Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Sunday underscored the need for transforming the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) into a truly representative, effective and non-political body for the country’s business community.

He made the remarks in a meeting with business leaders held at the conference room of the ministry.

The minister said the FBCCI must play a stronger and more active role in protecting business interests and effectively conveying their demands to the government. “If necessary, the organisation must play an important role in securing policy support by creating positive and constructive pressure. However, the FBCCI must not be allowed to be used for any political purposes under any circumstances.”

“We want to see an FBCCI that genuinely serves as a unified platform for all businesspersons,” he said, adding that it should act as a supportive force to the ministry by providing practical inputs in policymaking.

Muktadir also emphasised the importance of competent, visionary and dynamic leadership to make FBCCI more effective and result-oriented. “The leadership should come from within the business community to ensure that the organisation can properly safeguard their interests.”

Assuring the delegation that the government is committed to create a business-friendly environment, he said the new import policy is in its final stage and will be unveiled soon.

Besides, separate committees comprising business representatives will be formed to simplify services related to the textiles and jute, industries and commerce ministries, the minister said.

Additional Commerce Secretary and FBCCI Administrator M Abdur Rahim Khan also spoke at the meeting.

Former FBCCI President Mir Nasir Hossain, former BGMEA President SM Fazlul Haque, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) President Mohammad Hatem, former FBCCI Director Nasreen Fatema Awal, Abdul Haque, Bangladesh CNG Machinery Importers Association President Zakir Hossain Nayan, Bangladesh Supermarket Association General Secretary Zakir Hossain, former FBCCI Director Gias Uddin Chowdhury Khokon, former Rangamati Chamber President Belayet Hossain Bhuiyan, former FBCCI Vice President Nizam Uddin Rajesh and former Director Syed Bakhtiar were, among others, present at the meeting.