Expressing anger on increasing VAT and prices of industrial gas, former President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and Ha-Meem Group Managing Director AK Azad said the government didn’t discuss with the businessmen before raising VAT and gas prices.
“Policymakers should need to conduct product cost analysis before making any decision. We cannot import raw materials for industries. Being a businessman means I am a criminal. Everyone only takes from the businessmen. That's why there is no new investment in the country. All governments have the same character. If the policies that the government is taking are implemented, where will we go? The impact on the economy and public life is not considered before raising VAT and gas prices. There was no discussion with the businesspersons in this regard,” he lamented.
AK Azad came up with the observation while speaking at a seminar titled “Investment Prospects and Challenges’ organised by the Economic Reporters' Forum (ERF) in the capital yesterday.
Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun was the chief guest at the seminar while Abul Kasem Khan, former president of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), Md Hafizur Rahman, administrator at the FBCCI, Iqbal Hossain Chowdhury, CEO, LafargeHolcim Bangladesh were present as the special guests.
ERF Secretary Abul Kashem moderated the event chaired by ERF President Doulot Akter Mala.
Nahian Rahman Rochi, Head of Business Development, BIDA presented the keynote at the event.
AK Azad said, “I believe our change is possible. Today’s youths will bring that change. We never thought that the country’s current change would happen through such a movement. But they (youths) have done it. They have shown that change is possible. The country must be changed. It will take time. The country’s scenario will change if the current policies are implemented.”
In his speech, BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun said, “You can see that we will bring the government from business gradually within the next six months to one year. The government doesn’t need to do business. Businessmen will do business and we will prepare the ground for this. We will hand over properties to the big consumers. They will manage and do business. In this case, we don’t need to create new economic zones and existing properties can be used as alternatives to economic zones.”
DCCI former President Abul Kasem Khan said, “We are weak in supply chain mechanism. I get limited investment chances as a Bangladeshi. Our policymakers are narrow-minded over foreign exchange. They think all businessmen will leave the country with money. Those who go have already gone. But we are staying in the country. We are not going anywhere. All sectors have been destroyed due to corruption. Organizational reformation is needed to remove these corruptions. We have to work for the country so that a sustainable investment environment is created.”
FBCCI Administrator Md Hafizur Rahman said, “Restlessness is prevailing among the new entrepreneurs. They should be given an investment-friendly environment. New entrepreneurs have no insurance policy. If they fail, they have no chance to turn around. Tax is a horrific name to new investors. We should think to give them relax slightly alongside providing a suitable environment for new and small business.”
bd-pratidin/GR
