Desk report,
Save business, solve problems quickly
The country’s top business leaders have said that the overall import-export activities and trade and commerce have come to a standstill due to the agitation of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) officials. In this situation, the government must come forward to solve the problem through quick discussions. The businessmen told the government, ‘Our backs are against the wall. Save the country’s business. Solve the problem quickly through discussions.’
Save business, solve problems quickly
This demand was made at an emergency press conference jointly organized by 14 leading business organizations of the country at the Intercontinental Hotel in the capital on Saturday afternoon regarding the situation arising from the NBR. Former and current leaders of the country’s 14 leading business organizations were present at the press conference.
Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) President Anwar Ul Alam Chowdhury read out a written statement on behalf of all the organizations at the press conference. He said that the country’s import-export trade is being severely affected due to the strike and shutdown program of NBR officials and employees. Businessmen are not able to unload imported raw materials on time. As a result, the ‘lead time’ of exports is increasing further. Production activities are being disrupted. Due to this complication created by the NBR, some foreign buyers have already threatened to cancel export orders. Due to the delay in the release of goods, additional charges are being charged. This is increasing the cost of business. Therefore, without further delay, the Ministry of Finance and Commerce and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), along with the relevant ministries of the government, under the leadership of the Office of the Chief Advisor, should hold discussions with the protesting officials and employees without delay.
Along with this, the protesting officials and employees were also called upon to withdraw the ceasefire and shutdown program unconditionally in the interest of the country’s economy. Business leaders said that the problem should be resolved through discussions. Businessmen do not support the realization of demands by harming business and trade and the country’s economy in this way.
International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Bangladesh President Mahbubur Rahman, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan, Bangladesh Textile Association (BTMA) President Shawkat Aziz Russell, Leather Goods and Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB) President Syed Nasim Manzur addressed the press conference. Metro Chamber President Kamran T Rahman, BCMEA Ceramic Industry Owners Association President Moinul Islam, BTMA former President A Matin Chowdhury, FBCCI former President Mir Nasir were also present at the time.
