Dhaka: The country's business community today demanded of the government for reducing the cost of doing business, improving the law and order situation, ensuring energy security and uninterrupted production in industries and factories. They also called for ensuring good governance, automation and optimization of revenue management, and supportive trade policy. The business community made the demands at a conference on 'Private Sector Outlook; Expectations and Priorities' organized by Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) at a city hotel today. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, who attended the conference as the chief guest, highlighted the issue of rampant corruption over the last 15 years, particularly in the economic sector. He noted that deposits of mass people were taken away from banks, a rare occurrence in Bangladesh, but assured that the interim government is working to address these issues. He acknowledged inflation as a major current challenge bu t expressed confidence in resolving it through reserve stability and satisfactory interest rates. Dr. Ahmed also emphasized the need for business-friendly regulations by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and mentioned ongoing automation efforts to separate tax collection and administration roles. Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin, speaking as the special guest, stressed the importance of coordination between the private sector and government to improve law and order. He highlighted the need to expand trade capacity in the international market, especially in light of the post-LDC transition period. Bashir Uddin also advocated for trade liberalization and supportive policies for business sub-sectors, emphasizing that improved quality of life would lead to increased government spending, which should be supported by effective tax collection. Ashraf Ahmed, President of DCCI, in his welcome speech, called for reducing government expenditure, improving market management, and enhancing law enforcement vigilance to prevent extortion in goods management. He recommended maintaining a stable currency market by aligning the US dollar exchange rate with market rates and ensuring easy access to low-cost credit for CMSMEs. He also highlighted the importance of uninterrupted gas and electricity supply for industries to remain competitive internationally. The conference featured panel discussions with prominent figures such as Abdul Muktadir, Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, Selim R. F. Hossain, Abdul Hai Sarkar, Javed Akhtar, Showkat Aziz Russell, and Mohammad Hatem. They emphasized preventing harassment of businessmen, stopping the creation of pocket associations for votes, and avoiding further increases in holding tax. The event was also attended by DCCI Senior Vice President Malik Talha Ismail Bari, Vice President Md. Junaed Ibna Ali, members of the board of directors, former presidents, and other private sector representatives. The conference was supported by Guardian Life Insurance Limited.
