On Saturday, February 28, at the DCCI Auditorium, an exchange meeting titled “The Necessity of Maintaining Improved Law and Order in the Post-Election Period to Facilitate Trade and Business” was held. The chief guest during the ceremony was AHM Ahsan, the Chairperson of the Bangladesh Competition Commission.

Taskin Ahmed, the president of the Dhaka Chamber, stated in his welcome remarks that the private sector has not made the progress it had hoped for in recent years because of strict monetary policy, a decline in law and order, and unlawful extortion. He underlined that in order to enhance the state of law and order, the recently elected government must implement significant, priority-based policies. Making sure that trade and investment are conducted in a secure and predictable environment is the only option.

In his speech as the chief guest, Bangladesh Competition Commission Chairperson AHM Ahsan said that effective initiatives by both the government and the private sector had resulted in notable stability in the market, particularly for essential commodities, during this year’s Ramadan. He noted that there is no alternative to balancing supply and demand in market management, and ensuring accurate data and information on commodities is also very important.

He said that ensuring a business-friendly environment helps reduce institutional costs for entrepreneurs, which positively impacts product prices. He also stressed that people at all levels must come forward to support the police in maintaining law and order, and expressed hope that the newly elected government would take stronger measures to ensure law and order at all levels.

As a special guest, FBCCI Administrator Md. Abdur Rahim Khan said that there is no alternative to improving law and order and ensuring proper market management for business and trade, which would become easier with the strengthening of democratic conditions.

He said that ensuring overall economic growth would help improve political management and law and order, which would play a positive role in reducing illegal and unethical activities. However, he stressed the need for swift reforms to bring visible changes.

In the scheduled discussion, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce (IIT Wing), Shibir Bichitra Barua, said that improved law and order is essential for overall development, and without it, a lack of confidence discourages both local and foreign investment. He added that the Ministry of Commerce has undertaken the initiative to publish the IPO Policy 2025–28, which will further facilitate business and investment activities.

Meanwhile, Abdul Jalil, Director of the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate, said that excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides in locally produced potatoes is reducing their quality, and due to failure to meet international standards, Bangladesh is being deprived of exporting potatoes abroad.

DMP Deputy Police Commissioner Mohammad Harun Or Rashid said that around 500,000 new battery-run auto-rickshaws have been added to Dhaka’s roads after the election, significantly contributing to traffic congestion. He said the police have already taken several initiatives to address the situation and expressed hope that some positive changes would be visible after Eid, bringing relief to city residents. He also stressed the need to bring auto-rickshaws under regulation, including their equipment, import policies, and charging garages.

He also urged the public to refrain from occupying footpaths and roads by setting up shops to reduce traffic congestion, and assured that the police would take maximum measures to control extortion.

Participants in the open discussion included Bangladesh Sugar Merchants Association President Haji Abul Hashem, Bangladesh Edible Oil Wholesale Traders Association President Haji Md. Golam Mawla, Bangladesh Crockery Merchants Association President Haji Md. Monir Hossain, Moulvibazar Traders Association President Haji Mohammad Ali Bhutto, former Senior Vice-President of Dhaka Chamber MS Sekil Chowdhury, and Managing Director of Nahar Cold Storage Limited Md. Tarikul Islam Khan, among others.