Did extortion not take place during interim government’s tenure, asks FBCCI administrator

The administrator of the country’s apex business body, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), and Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Md. Abdur Rahim Khan questioned whether there was no extortion in the country during the tenure of the interim government over the past 18 months.

Commenting that there is no place for extortion in politics, he said the issue of the nexus between politics and extortion has surfaced in recent discussions.

“Over the past 18 months, there was an undemocratic system in the country. Did extortion not take place during that period? Therefore, extortion or extortionists do not actually have any political position. It is a wound, a disease. To remove this wound or illness from society, we need coordinated efforts from all,” he said.

He made these remarks on Saturday (February 28) at a seminar held at the Dhaka Chamber auditorium in Motijheel, capital Dhaka.

The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) organised the seminar titled “The necessity of maintaining an improved law and order situation after the election to facilitate the ease of doing business”.

The seminar was chaired by DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed.

A.H.M. Ahsan, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Competition Commission, attended as the chief guest.

FBCCI Administrator Md Abdur Rahim Khan was present as special guest.

At the seminar, the FBCCI administrator also said DCCI used the term “post-election law and order situation,” but the matter is not limited only to the period following the election. At any time, if the law and order situation is not sound and market management is not properly conducted, a conducive environment for trade and commerce cannot be created.

However, he said he has no doubt about the necessity of today’s discussion. “Certainly, for quite some time, we have faced some problems in trade and commerce. The normal pace of business activities in the country may not have been fully active. That is why today’s discussion is significant,” he added.

He believes that the normal functioning of law and order and market management is closely linked with a democratic environment. In his words, “In reality, without a true democratic environment, law and order and market management do not get the opportunity to function normally. Public confidence rests on a democratic system. And when that confidence is built, trade and commerce also gain momentum.”

Referring to extortion, Abdur Rahim Khan said law enforcement agencies have already begun taking action.

Citing recent drives, he noted that a significant number of individuals were arrested in multiple operations across several police stations. “This is an effort. However, it is not realistic to expect that all problems will be solved overnight,” he said.

The FBCCI administrator further said that beyond administrative measures, structural reforms are also necessary.

In developed countries, there are specific road traffic laws that ensure discipline. Bangladesh also needs realistic laws and reforms, he added.

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