No political influence if elected,  vows FBCCI presidential candidate Nayan

Zakir Hossain Nayan, presidential candidate from the Anti-Discrimination Reform Council in the upcoming Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and  Industries (FBCCI) election, has pledged to keep the apex trade body free from political influence if elected.

"We may have political identities, but if elected, we will ensure that politics does not interfere in FBCCI's operations," he said at an event at the Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium today (19 June).

"No one is above national politics, but the organisation must remain free of political intervention," said Nayan, who represents the country's medium-sized business community.

He added that for a long time, such business owners did not even dare to seek nomination. 

"The presidency was once decided by 'divine revelations' from certain quarters. Even leaders from weak chambers with no real experience in business leadership were installed," he said. "That system, which prioritised political interests over business welfare, is now being challenged."

At the event, Nayan shared parts of his panel's manifesto, saying that small and medium businesses need more support and that the number of women entrepreneurs, now only 12%, should be increased.

"If we don't increase that number, sustainable growth in the business sector won't be possible," he added.

Nayan also addressed the challenges Bangladesh will face after graduating from the LDC category in 2026. He warned that export benefits such as duty-free access, subsidies in agriculture and pharmaceuticals, and intellectual property waivers may be lost. 

Citing an ADB forecast, he noted that tariffs on Bangladeshi goods could reduce export earnings by 5.5% to 14%, with major implications for the RMG and agriculture sectors.

"To face these challenges, business leaders must work alongside the government. FBCCI leadership must be capable of playing an active role in implementing free trade agreements and preferential trade agreements."

He also stressed the importance of export diversification. "LDC graduation could cause a drop of $8 billion in RMG exports. If we don't diversify, economic growth targets will remain out of reach."

He proposed modernising traditional sectors like jute, citing examples such as charcoal and fish scale exports. He also called for investment in halal garment manufacturing to access new and unconventional markets without negatively affecting existing exports.

The council's written statement stated that a responsible, united, and visionary business community is essential for Bangladesh to become economically self-reliant in the coming decades.

The elections will be held on 7 September.