Business leaders from the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) met with Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman in a courtesy visit on Thursday, at the Army Headquarters in Dhaka.
Led by FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam, the delegation included former FBCCI presidents Mahbubur Rahman, Abdul Awal Mintoo, Mir Nasir Hossain, AK Azad, and Md. Jasim Uddin.
Also present were Tapan Chowdhury, Managing Director of Square Pharmaceuticals; Ashraf Ahmed, President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI); Khandaker Rafiqul Islam, Acting President of BGMEA; and Nasser Ejaz Vijay, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Bangladesh.
During the meeting, the business leaders sought the Army's assistance in preventing extortion and enhancing the security of industrial and business establishments. They emphasized the need for a business-friendly environment to ensure the smooth operation of production and supply chains.
FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam expressed gratitude to the Bangladesh Defense Services for their ongoing efforts in patrolling and securing industrial areas. He also expressed interest in collaborating further with the Army to bolster industry security and rebuild trader confidence.
The army chief assured the delegation that the Army is committed to safeguarding the country’s citizens and business community. He highlighted the Army's role in ensuring smooth operations for domestic and foreign investors, including in industrial establishments, supply chains, and port security.
He also encouraged the business community to cooperate with law enforcement agencies if any threats arise against industrial establishments.