Leading businessmen in a meeting with Bangladesh Bank (BB) have demanded strict and exemplary punishment for those who looted money in the name of business.

They said this to the reporters after meeting Governor Ahsan H. Mansur on Tuesday.

Abdul Awal Mintoo, former president of FBCCI, said, "We have asked the governor to take strict action against those who looted assets in the name of business, acquired wealth illegally, and those who looted the banks. We, the businessmen are in favor of taking any action against the traders who are involved in looting.”

FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam said, "We are against fraud, looting and smuggling. The regulatory body has assured to take punitive action against money laundering.”

“We have asked BB to extend the loan installment period. If this does not happen in the current situation, many businesses will default,” he pointed out.

He said, “Businesses are suffering due to the high exchange rate of the US dollar. We have asked the governor to control it and take action to bring stability in the forex market.”

Businessmen will work to keep the economy in order. Businessmen will support all the good steps of the interim government and the development of the country, said Mahbubul.

Executive President of BKMEA Mohammad Hatem said that EDF funds have been reduced. It is hindering imports and exports.

“Banking sector reform has been talked about. There was a discussion regarding payment of installments for three months,” he said.

Hatem also said that businessmen have been affected due to the restriction of activities of six banks. Businessmen urged the central bank to consider this matter.

BKMEA leader Hatem said, “All the banking policies were not correct, they have been revised. I have talked about creating an investment-friendly environment.”

“Interest rates have been discussed. Traders will be in favor of the central bank if action is taken against EDF irregularities, those who committed fraud, must be punished,” he opined.