdur Rahim Khan.
Sustainable economic growth will strengthen the political system and law enforcement environment, reducing activities outside legal and policy frameworks, he said, urging immediate reform steps to restore public confidence.
Instability in law and order erodes business confidence and discourages both local and foreign investment, said Commerce Ministry Additional Secretary Shibir Bicitra Barua.
The Ministry of Commerce is preparing to introduce the IPO Policy 2025–28 to facilitate business and investment activities, he added.
Quality deterioration in domestically produced potatoes due to excessive fertiliser and pesticide use is blocking export opportunities, said Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection Director Abdul Jalil.
Failure to meet international standards is depriving Bangladesh of potato exports, he said, calling for coordinated action among farmers, entrepreneurs and government agencies.
Traffic congestion has intensified after approximately 500,000 new battery-operated auto-rickshaws entered Dhaka following the election, said Dhaka Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Harun Or Rashid.
Several initiatives are under way and visible improvements are expected after Eid, he said.
Regulating import policy of related equipment and monitoring charging garages are necessary to control auto-rickshaws, he added, urging the public to avoid occupying footpaths and roads for shops and assuring firm action against extortion.
During open discussion, business leaders described traffic congestion and deterioration of law and order as the two most pressing challenges for entrepreneurs.
A tolerable value-added tax and tax policy is required for businesses to operate without disruption, they said.
Absence of reliable data on essential commodities is weakening market management, while extortion during transportation is increasing prices, speakers said, demanding stricter enforcement.
Allowing only a limited number of institutions to import essential goods creates syndicates and higher prices, they added, calling for wider access for genuine importers.
Potatoes are being sold at Tk8 per kilogram in parts of northern Bangladesh, causing heavy losses to farmers, said Nahar Cold Storage Limited Managing Director Tarikul Islam Khan, adding that compensation discussions have yet to produce results.
DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H Chowdhury, Vice President Md Salem Sulaiman and members of the board of directors were present.
