B Mirror Report: The office bearers of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), led by President Taskeen Ahmed, paid a courtesy visit to the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, A B M Abdus Sattar, on Monday at the Secretariat in Dhaka.

During the meeting, Taskeen Ahmed highlighted the ongoing energy crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East and acknowledged the government’s timely and effective measures to mitigate its impact. He emphasized that priority should be given to safeguarding livelihoods, employment, industrial production, and overall economic activity across the country.

The DCCI President underscored the importance of implementing effective initiatives in close coordination with the private sector. He also welcomed the government’s decision to defer Bangladesh’s graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status, noting the need for continued engagement with international institutions and proactive measures to address post-LDC graduation challenges.

Taskeen Ahmed further highlighted the struggles faced by the CMSME sector, which contributes around 30% to the national GDP and generates nearly 80% of employment in the industrial sector. He urged the government to introduce supportive measures for SME entrepreneurs, including low-interest loan facilities, simplified loan procedures, easier access to credit, and incentives such as tax exemptions.

Responding to the concerns, A B M Abdus Sattar assured that the government, elected with the public mandate, remains committed to fulfilling citizens’ aspirations. He added that continuous dialogue with the private sector is key to addressing emerging challenges, boosting industrial activities, and achieving the country’s economic goals.

The meeting was attended by DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H Chowdhury, Vice President Md Salem Sulaiman, and Acting Secretary General Dr. A K M Asaduzzaman Patwary.