The country's apex business leaders have firmly stood against further depreciation of the Taka, warning that a weaker currency would drive up inflation, raise import costs and intensify pressure on industries already facing high energy, commodity and freight expenses.
They urged Bangladesh Bank (BB) to maintain a stable exchange rate and ensure adequate dollar liquidity to support smooth import and export operations.
A delegation of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), led by Administrator Md Abdur Rahim Khan, placed a 12-point written set of demands during a meeting on Monday with BB Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman.
The delegation said recent remittance growth has ensured sufficient foreign exchange availability, making any exchange rate hike unnecessary at this stage.
FBCCI Secretary General Alamgir Hossain said the delegation informed the governor that there is no dollar shortage in the market and therefore the Taka should not be allowed to depreciate further.
He added that the governor assured them that there is no scope for increasing the exchange rate and that action would be taken if any instability arises in the market.
Alongside exchange rate stability, FBCCI strongly demanded expansion of the Export Development Fund (EDF) to $5 billion from the current level of around $2.3 billion.
The business leaders argued that exporters need stronger financial support to remain competitive globally, especially amid rising production costs and geopolitical uncertainties.
They also proposed extending EDF loan tenure from the existing shorter period to five years and reducing the interest rate from 5 percent to 2 percent. The delegation emphasized that long-term, low-cost financing is essential to sustain export growth and maintain industrial momentum.
They highlighted operational concerns, noting that financing facilities previously available at the shipment stage have been discontinued. They urged authorities to restore such support to ensure uninterrupted export activities.
FBCCI also raised concerns over high lending rates, calling for a reduction to single-digit levels to encourage investment and industrial expansion. The delegation stressed the need for policy support, including easier loan rescheduling, concessional financing, and incentive packages for distressed industries.
In addition, business leaders called for stronger coordination among Bangladesh Bank, the National Board of Revenue, and the Export Promotion Bureau to prevent misuse of foreign exchange and ensure proper financial governance.
They also emphasized reforms in the banking sector to protect depositors, reduce non-performing loans, and restore discipline.
The delegation further discussed banking consolidation issues, including the formation of a combined Islamic bank from multiple institutions, and urged safeguarding the interests of both depositors and borrowers.
The FBCCI warned that without stable exchange rates, adequate dollar supply, and lower financing costs, inflationary pressures will rise further and economic stability may be undermined.
