DCCI Urges Law & Order Reforms to Ease Business

ছবিঃ সিএনআই

Staff Correspondent: Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) organized a view exchange meeting titled “Necessity of Maintaining an Improved Law & Order Situation to Facilitate the Ease of Doing Business” on Friday at the DCCI Auditorium in Dhaka.
A. H. M. Ahsan, Chairman of the Bangladesh Competition Commission, attended the meeting as the Chief Guest, while Md. Abdur Rahim Khan, Administrator of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), joined as the Special Guest.
In his welcome address, DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed stated that private sector growth has remained below expectations in recent years due to contractionary monetary policy, deterioration in law and order, illegal extortion, corruption, administrative complexities and bureaucratic red tape. He expressed optimism that the newly elected government would prioritize trade and investment facilitation by ensuring a safe, predictable and stable business environment. He emphasized that stronger coordination among the private sector, law enforcement agencies, policymakers and economic ministries is crucial to restoring business confidence.
Chief Guest A. H. M. Ahsan noted that effective initiatives by the government and the private sector have resulted in noticeable market stability, particularly for essential commodities during Ramadan. He highlighted the importance of proper coordination between supply and demand, accurate data on the distribution of essential goods and a business-friendly environment to reduce institutional costs and control prices. He also stressed the need for enhanced cooperation with law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order.
Speaking as Special Guest, Md. Abdur Rahim Khan underscored that improving the law-and-order situation and strengthening market management are essential for smooth business operations. He added that sustained economic growth would contribute to political stability and reduce unlawful activities, while timely reform measures are necessary to restore public confidence.
Shibir Bicitra Barua, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, said instability in law and order undermines investor confidence and discourages both domestic and foreign investment. He informed that the ministry has undertaken initiatives to introduce the IPO Policy 2025–28 to further facilitate business and investment activities.
Abdul Jalil, Director of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, pointed out that excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides in potato cultivation is affecting quality and export prospects. He called for coordinated efforts among farmers, entrepreneurs and government agencies to address the issue.
Mohammad Harun Or Rashid, Deputy Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, said the addition of around 500,000 battery-operated auto-rickshaws after the election has significantly worsened traffic congestion in Dhaka. He mentioned that several initiatives have already been taken and expressed hope for visible improvements after Eid. He also stressed regulating import policies, monitoring charging garages and preventing illegal occupation of footpaths to ease congestion and control extortion.
During the open discussion, business leaders highlighted traffic congestion, extortion, lack of accurate market data, restrictive import policies and high VAT and tax burdens as major challenges to doing business. They urged the government to take stronger measures to improve law and order, ensure fair market practices and support farmers affected by falling agricultural prices.
DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H. Chowdhury, Vice President Md. Salem Sulaiman, and members of the Board of Directors were also present at the meeting.