The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has called for comprehensive reforms to improve Bangladesh’s business, trade and investment environment, urging the government to lower the cost of doing business, simplify regulations and strengthen law and order to attract greater private investment.

The recommendations were made during a discussion titled “Improving the Overall Local Business, Trade and Investment Environment” held at the New Dhanmondi Convention Hall in Dhaka, according to a DCCI press release.

Entrepreneurs from the Dhanmondi-Mohammadpur business community highlighted the need for digitising trade licence services, streamlining government procedures, improving access to finance, simplifying letter of credit (LC) processes and enhancing public security to support business expansion.

Addressing the event, DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed said the private sector continues to play a vital role in the country’s economy despite facing administrative hurdles, complex tax and VAT regulations, energy shortages and law and order concerns.

He noted that electricity disruptions and fuel-related challenges have increased transportation costs, while the mandatory closure of shopping malls and retail outlets at 7:00 pm has negatively affected sales and business turnover.

Taskeen welcomed several business-friendly measures included in the national budget, such as recognising tax deducted at source as advance tax, reducing source tax on industrial raw material imports, allocating Tk 5,000 crore for the CMSME sector and introducing a stable five-year tax framework.

However, he expressed concern over the government’s ambitious revenue collection target and increasing dependence on bank borrowing, warning that it could limit private sector access to credit and discourage investment.

Chief Revenue Officer of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Jonayed Kabir Sohag said the city corporation has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against harassment in trade licence issuance and other civic services. He added that DSCC is planning to organise a “Trade Licence Renewal Week” at the DCCI to make licence renewals easier for businesses.

Deputy Commissioner (Crime) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Md. Tareq Zubair said police are continuing nationwide drives against extortion under a zero-tolerance policy to ensure a safer business environment. He also said authorities are considering expanding AI-based traffic management across the capital under a proposed “Smart Policing, Smart City” initiative.

Additional Commissioner of Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate, Dhaka (West), Nirjhar Ahmed said the new provision allowing businesses to submit VAT returns every three months would improve cash flow management and reduce compliance burdens. She also stressed the need for adopting advanced technologies to enhance the competitiveness of domestic industries.

National Board of Revenue (NBR) Second Secretary (Tax Policy) Nusrat Farzana said the Finance Act 2026 includes several measures aimed at simplifying business operations while maintaining a balance between revenue collection and tax incentives. She added that tax exemption facilities for the renewable energy sector have been extended until 2035 to encourage further investment.

During the discussion, business leaders also urged the government to facilitate machinery imports for the optical industry, reduce taxes on signing money in the real estate sector, formulate policies for freelance promoters and digital marketing, expedite container transport and customs clearance, simplify LC procedures for new entrepreneurs, expand incentives for women-led businesses and extend the validity of trade licences from one year to five years.

The programme concluded with DCCI awarding membership certificates to representatives of 39 newly enrolled business establishments. Senior chamber officials, board members and representatives of around 100 business organisations attended the event.