Businessmen and entrepreneurs urged the interim government chief Dr. Muhammad Yunus to take necessary steps for simplification of the product tariff process and increasing port capacity in importing raw materials and capital machinery for the iron and steel industry.

This call was made in the standing committee meeting of the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) on iron, carbon steel, stainless steel, and re-rolling industry, held at FBCCI's Motijheel office on Saturday (August 17).

Chairman of the Standing Committee and Managing Director of Shahriar Steel Mills Limited SK Masudul Alam Masud presided over the meeting. FBCCI director Md. Amir Hossain Noorani was present as the director-in-charge of the committee.

On this occasion, the business leaders stressed urgent action to ensure quality and uninterrupted supply of gas and electricity to all types of industries including the iron and steel industry.

FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam, attending virtually as the chief guest said, “I pray for the forgiveness of the departed souls of all the martyrs who have given their lives, including young students and ordinary people, to build a non-discrimination state. I wish a speedy recovery to those injured and still undergoing treatment in various hospitals.”

The iron and steel industry plays a very important role in the infrastructure development of the country. The FBCCI president urged the businessmen to unite to eliminate the existing crisis in this industry.

He said, that not only in the steel industry but in all sectors, the tariff process of imported goods is a big challenge.

“We have been hearing for a long time that the assessment value of imported goods at the port is much higher than the invoice value. We have to work in this field,” he pointed out.

The FBCCI president also expressed optimism that the current NBR chairman will be sincere in facilitating business in the country.