Business leaders seek stable, business-friendly environment from new government

Business leaders in Chattogram have welcomed the recently concluded national election and called on the incoming government to prioritise creating a stable and genuinely business-friendly environment to revive investment and accelerate economic growth.

They said their expectations are clear: ensure an effective, stable, and pro-business climate that allows entrepreneurs to operate without unnecessary barriers.

Speaking to The Business Standard, several business figures stressed that to keep the wheels of the economy turning, policies and administrative processes must be simplified and made more time-sensitive and practical.

Administrative reform, they argued, is essential to reduce unnecessary complications in investment and business operations.

They also called for visible and effective steps to curb corruption and harassment, saying such measures would send a strong positive signal to the business community.

Amirul Haque, managing director of Seacom Group and president of the Bangladesh Cement Manufacturers Association and the LPG Operators of Bangladesh, said restoring confidence among investors must be a top priority.

"New investment is key to creating employment and boosting the local economy. Over the past one and a half years, the interim administration failed to attract fresh investment," he said.

He urged the new government to hold continuous dialogue with stakeholders and establish a fast-track platform to facilitate investment proposals.

"Policies must be clear, transparent, and accountable. If there is continuity in policy and institutional transparency, confidence among entrepreneurs will increase. Once that confidence is restored, businesses will expand production and invest more, which will directly contribute to job creation and higher revenue collection," he added.

Khairul Alam Suzan, former vice president of the Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association, said poor law and order over the past one and a half years discouraged many from making new investments.

"Stability is fundamental for business. The government must immediately stabilise the law and order situation and stop extortion," he said, adding that good governance and a corruption-free administration are essential to re-energise the economy.

Sarwar Hossain Sagar, president of the Bangladesh Ship Handling and Berth Operators Association, said enhancing efficiency at Chattogram Port should also be a priority.

"Our economy largely depends on export-import trade, most of which moves through Chattogram Port. Improving efficiency at both the port and customs authorities will help reduce costs and speed up trade," he said.

Business leaders said the new government must focus on building a truly supportive environment for enterprises if it wants to ensure sustainable economic momentum.

Only through simple, transparent, and accountable policies, they said, can the economy stand on a stronger foundation and ensure that the benefits of development reach a broader section of the population.