Business leaders have urged the interim government to take decisive action against market syndicates and eliminate corruption on roads and in markets to help reduce the prices of essential goods across the country.
They made the call during a press conference held at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) in the capital on Monday.
Former Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) vice-president Abul Kasem Haider said, “The FBCCI followed the political agenda of the Awami League government over the past 15 years. The prices of essential goods increased several times due to market syndicates and the FBCCI’s indifference.”
He claimed that the interim government has yet to effectively combat corruption. "Law enforcement agencies are not working diligently to eliminate corruption. Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5, only the corrupt individuals have changed, but corruption persists,” Haider said.
Haider, who is also the convener of the Anti-Discrimination Reform Parishad, emphasised that the prices of essential commodities would significantly decrease if corruption and syndicates were dismantled.
Speakers at the event also urged the authorities to hold elections for business associations and chambers under the FBCCI before the apex trade body’s election, noting that the previous government had used these groups for political purposes.
The business leaders called for the removal of all nominated director positions from the FBCCI’s Board of Directors and suggested reducing the number of directors by 50 per cent, from the current 80, to ensure smooth operations.
Jakir Hossain Nayan, another convener of the platform, said, “The FBCCI has faced institutional decline over the last 15 years. There is no need for 80 directors on the FBCCI board, and nominated positions without election should be eliminated.”
He proposed that the FBCCI board should consist of 40 directors, with 25 elected from associations and 15 from chambers. He also suggested reducing the number of vice presidents from seven to three.
Gias Uddin Khokon, another convener, mentioned that there are currently 1,990 voters from 401 associations and 469 voters from 83 chambers under the FBCCI.
Businessman Md Jakir Hossain called for an end to the practice of giving gifts before elections. He urged candidates to pledge that they would refrain from offering gifts to general members after the election schedule is announced.
