Leading business figures in Bangladesh have called for guaranteed uninterrupted fuel supplies, warning that ongoing energy shortages are placing increasing pressure on the economy.
The demand was raised at the inaugural meeting of the Private Sector Development Advisory Council, held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka on Saturday and chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said business leaders had stressed the urgent need for a reliable energy supply to sustain industrial and commercial activity.
He said entrepreneurs had also urged the government to expand support for renewable energy, particularly solar power, in order to reduce dependence on conventional fuel sources.
Business leaders further called for the introduction of an e-visa system to facilitate easier entry for foreign investors, enabling them to travel to Bangladesh without facing procedural hurdles at airports.
In addition, they emphasised the need to lower bank lending rates, reform the tax system under the National Board of Revenue, and broaden the tax base rather than placing a heavier burden on compliant taxpayers.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of simplifying licensing procedures to encourage mid-sized enterprises to enter export markets.
Business leaders urged the government to accelerate the development of a deep-sea port to boost trade efficiency and support import and export activities.
According to the finance minister, the prime minister sought to hear directly from business leaders about the challenges they face.
“Many issues have already been resolved, while others remain pending and will be addressed through further discussions,” he said.
The meeting marked the first formal engagement between the government and leading business figures under the council, and is being seen as the beginning of a renewed dialogue aimed at improving the country’s investment climate and addressing challenges in the industrial sector.
Those present included Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir and prominent industry figures, including representatives from major conglomerates such as DBL Group, Pacific Jeans Group, Apex Group, PRAN-RFL Group, Incepta Group, Runner Group, Rangs Group and ACI Limited.