Chairperson of the Bangladesh Competition Commission AHM Ahsan today said that due to effective initiatives undertaken by the government and the private sector, a noticeable stability has been observed in the market, particularly for essential commodities, during the Holy Month of Ramadan this year, says BSS report.
He said this while addressing a view-exchange meeting on the “Necessity of maintaining an improved law & order situation to facilitate the ease of doing business” as the chief guest organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) held today at the DCCI Auditorium.
Md. Abdur Rahim Khan, administrator of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), spoke at the seminar as a special guest.
Ahsan mentioned that there is no alternative to properly coordinating supply and demand in market management and emphasized the importance of ensuring accurate data on the use and distribution of essential goods.
“Creating a business-friendly environment in the country reduces institutional costs for entrepreneurs, which in turn positively impacts product prices,” he said.
Bangladesh Competition Commission Chairperson also stressed the need for cooperation with the law enforcement agencies in maintaining law and order and expressed hope that the newly-elected government would take stronger measures to ensure safety and security across all sectors.
In his remarks as special guest, FBCCI’s Md. Abdur Rahim Khan said that there is no alternative to improving the law-and-order situation and ensuring proper market management for the smooth functioning of business operation.
He noted that ensuring overall economic growth would help improve political system and the law-and-order situation, which would, in turn, reduce activities outside the framework of law and policy.
However, he emphasized the need to ensure certain reform measures promptly so
that visible changes can be observed and public confidence restored.
Shibir Bicitra Barua, additional secretary of Ministry of Commerce, mentioned
that the Ministry of Commerce has undertaken initiatives to introduce the IPO
Policy 2025-28, which will further facilitate business and investment
activities.
In his welcome address, DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed said the private sector has not achieved the desired level of progress over the past few years due to contractionary monetary policy, unexpected deterioration of the overall law and order situation, illegal extortion, irregularities, corruption, administrative complexities and bureaucratic red-tapism.
He expressed the hope that the newly-elected government will prioritize facilitating trade and investment, particularly by improving the law-and-order situation.
Taskeen emphasized that there is no alternative to ensuring a safe and predictable environment for boosting trade and investment, alongside macroeconomic stability.
Furthermore, he stressed the need for increased coordination between the private sector, law enforcement agencies, policymakers and economic ministries or organizations to address the current situation.
Abdul Jalil, director of Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, said that excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides in domestically produced potatoes is deteriorating their quality, and due to the failure to meet international standards, Bangladesh is being deprived of potato exports to foreign markets.
He emphasized the need for effective initiatives through coordination among farmers, entrepreneurs, and government agencies.
Mohammad Harun Or Rashid, deputy commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, urged the public to refrain from occupying footpaths and roads for setting up shops to reduce traffic congestion and assured that the police would take the highest level of initiative to control extortion.
In the open discussion session Haji Abul Hashem, a businessman, stated that traffic congestion and the deterioration of the law and order situation are two major concerns for businesspeople, and the government must take a strong role to address these issues.
He also expressed the need for a tolerable VAT and tax policy so that businesspeople can operate comfortably.
Tarikul Islam Khan, Managing Director (MD) of Nahar Cold Storage Limited, businessmen Haji Md. Golam Mowla, Haji Md. Monir Hossain and Haji Mohammad Ali Bhutto also spoke, among others, on the occasion.
DCCI Senior Vice-President Razeev H Chowdhury, Vice President Md. Salem Sulaiman and members of the Board of Directors were also present on the occasion.