Leading businessmen of the country held a meeting with the newly appointed governor of Bangladesh Bank Dr Ahsan H Mansur on Tuesday to fix different issues now affecting business and investment following the ouster of the Awami League government.
Inflation, repayment of loan installments, interest rates were among the major issues they discussed with the governor. They have demanded among other things strict punishment for those who laundered money from the country.
FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam, BKMEA Executive President Mohammad Hatim, former FBCCI president Abdul Awal Mintoo were, among others on the businessmen delegation. Mintoo said "I have asked the governor to take strict action against those who have laundered money and acquired wealth illegally. We (businessmen) are in favor of taking action against them."
Mahbubul Alam told the governor, "We are against corruption. The regulatory body should take action on trafficking. I told the BB governor to extend the loan installment period. If this is not done in the current situation, many will become defaulters."
He said, "Due to volatility of dollar rate, businessmen are suffering losses. I have asked the governor to control it. Volatility issues were discussed. Businessmen will support all good steps," he said.
Executive President of BKMEA Mohammad Hatim said reducing the size of the EDF fund is hindering import and export. Businessmen are suffering. "Businessmen will support Bangladesh Bank if it takes action against those who misused the EDF frauds," he said.
They have also talked about banking sector reform. Their discussion with the governor focused on delaying recovery of bank loans installments for three months. They have also discussed interest rates, he said.
He said, "Businessmen have been affected from restriction of loan activities of six banks. The banking policies were not in good shape, he said adding that he had talked about revision of policies to make it more investment friendly.
Governor said his priority is now on controlling inflation adding he hoped it will come down in next 6-7 months.
