United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh should not be overly concerned about potential reciprocal tariffs from the United States, said Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), on Saturday. Speaking at a seminar titled “U.S. Reciprocal Tariff and Way Forward for Bangladesh”, Dr. Bhattacharya asserted, “I say this with responsibility. The impact of the tariffs is also affecting our competitor countries. As a result, we are not losing too much in comparative competition.” The seminar was jointly organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD), and held at DCCI’s Motijheel headquarters. Dr. Debapriya presented the keynote paper. Describing the US counter-tariff regime as a “toxic tariff treatment,” he said the measures under the new US administration appear more politically motivated than economically sound. He questioned the effectiveness of President Trump’s counter-tariff policy, expressing doubt that it would deliver on its intended goals, or be readily accepted by the market. According to Debapriya, the policy is flawed in its reliance on goods trade deficits as the basis for imposing duties, overlooking the rapid expansion of the global service sector. He also noted the instability caused by annual tariff adjustments, which he said discourages investment. Policy Research Institute launches Monthly Macroeconomic Insights Debapriya urged policymakers to treat this challenge as an opportunity to implement long-overdue trade and policy reforms. Commerce Secretary Md Mahbubur Rahman said Bangladesh is now prioritising bilateral discussions with the US rather than relying solely on multilateral forums. Bangladesh believes it is currently on the right diplomatic and trade path, which is why it has not tabled any formal proposal at the World Trade Organization (WTO), he added. Mahbub revealed that talks are ongoing with the US on 100 specific Bangladeshi products, including a review of how US imports from third countries are accounted for in trade figures. He warned that if the US does not accept Bangladesh's position, the country may revise its import policies—possibly banning imports from those third countries. Such a policy already applies to certain automotive imports. He also pointed to recent steps to reduce trade barriers, including the scrapping of unnecessary radioactivity tests. Special guests at the seminar included Mahbubur Rahman, President of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Bangladesh, and Moinul Khan, Chairman of the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission.

Small traders, struggling with high interest rates, weak law enforcement and complex regulations amid global challenges, on Saturday called for easier VAT management and improved law and order to revive trade and investment. The small traders of Dhanmondi, Mohammadpur, Shyamoli and Adabor areas expressed these concerns during an interactive view-exchanging meeting organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI). The meeting, held at Tokyo Square Convention Centre, Mohammadpur, focused on issues such as the recent trade and investment scenario, law and order, income tax and VAT matters, high inflation, elevated interest rates, traffic congestion and related challenges. The discussion was held with DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed in the chair. In his opening remarks, the DCCI President said the current global economic conditions, compounded by domestic business challenges, the complexity of the tax and VAT system, crises in foreign exchange management, delays in export-import processes, and an overall weak law and order situation are adversely impacting the economy, particularly affecting SME entrepreneurs. "In the current circumstances, there is no alternative to building a safe, stable, and predictable business environment," he said. FBCCI and Bhutan delegation explore enhanced agricultural trade cooperation Taskeen mentioned that the Dhaka Chamber has already proposed, for the upcoming budget, the complete automation of revenue management, rationalisation of tax rates, the introduction of a single-digit VAT rate, fixing a 1% VAT for the informal sector, and the development of a VAT return app — all aimed at improving the business environment and boosting government revenue collection. He highlighted that easy access to credit, enhanced mobility through automation of export-import activities, and timely policy support from the government are crucial to maintaining the momentum of industrialisation. The DCCI President reiterated that businessmen are willing to pay taxes and VAT, but they do not want harassment. Emphasising the importance of the rule of law, he said it is vital to ensure effective enforcement to maintain active business operations at every level. Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman, Additional Director (SME and Special Programmes Department) of Bangladesh Bank, said the central bank recently issued a master circular on 17 March 2025 to increase credit flow to the SME sector. To facilitate entrepreneurs, he informed that the term loan period has been extended from 5 to 7 years, recognising that investors require at least two years to establish a factory. He also shared that under various schemes, Bangladesh Bank has created a Tk 25,000 crore fund dedicated to SME entrepreneurs, offering loans at a maximum interest rate of 7%, with an even lower rate of 5% for women entrepreneurs and reduced rates for agro-entrepreneurs. Besides, the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) has recently been reduced from 5.5% to 3% to increase credit flow to the private sector. Md Milon Sheikh, Additional Commissioner of Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate, Dhaka (West), said about 80% of the government's total revenue target has been achieved through the National Board of Revenue (NBR), describing it as a very challenging task. He noted that VAT collection growth in Mohammadpur and surrounding areas has increased by around 15–20% this year, and 98% of small businesses in the area have been brought under VAT registration within the last three months. Regarding the proposal for a mobile app to facilitate online VAT registration, he welcomed the idea, saying the government would seriously consider it as it would reduce human contact and minimise harassment. He urged SME entrepreneurs not to overlook VAT matters but rather to familiarise themselves with VAT laws for their own benefit, acknowledging that it remains a complex, mathematics-driven subject. Md Alamgir Kabir, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Tejgaon Zone), Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), said that the law and order situation in the area has improved considerably over the past two months, with a notable decrease in the number of criminal cases. He said on 27 March, around 63 extortionists were arrested during police block raids, and more recently, 71 miscreants were apprehended in a single day in the Mohammadpur area alone. Besides, he mentioned, around 63 patrol teams are actively working across this large area under a robust policing strategy to ensure public safety. He assured that police are ready to extend all possible support to small traders during the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha celebrations. Tania Sultana, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic, Tejgaon Zone), stressed the need for increasing public awareness and adherence to traffic rules to reduce congestion, emphasising that traffic jams are not created by the police.

