Ease of doing business, curbing graft are top priorities: Tipu Munshi

Curbing corruption in all spheres of society is one of the topmost priorities of the present government, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said on Thursday.

Also, improving the ease of doing business is another priority of the government, he said, adding that the commerce ministry will immediately start working together with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and other agencies concerned to this end.

The minister made the remarks at a meeting with the leaders of the International Business Forum of Bangladesh (IBFB) at the seminar room of the commerce ministry, said a IBFB statement.

On behalf of the association, IBFB President Humayun Rashid placed several suggestions to the commerce minister for creating a sustainable business environment in the country.

The suggestions include improving the ease of doing business, reducing complexities for local and foreign direct investments, lowering the bank interest rate to a single digit, strengthening the capacity of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), selecting a permanent place for trade fairs, and focusing on light/heavy engineering and electronics industry.

IBFB's Founding President Mahmudul Islam Chowdhury, Immediate Past President and Chairman of Runner Group Hafizur Rahman Khan, Vice President MS Siddiqui, Vice President (Finance) Lutfunnisa Saudia Khan, former Tariff Commission chairman Dr Mozibur Rahman, former NBR chairman Dr Abdul Mazid were present at the meeting.