Muktadir for transforming FBCCI into effective, non-political body

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Sunday stressed the need for transforming the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) into a truly representative, effective and non-political organisation of the country's business community.

He made the remarks at a meeting with business leaders at the conference room of the Ministry of Commerce on Sunday.

The minister said FBCCI must play a stronger and more active role in protecting the interests of businessmen and thus effectively placing their demands before the government, said a commerce ministry press release.

He noted that the apex trade body should also take a constructive and positive stance, including creating necessary pressure when required, to secure policy support.

He, however, cautioned that the organization must not be used for any political purposes.

"We want to see an FBCCI that truly works as a united platform for all businessmen," he said, adding that the body would act as a force supportive to the Ministry of Commerce by providing realistic inputs in policymaking.

Muktadir said dynamic and result-oriented leadership is essential to make the organization more effective, adding that leadership should come from within the business community to ensure it can safeguard interests of the businesses properly.

Assuring the business leaders, he said the government remains committed to creating a business-friendly environment.

"A new import policy is at its final stage and will be unveiled soon," he said, adding separate committees comprising business representatives will be formed to simplify services in the ministries of textiles and jute, industries, and commerce.

Additional Secretary (Export) of the Ministry of Commerce and FBCCI Administrator Md Abdur Rahim Khan also spoke at the meeting.

Among others, former FBCCI president Mir Nasir Hossain, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem, former FBCCI director Nasrin Fatema Awal, Abdul Haque, President of Bangladesh CNG Machineries Importers Association Zakir Hossain Nayan, General Secretary of Bangladesh Super Market Association Zakir Hossain, former FBCCI director Gias Uddin Chowdhury Khokon, former Rangamati Chamber president Belayet Hossain Bhuiyan, former FBCCI vice-president Nizam Uddin Rajesh and former director Syed Bakhtiar, among others, took part in the meeting.

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The business leaders placed various recommendations to make FBCCI more effective and business-friendly. They also proposed appointing a representative from the business community as administrator ahead of the upcoming election.