Photo : Collected
Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) President Mahbubul Alam on Saturday called upon businessmen and traders at the field level to remain active to keep the market of essential items stable.
He said this while addressing as chief guest a view-exchange meeting on essential items held at the office of the Moulvibazar Traders’ Association in the capital.
"We are moving towards a trillion-dollar economy. Although Bangladesh is a small country, its market is very big. We have trade with many neighbouring countries and regions,” he said.
Therefore, businessmen should take forward the country's economy after becoming united, said the business leader.
Noting that the prices of essential items, such as onion and potato, remained at a tolerable level during the holy month of Ramadan, Mahbubul sought cooperation from the customs department as well as a reduction in duty on essential commodities till Eid-ul-Adha.
He said creating a proper database is very important to keep the supply chain in the right order.
While speaking as the special guest, FBCCI Senior Vice-President and market monitoring committee convener Md Amin Helali said some 22 lakh people are employed in the country every year and most of them work in the private sector.
He said apart from strengthening the economy, the private sector is making an important contribution to creating jobs.
Helali also urged businessmen to do business in accordance with the rules and following ethical practices.
FBCCI Vice-President Rashedul Hossain Chowdhury (Roni) said businessmen make investment to do business, not to steal anything.
"Small businessmen often do not understand the rules and regulations. But before taking any legal action against them, they should be given an opportunity to defend themselves. With everyone’s participation, the country should be taken forward," he said.
Bikash Chandra Das, deputy director of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP), said the DNCRP is being run by the law. "It is not our intention to harass businessmen.”
He also urged businessmen to preserve all the information and documents of their businesses.
Abdul Jabbar Mandal, assistant director of the DNCRP, said if the cash memo system could be introduced widely, the trend of abnormal increase in the prices of essentials could be checked to a large extent.
He also opined that if businessmen become more aware and vocal, the adulteration of products can be prevented and prices can be kept under control.
Presided over by Moulvibazar Traders’ Association President Haji Md Bashir Uddin, directors of FBCCI, members of the market monitoring committee, senior police officers, government officials, and business leaders were present at the event, among others.
Messenger/Fameema
