Around 40 per cent of the cottage, micro and small enterprises (CMEs) have dropped out of business during the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine war, said Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) President Anwar-Ul-Alam.
Speaking at the 36th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the chamber, he also complained that the taxation system in Bangladesh is not industry-friendly.
He said, “The tax system does not consider any business loss. It only considers sector-wise gross profit. This is not logical.
“We have to work unitedly and being the sole and exclusive business chamber, we all have to play our roles appropriately in removing all obstacles and impediments to the development of local industries all over the countries.”
The BCI president urged all entrepreneurs to be economical in using electricity, gas and water etc.
“We have to come forward to protect those who are lagging behind. Amid increasing unemployment in the country, there is also a growing lack of skilled labourers in industries,” he said.
Alam informed that the BCI has recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the SME Foundation to create new entrepreneurs and small industries all over the country and solve their problems.
He said, “We are expecting and trying to bring the rate of poverty to zero by 2030 and to transform the country into a developed one by 2041.”
He urged all directors and members of BCI to work together in facing the challenges of 4IR.
