Desk Report:
Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has said that the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) should be developed as a truly representative, effective and non-political institution of the country’s business community.
He said this in a meeting held with business leaders at the conference room of the Ministry of Commerce on Sunday (April 19, 2026) morning.
The Commerce Minister said that the role of FBCCI should be stronger and more active in protecting the interests of businessmen and effectively presenting their demands to the government. The organization should play an important role in obtaining policy support by creating positive and constructive pressure if necessary. However, FBCCI should not be allowed to be used for political purposes in any way.
He also said, “We want to see an FBCCI that will truly work as a collective platform for all businessmen.” He also mentioned that FBCCI will act as a supporting force to the Ministry of Commerce and provide practical opinions in policymaking.
Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said that competent, visionary and energetic leadership is essential to make the organization dynamic and fruitful. The leadership of FBCCI should come from among the businessmen and it will be ensured that the organization can play an effective role in protecting the interests of the business community.
Assuring the business leaders, he said that the government is committed to creating a business-friendly environment. The new import policy is in the final stage and will be unveiled soon. In addition, separate committees will be formed comprising business representatives to facilitate the services of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, Industry and Commerce.
Additional Secretary (Export) of the Ministry of Commerce and Administrator of FBCCI Md. Abdur Rahim Khan spoke at the meeting.
In addition, former BGMEA President SM Fazlul Haque, former FBCCI President Mir Nasir Hossain, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem, former FBCCI Director Nasrin 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 of Commerce and Industry President Belayet Hossain Bhuiyan, former FBCCI Vice President Nizam Uddin Rajesh and former Director Syed Bakhtiar among others spoke among the business representatives.
The business leaders participating in the meeting expressed various views to make FBCCI a more effective and business-friendly organization. They also proposed to appoint one person from the business community as the administrator during the pre-election period.
