Political stability prerequisite for ‘Smart Bangladesh’

A number of businesses yesterday demanded that the prime minister enable a stable political and business-friendly environment to build up a "Smart Bangladesh" by 2041. 

Businesspeople of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the apex trade body, also wanted continuation of the incumbent government through the next general election scheduled to be held in January next year.

At a "Business Conference on Building Smart Bangladesh" organised by the FBCCI at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka, they chanted slogans saying that the current government was "needed again and again".

With Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in attendance as chief guest, they said the current government was needed to take the economy "to the next level" through the implementation of ongoing mega projects.

A number of businesses yesterday demanded that the prime minister enable a stable political and business-friendly environment to build up a "Smart Bangladesh" by 2041. 

The business community also demanded that the prime minister ease customs, VAT and tax rules, reasoning that they have been facing a lot of "harassment" from the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

Energy security through stable power and gas supplies are a prerequisite to running businesses "smartly" and to build the four main pillars of "Smart Bangladesh" -- economy, citizens, government and society, they said.

They also demanded "smart" educational institutions and skilled manpower to address demands for the workforce and artificial intelligence.

Building a "Smart Bangladesh" requires banks, VAT, customs, NBR and government officials to be "smart", the businesses said.

The government needs to facilitate use of "smart" technologies in agriculture, services and industries for a "Smart Bangladesh", they said.

Moderating the conference, FBCCI President Md Jashim Uddin suggested that the government conduct exploration for gas and coal for ensuring adequate and uninterrupted energy supply.

The businesses also demanded a lower bank interest rate, especially for cottage, micro, small and medium enterprises which account for the lion's share of employment generation.

Citing different challenges, businesspeople of different sectors including jute, textile, construction and ICT demanded that the government meet those.

A fair and competitive market system should be in place alongside government bodies such as the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) and Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), said the businesses.

"Smart" supply chains, transportation system and logistics services should also be ensured, they said.

Bangladesh is unable to increase export earnings from leather and leather goods for the absence of a fully functional central effluent treatment plant (CETP) at Savar Tannery Industrial Estate, said Syed Nasim Manzur, managing director of Apex Footwear.

He suggested that the government allow Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority to make the CETP fully functional.

Ministers, members of the parliament, government highups, current and former leaders of business associations, business chambers, manufacturers, exporters, importers, bankers, representatives from the international clothing retailers and brands spoke at the conference.