Enhanced bilateral cooperation in logistics, infrastructure and investment topped the agenda during a meeting between the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and a visiting Singaporean business delegation on Thursday. The 12-member team was led by Derek Loh, non-resident High Commissioner of Singapore to Bangladesh. They met with DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed at the Chamber office during their visit. Welcoming the delegation, Taskeen Ahmed highlighted Singapore's significant investment footprint in Bangladesh, noting it is the second-largest foreign investor with an investment of nearly USD 1.78 billion across various sectors. The bilateral trade between the two countries reached USD 2.64 billion in the last fiscal year. Taskeen said Singapore’s global reputation in efficient port and logistics management presents strong potential for collaboration. Adoption of IFRS can open doors to international finance, investment: DCCI President He invited Singaporean investors to explore opportunities in Bangladesh’s port operations, logistics, infrastructure, renewable energy, IT, agriculture and healthcare sectors. Taskeen also urged Singapore’s support in enhancing the skills of Bangladeshi SME entrepreneurs to increase export competitiveness. Technical assistance in modernising the jute and agriculture sectors was also sought. On the global front, Taskeen welcomed the US decision to suspend the imposition of additional tariffs for 90 days, calling it a relief for global trade, while hoping for a long-term resolution through diplomatic dialogue. High Commissioner Derek Loh emphasised the importance of reducing production and logistics costs to make business operations more competitive. He expressed Singapore’s interest in working closely with Bangladesh to boost port efficiency and infrastructure development. Derek Loh also stressed the need for reforms and automation in Bangladesh’s revenue sector and highlighted the benefits of adopting ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) standards in industries. While ESG compliance may initially increase investment costs, Loh said it will improve export competitiveness in the long term. DCCI proposes single-digit VAT rate in budget recommendations He added that Singapore is keen on supporting Bangladesh in strengthening its logistics capacity and has recently increased investments in renewable energy, citing its potential to lower production costs. DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H Chowdhury, Vice President Md. Salem Sulaiman, and members of the Board of Directors were also present at the meeting.

