Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Commerce Minister, said the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) should be developed 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 held at the Ministry of Commerce conference room on Sunday.
The minister said, "I want to see FBCCI as a strong platform for businessmen. The organisation must play a more active role in protecting business interests and effectively presenting their demands to the government. FBCCI should also help secure policy support by creating positive and constructive pressure when necessary. However, it must not be used for political purposes in any way."
He said, "We want to see an FBCCI that will truly work as a collective platform for all businessmen. He also mentioned that FBCCI will work as a supporting force to the Ministry of Commerce and provide practical opinions in policymaking."
Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said, "Competent, visionary and energetic leadership is essential to make the organization dynamic and fruitful. The leadership of FBCCI should come from among the businessmen and it will be ensured that the organization can play an effective role in protecting the interests of the business community."
Assuring the business leaders, he said, "The government is committed to creating a business-friendly environment. The new import policy is in the final stage and will be unveiled soon. In addition, separate committees will be formed with business representatives to facilitate the services of the ministries of textiles and jute, industry and commerce."
Additional Secretary (Export) of the Ministry of Commerce and Administrator of FBCCI Md Abdur Rahim Khan addressed the meeting.
In addition, business representatives included former BGMEA President SM Fazlul Haque, former FBCCI President Mir Nasir Hossain, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem, former FBCCI Director Nasrin Fatema Awal, Abdul Haque, President of Bangladesh CNG Machinery Importers Association Zakir Hossain Nayan, General Secretary of Bangladesh Supermarket Association Zakir Hossain, former FBCCI Director Gias Uddin Chowdhury Khokon, former Rangamati Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Belayet Hossain Bhuiyan, former FBCCI Vice President Nizam Uddin Rajesh and former Director Syed Bakhtiar.
