Bangla Press Desk: Business leaders have called for urgent reforms to improve Bangladesh's business environment, citing rising operating costs, regulatory complexities, limited access to finance and law and order challenges as major obstacles to economic growth.
The demands were made at an exchange of views titled "Improving the Overall Local Business, Trade and Investment Environment," organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) in Dhanmondi on Saturday, said a press release.
Speaking at the event, DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed said administrative bottlenecks, ambiguities in tax and VAT regulations, and energy shortages continue to hamper business activities. He also said the mandatory closure of shopping malls and retail outlets by 7:00pm has significantly reduced sales and business turnover.While welcoming several business-friendly measures in the 2026 national budget, including reduced source tax on industrial raw materials and increased support for the CMSME sector, he expressed concern over the government's high revenue targets and growing reliance on bank borrowing, which he said is limiting private-sector access to credit.
Officials from the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), Bangladesh Police, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and Bangladesh Bank attended the meeting and outlined measures to improve the ease of doing business.
DSCC Chief Revenue Officer Jonayed Kabir Sohag said the city corporation has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against harassment in trade licence services and plans to organise a Trade Licence Renewal Week in collaboration with DCCI.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (Crime) Md Tareq Zubair said police are continuing anti-extortion drives and are considering expanding AI-based traffic management under a proposed "Smart Policing, Smart City" initiative.
Bangladesh Bank Director Mahmudun Nabi said persistent shortages of US dollars and high non-performing loans have increased the cost of business by delaying letter of credit (LC) settlements and keeping lending rates elevated.
During the discussion, entrepreneurs called for simplified LC procedures, easier trade licence issuance and renewal, incentives for women entrepreneurs, reduced taxes in the real estate sector, improved port logistics, and policy support for the optical industry and digital businesses.
The event concluded with DCCI awarding membership certificates to 39 new business establishments. Around 100 business representatives attended the programme.
