Dhaka Chamber outlines four priority measures to restore business confidence

The president of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), Taskeen Ahmed, outlined four immediate priorities for 2026, saying decisive steps in these areas are crucial to restoring business confidence and accelerating economic recovery.

Stressing the need to ensure law and order by eliminating extortion, he said businesses across the country continue to face informal payments and harassment, raising operational costs and deterring fresh investment.

A safe and predictable business environment is essential for sustainable industrial growth, he added.

Secondly, he called for greater transparency and accountability in public administration. Tackling corruption and strengthening institutional governance would improve service delivery and help rebuild investor confidence, both local and foreign.

Thirdly, Ahmed highlighted the importance of supporting non-wilful defaulters. Many otherwise viable enterprises have slipped into default due to external shocks and liquidity constraints.

Targeted working capital support could help them resume operations and safeguard employment, he said.

Finally, he urged policymakers to bring lending rates down to a reasonable and sustainable level, noting that lower borrowing costs are vital to spur private investment, boost production, and generate jobs in the coming year.

He made the remarks today at a “Meet the Press 2026” programme organised by the chamber in Dhaka.