Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Saturday stated that the ongoing fuel crisis has exerted significant pressure on the country’s economy. Speaking to reporters following the first meeting of the Private Sector Development Advisory Council, the Minister noted that the business community has urgently requested a guarantee of uninterrupted energy supply to sustain industrial operations.
The high-level meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office in the capital, presided over by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. This marked the Premier’s first formal dialogue with top business leaders aimed at revitalizing the investment climate and addressing the existing challenges facing the industrial sector.
Key Demands from the Business Community
Following the session, the Finance Minister highlighted that entrepreneurs placed the highest priority on a stable energy supply to keep production lines moving. Key points raised by the business leaders included:
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Renewable Energy: A call for government support and incentives to encourage the adoption of solar and other renewable energy sources.
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Ease of Travel: The introduction of “e-visas” to simplify travel for foreign investors and eliminate bureaucratic hurdles at airports.
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Financial Reforms: Demands for a reduction in bank interest rates and comprehensive reforms within the National Revenue Board (NBR).
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Taxation: A shift in focus toward expanding the tax net rather than increasing the burden on a small group of existing taxpayers.
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Trade Facilitation: Simplifying licensing for medium-scale entrepreneurs to boost exports and fast-tracking the operation of deep-sea ports to enhance trade logistics.
Prime Minister’s Commitment to Reform
The Finance Minister emphasized that the Prime Minister personally sought to hear the grievances of the business community.
“In the past, we have heard of various crises facing businessmen. This time, the Prime Minister wanted to hear about these problems directly from their mouths. Their concerns have been noted with great importance,” the Minister said.
He added that while several issues have already been resolved, the remaining challenges would be addressed quickly through ongoing dialogue.
Attendees
The meeting saw the participation of Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir alongside several prominent business figures, including:
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M.A. Jabbar, Managing Director of DBL Group
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Syed Mohammed Tanvir, Managing Director of Pacific Jeans Group
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Syed Nasim Manzur, Managing Director of Apex Group
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Ziaur Rahman, Managing Director of Bay Group
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Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, CEO of PRAN-RFL Group
