Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Reform Council Member Secretary Md. Zakir Hossain has demanded the reactivation of the inactive trade body in the interest of its members.
"The inactive FBCCI must be activated and election must be held. Initiatives should also be taken to resolve the problems of businessmen," he said at a press conference organized on Sunday (May 17, 2026) by the Reform Council on the ground floor of FBCCI in Motijheel.
Council member Md. Gias Uddin Chowdhury (Khokon) and others were also present at the press conference.
Md. Zakir Hossain said the organization had been under administration for the last 22 months, but the then administrator failed to complete the elections before his term ended. He also alleged that the current administrator Abdur Rahim Khan has not taken any initiative to hold FBCCI elections or conduct related activities. "There is no benefit in discussing the issue with him," he added.
He said that after the Commerce Minister became aware of their problems, he likely instructed Administrator Abdur Rahim Khan, which led to a meeting between the administrator and them on the same day.
Responding to a question, Md. Zakir Hossain said they want a functional FBCCI and timely elections, along with a clear plan to work for businessmen. He stressed that elections should be held immediately and the administrator should work towards that goal. He also said that before the elections, the membership fees should be reduced and restored to previous levels. In particular, chamber fees have increased from Tk 45,000 to Tk 1 lakh, while association fees have risen from Tk 35,000 to Tk 75,000.
