Khaleda Zia’s passing: Business leaders pay condolence visit to Tarique Rahman

A delegation of leading manufacturers and business leaders has paid a condolence visit to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to express sympathy over the death of former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, while also holding an extended discussion on key economic challenges facing the country.

The delegation, comprising representatives from BGMEA, BKMEA, the Bangladesh Association of Banks (BAB), Bangladesh Cement Manufacturers Association, pharmaceutical associations, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), and several bank chairmen, handed over a single, consolidated condolence letter on behalf of the business community, according to a press release received Monday.

The BNP leader received the delegation and spent nearly two and a half hours listening to concerns raised by different sectors. Business leaders stressed the need to restore law and order, improve governance and ensure respect for the role of the private sector in employment generation, exports and economic stability.

Key issues discussed included customs and NBR reforms, uninterrupted gas supply for industry, infrastructure planning through additional FSRUs, challenges in the banking sector including high non-performing loans, capital market development, and rationalisation of VAT alongside widening the tax base. The potential of the pharmaceutical sector and the importance of private sector representation in policymaking were also highlighted.

The engagement, also attended by BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, was welcomed by participants. Both sides underlined the importance of political stability and a credible, participatory election process to restore business confidence and economic momentum.