Small traders have urged the government to take measures so that the small traders or shopkeepers can do their businesses smoothly. They made the call at a view-exchange meeting organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) at the organisation’s Gulshan office on Thursday. Govt's VAT, SD hike on 100+ products suicidal: DCCI They expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in LC adjustment, unstable foreign exchange, high rate of interest on bank loans, harassment in payment of VAT payment, and complexity of the trade license renewal process. They also hoped that the government would consider these issues The members of DCCI and members of different market and bazar associations of Gulshan, Mohakhali, Banani, and Badda areas attended this interactive meeting.The discussion covered various pertinent issues like the recent hike in VAT and tax, the law and order situation, customs, traffic congestion, the high price of dollars, trade license renewal fees, etc.Speaking at the event, DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed said, “Due to the challenging situation of global trade, our entrepreneurs are facing an increasingly difficult situation to survive in the competition, as well as the complexity of tax and VAT system.”The DCCI president also said that due to the recent unstable law and order situation and deteriorating traffic situation, the conducive environment for trade and investment is being hampered.Ahmed also said limited access to credit for SME entrepreneurs, high rates of interest on loans, and unstable dollar rates are hampering local industrialisation. Md. Sayedul Islam, Additional Director, Foreign Exchange Policy Department of the Central Bank, Mohammad Ariful Islam, First Secretary of NBR (VAT Implementation), and Md. Tarek Mahmud, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DMP), Gulshan Zone, was present on the occasion.Md. Sayedul Islam said that the fixation of LC margin actually depends on the relationship between the bank and the customer and the issue of LC margin is not the same for all products as well.Deputy Commissioner of Police (Gulshan Division) Md. Tarek Mahmud said that after the recent political transformation reform in the police department is also going on.NBR secretary Mohammad Ariful Islam said the NBR has been given a large revenue target to collect which is a challenging task indeed.He therefore sought cooperation from all including businessmen to achieve this challenging target.Md. Abu Taher, Vice-President of Gulshan-1 DNCC South Paka Market Traders' Association, DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H Chowdhury, Vice President Md. Salem Sulaiman was also present at the meeting. DCCI raises alarms over VAT and gas price hikesMeanwhile, 25 business entities got their membership in DCCI. DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed handed over the certificates to the owners of newly enrolled members of DCCI at the event.

Taskeen Ahmed has been elected as the President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) for the year 2025. The announcement was made at the 63rd Annual General Meeting, held at the DCCI auditorium on Sunday.Currently serving as the Vice Chairman of IFAD Group, a prominent business conglomerate in Bangladesh, Taskeen Ahmed brings over 25 years of experience in the country's industrial sector.Hatil Chairman receives prestigious CEO of the Year Award Besides, Razeev H Chowdhury and Mohammad Salem Sulaiman were elected as Senior Vice President and Vice President, respectively. The newly elected directors of DCCI are Enamul Haque Patoary, Mohammad Mostafa Kamal, Minhaj Ahmed, Mohammad Jamshar Ali, Rasheed Maimunul Islam, and Salman Bin Rashid Shah Sayem.

President of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Barrister Md. Sameer Sattar said on Sunday that a contractionary Monetary Policy Statements (MPS) will help to revive the financial and private sectors. The MPS primarily aims to curb inflation by reducing the aggregate demand in the economy, continuing supply-side interventions and a stable and favourable business environment, he said in response to the declared Monetary Policy for the first half of the fiscal year 2023-24 (July-December 2023) by the Bangladesh Bank. The repo and reverse repo have been adjusted to 6.5% and 4.5% respectively to control inflation by reducing the money supply. However, the effectiveness of these instruments of controlling inflation is yet to be seen. Because reverse repo was raised earlier but inflation did not decline as expected. Read: NBR-private sector partnership crucial to achieve high revenue target: DCCI President MPS showed that the lending rate cap of 9% has been lifted. However, the lending rate will be determined based on a new policy termed as “Short-Term Moving Average Rate (SMART)”. As a result, the interest rate on bank loans may reach double-digit which may trigger manifold challenges for the survival of businesses in the current volatile geo-economic situation as well as provoking inflation. Lifting the cap of lending rate and introducing the SMART policy may also increase the cost of doing business for CMSMEs. The public sector credit growth has been set at 43% for July-December of FY24, which was 40% in January-June of FY23. On the other hand, the private sector credit growth has been set at 10.9% for July-December of FY24, which was 11% in January-June of FY23. It is apparent that private sector credit growth has slowed down due to the current geo-economic uncertainty. Read: DCCI urges industrialists to setup factories in EZs for uninterrupted power supply DCCI President believes that the target set for public sector credit may limit the scope for private sector borrowing. “To reduce public sector borrowing, efficiency and good governance must be ensured by adjustment in government spending through austerity measures, rationalization of government expenses and prioritization of development projects,” he said. He also underscored enhancing tax revenue to reduce the public sector borrowing from the banking sector. Regarding exchange rate stability, Barrister Sattar agrees that a unified exchange rate will stabilize the market. However, strong monitoring should be in place by the Bangladesh Bank so that it is properly maintained. Read: Bangladesh economy is growing to offset global challenges: Speakers tell DCCI seminar Reduction of ERQ encashment limit to 50% and increase of interest of EDF to 4.5% are necessary moves to mitigate the foreign exchange challenges. To enhance remittance inflow in the country, Bangladesh Bank needs to be very stringent to discourage the informal channel of inward remittance like Hundi. Barrister Sattar was hoping for solid recommendations from the Bangladesh Bank to deal with Non-Performing Loans (NPLs). This is because maintaining low NPLs and ensuring good governance in banks and financial institutions are critical for maintaining financial sector stability. "We hail Bangladesh Bank and the Government of Bangladesh for the formation of a committee to review the existing Bank Company Act 1991 to propose effective resolution to the growing NPLs,” he said. Since growing NPLs is limiting the private sector credit and in turn, stalling private sector growth, Barrister Sattar feels that stern measures for quick loan recovery should be brought into place. In connection, he said, Bangladesh Bank can identify and pinpoint the exact reasons, focusing on habitual defaulters, and start engaging with various institutions and stakeholders in order to work towards reducing the current backlog in recovery cases along with quick reforms to introduce ADRs in an effective manner.

