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Business leaders Saturday expressed concerns that, despite ongoing efforts, the law and order situation in the country has not improved to a satisfactory level, leaving businesses under pressure.
They said the government high-ups must hold talks with the business community to boost their confidence.
“Businesses face numerous challenges today. While some can be tackled locally, others demand national-level solutions and direct government intervention,” said Ashraf Ahmed, president of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).
He made these remarks during a seminar titled “Current State of the Economy and Outlook of Bangladesh,” held at the DCCI auditorium in Dhaka.
Ahmed mentioned that incidents of arson, vandalism, and looting at factories and business establishments remain major concerns for the business community.
“The industrial police have not fully regained their former psychological strength; they lack the confidence they once had, which leads to delayed responses,” he explained.
He also noted that some industries are struggling to pay workers, mainly because banks are unable to disburse the necessary funds.
In his address, the president of the Leather Goods and Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB) argued that it is unfair to criticise the entire business community for the misdeeds of a few dishonest individuals.
“We live in this country, invest here, and would do business here,” he said, commending some prudent appointments in government bodies such as the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and Bangladesh Bank, which have begun to yield positive results.
He further emphasised that the business community is suffering from insecurity and a lack of confidence.
Labour unrest, which initially emerged in the readymade garment sector, is now spreading to other industries. “The government must address this issue as a priority,” he urged, noting that established mechanisms such as tripartite negotiations exist to manage labour unrest.
He stressed that a large economy like Bangladesh cannot rely solely on foreign aid and remittances.
“The government should focus on the domestic economy as well. We must ensure the safety and confidence of our local investors and traders,” he added.
Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, Chairman and CEO of Pran-RFL Group, echoed these sentiments, stating that improving the law and order situation and resolving worker dissatisfaction could create significant employment opportunities in the coming days.
“If we can resolve labour unrest and restore law and order, we can create jobs for millions. Around 25 million people need employment, and people are looking to us,” Chowdhury said during the seminar.
Reflecting on student protests and worker dissatisfaction, he said the goal of such movements is to eliminate discrimination and improve conditions, including controlling inflation and creating employment opportunities.
“Businesspeople are patriots too; we want the country’s development and job creation for the people. If we identify the problems, everything will return to normal soon. We are willing to work with law enforcement agencies and follow their guidance,” he added.
Sharing his experience of labour unrest at his factory, Chowdhury noted that this was the first such incident they had encountered.
“We respect the rule of law, and with government support, we were able to resolve the issue through mutual understanding between workers and management. But today, I am afraid to enter my own factory, fearing for my life. If this fear persists, business will suffer in the coming days,” he warned, reiterating the need for stability to ensure the employment of millions of people.
Among others, former FBCCI President Mir Nasir Hossain, President of BKMEA Mohammad Hatem, former president of DCCI Shams Mahmud, Chairman and CEO of Policy Exchange Bangladesh M Masrur Reaz, Country Manager of Mastercard Bangladesh Syed Mohammad Kamal, and Chairman and CEO of Foodpanda Bangladesh Zubair B Siddiky spoke.