While the nation gets ready for the fiscal year 2025–2026, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) has urged the government to give priority to policy measures that would help restore business confidence. In order to handle impending obstacles, such as Bangladesh’s departure from the Least Developed Country (LDC) classification in November 2026 and continuing global economic concerns, the apex trade group underlined the significance of creating a budget that is both business-friendly and investment-friendly.
Speaking at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon in Dhaka, where the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and FBCCI organised a consultative committee meeting, FBCCI Administrator Md. Hafizur Rahman expressed hope that the government will sincerely encourage business and investment. He emphasised the necessity of laws that create an atmosphere that is favourable to investment and growth.
Businesses expressed concerns during the event about the complexity of taxation and customs procedures, delays in utility connections for new investments, and rising manufacturing costs brought on by higher petrol prices. Despite spending $600 million in the Cumilla Economic Zone, Mostafa Kamal, Chairman of the Meghna Group of Industries, revealed that his company has not received gas or electrical connections for the last two years. In light of recent political shifts, Kamal also encouraged authorities to address concerns about bank surveillance and refrain from targeting lawful taxpayers.
The president of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), Showkat Aziz Russell, also brought up concerns about the complexity of machinery part import procedures due to bureaucratic obstacles and rising bribery demands in customs clearance procedures.
Rahman emphasised in his recommendations the significance of maintaining the supply of necessities and stabilising pricing. Along with keeping interest rates steady to encourage investment and competitiveness, he also recommended actions to lessen economic inequality through tax reforms and job creation. To reduce operating costs for industries, the FBCCI suggested lowering the advance income tax on imports gradually and raising the tax-free income level from Taka 350,000 to Taka 450,000.
Rahman stressed the necessity of lowering shipping costs, boosting port and customs efficiency, and luring investments in order to raise Bangladesh’s standing in the global competitiveness index. He also demanded low-cost, high-quality petroleum and a harassment-free, streamlined tax structure for businesses.
Salehuddin Ahmed, the finance adviser, gave assurances that the next budget would be practical and workable, highlighting the government’s intention to solve the legal and administrative challenges that businesses confront. Citing conversations with international financial agencies like the World Bank and IMF, he acknowledged the necessity of doing away with several exemptions in order to boost income.
The change from extravagant expenditure to a more goal-oriented budget, particularly under the present interim administration, was emphasised by Commerce Advisor Sk Bashir Uddin. In the meantime, Abdur Rahman Khan, the chairman of the NBR, promised to rationalise earlier tax policies and provide relief to taxpayers who complied in the next fiscal year.
Government representatives and business executives reaffirmed their dedication to fostering an atmosphere that encourages investment and sustainable growth in Bangladesh as the nation moves towards a significant economic shift.
