Business leaders demand swift FBCCI polls

Business leaders have called for the urgent appointment of a private-sector administrator and the swift holding of elections at the apex trade body, warning that prolonged administrative uncertainty is weakening the trade body and undermining business confidence.

They made the call at a meeting with Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir at his office in Dhaka yesterday.

Following the political changeover on August 5, 2024, an administrator has been running the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) for the past two years.

Mohammad Hatem, president of the BKMEA, stressed the need to appoint an experienced businessperson as administrator of the FBCCI, instead of a government official

At the event, Mohammad Hatem, president of the BKMEA, stressed the need to appoint an experienced businessperson as administrator of the FBCCI, instead of a government official, so that the concerns of the business community can be addressed more effectively.

He emphasised greater engagement of businesses in policymaking, particularly in the trade and industrial sectors, and highlighted the need to ensure that the federation remains active, inclusive, and responsive to all business groups.

Hatem also underscored the urgency of restoring effective leadership through timely elections, warning that prolonged uncertainty is undermining business confidence.

He said the apex trade body must function as a strong and credible representative of the private sector, especially at a time when businesses face multiple domestic and global challenges.

Without an elected committee, he noted, the organisation cannot effectively carry out its role in policy advocacy and coordination.

He called for prompt steps to hold elections and restore normal operations, adding that representative leadership would better protect business interests and support economic growth.

Md Zakir Hossain, general secretary of the Bangladesh Supermarket Owners’ Association, said the FBCCI has become ineffective under successive government-appointed administrators, describing the situation as one of “lack of guardianship.”

He noted that small and medium enterprises are the worst affected, as they rely heavily on FBCCI support, unlike larger firms that can directly engage with ministries.

He also called for the appointment of a full-time administrator from the business community and said elections should be held without further delay.

Abdul Haque, president of the Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (BARVIDA), said nearly two years without an elected committee has hurt the private sector, adding that key policies have been made without adequate business input.

He urged the government to appoint a private-sector administrator and ensure swift elections, citing past precedents where timely action was taken during caretaker periods.

In response, Commerce Minister Muktadir called for transforming the FBCCI into a truly representative, effective and non-political body for the business community.

He said the association must play a more proactive role in protecting business interests and conveying concerns to the government, while applying constructive pressure when needed without being politicised.

“We want an FBCCI that genuinely serves as a unified platform for all businesses,” he said, adding that it should provide practical, ground-level input in policymaking.

Muktadir stressed that competent and dynamic leadership from within the business community is essential to revitalise the organisation.

He also reassured leaders of the government’s commitment to a business-friendly environment, noting that a new import policy is in its final stage and that committees will be formed to simplify services across key ministries.

FBCCI administrator Md Abdur Rahim Khan also spoke at the meeting.

Among others, Mir Nasir Hossain, former president of FBCCI; SM Fazlul Haque, former president of BKMEA; Nasreen Fatema Awal and Gias Uddin Chowdhury Khokon, former directors of FBCCI; Zakir Hossain Nayan, president of the Bangladesh CNG Machineries Importers Association; Belayet Hossain Bhuiyan, former president of Rangamati Chamber; Nizam Uddin Rajesh, former vice-president of FBCCI; and Syed Bakhtiar, former director, were also present.