A 12-member business delegation from Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) led by the Chamber’s President Barrister Md. Sameer Sattar left Dhaka on Sunday to join the BIMSTEC Business Conclave in Kolkata.  The Conclave will be held on June 13-15 in Kolkata, India.  Also Read: BIMSTEC chief urges member states to boost trade within the region Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICC) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, is organizing this mega conclave with the theme “Quantum leap in business cooperation for shared prosperity and growth”.  The BIMSTEC region brings together 1.67 billion people and a combined GDP of around USD 2.88 trillion which offers a huge market to the investors and traders.  In spite of close proximity and historical linkages, the region has not witnessed major flow of FDI among BIMSTEC countries.  The conclave aims to chart out an actionable agenda to augment intra-regional trade and investment in this region as well as strengthen the value chains for mutual benefits through deeper economic engagement of the BIMSTEC countries, according to DCCI. Also Read: Dhaka seeks Member States' greater commitments to implement BIMSTEC FTA soon The inaugural session of the 3-day conclave will highlight the ‘25th glorious anniversary of BIMSTEC- towards a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable Bay of Bengal region’.  In addition, to steer the objective of the event, various interactive and high-level topical plenary sessions will be held focusing on trade and investment opportunities, agriculture, food security, infrastructure, logistics and connectivity, advancement of healthcare, sustainable tourism, women entrepreneurship, demographic dividend, textile, finance, digital connectivity, climate change and regional business cooperation. DCCI delegation will join some discussion sessions.  Also Read: Bangladesh for speedy implementation of BIMSTEC Free Trade Area The DCCI delegation during their visit will also attend the B2B meetings and exhibition to explore wide-ranging cross-border trade and investment opportunities to make this trip successful.    

Speakers in a discussion said that the role of Bangladesh Accreditation Board (BAB) is crucial in attaining high export target of $100 billion by 2025-26. They said this in a discussion meeting on the occasion of International Accreditation Day-2023 jointly organized by Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and Bangladesh Accreditation Board (BAB) at DCCI auditorium on Sunday. Also Read: NBR-private sector partnership crucial to achieve high revenue target: DCCI President Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, MP was present here as the chief guest while Industries Secretary Zakia Sultana and DCCI President Barrister Md. Sameer Sattar were present as special guests. Director General (Additional Secretary) of BAB Md. Monwarul Islam chaired the program.  Also Read: Target $100 bn export earnings by 2026: Commerce Minister Nurul Majid said that the motto of this year’s accreditation day is “Accreditation: Supporting the Future of Global Trade” which is a very timely selection. He said, “if we can maintain the quality of products and services, we can grab the international market easily. For the sake of the country and to create confidence in our products in the global competitive market, BAB is working relentlessly to create awareness.” DCCI President Barrister Md. Sameer Sattar said that in the international market Bangladesh’s total trade was $141.42 billion. Bangladesh is gradually progressing to an export oriented country from import dependent country. In the last fiscal year, Bangladesh’s export was more than $52.08 billion. And for this export accreditation is a very important tool. To show the quality of specific products, there is a need for internationally accredited certificates and these certificates play a pivotal role in boosting exports, he said. Also Read: Bangladesh’s apparel export to cross $100 bn by 2030: experts Accredited products or services can enter into any MRA “Mutual Recognition Arrangement” country easily. At present Accreditation is not an auxiliary but it is now a must for world trade. BAB has taken initiative to get the membership of International Accreditation Forum (IAF), said Monwarul Islam, DG of BAB.  

