The government is set to revise the recently issued Trade Organization Rules 2025 following strong objections from the country’s leading business chambers.
The amendments are likely to scrap the rule requiring a mandatory break after serving two consecutive terms, extend the tenure of executive committees, and reduce various fees and membership charges.
Officials at the Ministry of Commerce said the decision was made after extensive consultations with key trade bodies, including the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), and the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).
The Trade Organization Rules 2025, published in the official gazette on May 20, introduced detailed provisions on the formation, registration, and governance of trade associations across the country.
However, the new rules faced pushback from several influential business groups, who argued that some of the clauses were impractical and restrictive, potentially limiting leadership continuity and organizational flexibility.
Major Amendments Under Consideration
According to ministry sources, one of the key proposed changes is the withdrawal of the clause requiring a one-term gap after serving two consecutive terms on a trade body’s executive committee.
Business leaders, especially those from FBCCI, had described the provision as a barrier preventing experienced leadership from returning to office.
Another proposed amendment would allow trade bodies—other than the FBCCI—to elect their president, senior vice president, and vice president either directly by members or from among the board of directors.
The move aims to provide greater flexibility in how smaller or specialized trade organizations conduct their internal elections.
The ministry is also reviewing the duration of executive committee terms. The current rules set a uniform two-year term for all organizations, but chambers such as the MCCI have traditionally operated with three-year boards, with one-third of directors retiring each year.
Under the proposed changes, the tenure could be extended to either 24 or 36 months, depending on the organization’s structure and practices.
In addition, the government is considering revising membership criteria and reducing annual subscription fees, responding to widespread demands for more affordable participation. Other technical adjustments are also being reviewed to simplify compliance and enhance administrative efficiency.
Commerce ministry officials confirmed that a round of meetings with business leaders took place last month, and a final draft of the revised rules is now being prepared for approval. The ministry expects to issue the amendments shortly after further stakeholder consultations.