Bangladesh's State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources has urged the businessmen to stop the use of illegal gas connections. “Whenever we visit a factory, we find that if there is a legal gas connection, there are three more illegal connections bypassing the main one”, he told a seminar at Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) where a good number of leading entrepreneurs representing different sectors including textile and readymade garments were present. “Please stop these illegal gas connections. Your illegal connections actually deprive other industries of getting their right to using gas”, he told the businessmen. He also said,”I don’t want to publish the list of those industries. The Names  of many large and leading industries are there. They are very much influential.” Read more: BGMEA wants illegal gas connections to be snapped The DCCI organised a seminar titled: “Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Energy Strategy: Towards a Predictable Future” with its president Barrister Md Sameer Sattar. Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) president Faruque Hasan, energy expert and Dhaka University Professor Badrul Imam, former FBCCI president Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin, Summit Power director Faisal Karim Khan, Pran RFL Group chairman Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, and Foreign Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) president Naser Ezaz Bijoy spoke on the occasion. Making a presentation on the current scenario and the government’s future plan Nasrul said the government is planning to build a land-based LNG terminal at the Matarbari deep sea port within 4 years at a cost of $4 billion. “It will help ensure energy security, especially in the import of gas from abroad. If this land-based terminal is built, there will be no need to remove the terminal to the deep sea during any storm,”he said. Read more: Govt moves to setting power, gas prices based on international market: Nasrul Secondly, large ships will be able to arrive in the port with 18 meter water depth which will reduce the transportation cost, he added. The seminar witnessed a debate between the state minister and Professor Badrul Imam on the issue of gas exploration across the country for finding more gas. Nasrul said that he is confused whether there is no gas in the country or any more gas in the country. Responding to this remarks, Prof Badul Imam said there is nothing to be confused with availability of gas in the country as many international research groups including USGS proved their scientific research and data that still the country has a reserve of between 32 and 42 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) of gas. Read more: Petrobangla initiates move to end foreign company’s monopoly in pre-paid gas metering system "Recent finding of gas in Bhola also proves the presence of more gas in the country,”said Dr Imam. Nasrul Hamid also said that the government will not allow industries to be developed without any specific industrial zone to ensure the planned supply of gas and electricity. He said that the government will allow the private sector to come into the energy business so that any enterprise can import gas and supply to any industry with its own choice at their negotiated rate. He reiterated the government plan to set the prices of power, gas and petroleum fuels on the basis of international market price. Read more: No downward adjustment in power, gas tariffs until stability in fuel price: Tawfiq Elahi “We’re working on it to come out of the current trend of subsidy provision for the energy sector,”he said. He, however, said there is no plan of the government to raise gas or power prices before the coming budget.  FICCI president Naser Ezaz Bijoy said transparency is needed to fix the energy prices. Former DCCI president Sabur Khan said the illegal gas consumers should be brought under law. Read more: ACC acquits 5, inc. recent minister's son in illegal gas connections case

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) on Sunday requested Bangladesh Bank to extend support for Bangabazar fire victims, noting that thousands of small and micro businesses of Bangabazar clothing market have lost their shops with all belongings and valuables in the devastating fire that damaged the entire market on April 4. As a result, it said, most of the traders and their allied dependents have become helpless and crippled with massive loans taken to buy stock ahead of Eid.Considering the tragedy, it is important to bring these traders within the purview of financial assistance in order for their quick rehabilitation, said the chamber body. DCCI President Barrister Md. Sameer Sattar urged the Bangladesh Bank for intervention by issuing relevant directives and guidelines to both commercial banks and non-banking financial institutions (NBFIs) so that they can come forward to support the fire victims. He has put forward some key recommendations on the broader spectrum which includes – waiver/reduction of interest on loans taken by these traders; providing interest free special term-loan or credit to the fire victims/business owners with low interest rate; deferring payment of loan installments; not classifying any such fire victims as loan defaulters during this time and bringing the fire victim traders under any relevant and existing refinancing schemes of the Government with easy terms and conditions. These fiscal benefits may be allowed subject to creating a database of the fire victims and actual need assessment of these victims, he said. The DCCI President believes that if Bangladesh Bank judiciously considers these proposals or recommendations for the victims, this will assist with the rapid rehabilitation of the affected businesses, also facilitating the livelihood of their employees.