Bangladesh Finance Minister
Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury reaffirmed the government's firm commitment to
transforming the country's business environment, pledging to remove major
hurdles and ensure greater ease of doing business for the private sector.
"The government sees
the private sector as the main driver of economic growth and development. The
country would increasingly act as a facilitator by providing necessary
infrastructure and policy support, rather than remaining a conventional regulator,"
he said.
The Minister made the
remarks while speaking at the 46th meeting of the consultative committee
between the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and FBCCI, held at a hotel in the
city.
In a significant policy
shift, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that all promising
export-oriented sectors would receive facilities similar to those currently
enjoyed by the readymade garments (RMG) industry.
He emphasized that
potential misuse by a few should not hinder opportunities for the majority of
compliant businesses.
Addressing business costs,
he acknowledged longstanding challenges, including patronage-based practices,
hidden expenses, and administrative inefficiencies.
He urged business leaders
to submit detailed feedback within the next three months on barriers they face,
particularly highlighting corruption and mismanagement at ports as key
contributors to high operating costs.
The Minister also
highlighted the government's push toward full automation and digitization to
minimize direct interactions with officials and reduce harassment.
He noted that the Cabinet
has approved a major initiative to deliver all public services through an
integrated digital platform under a "One Citizen, One Card"
framework, which is expected to streamline tax processes and curb corruption.
Emphasizing economic
democratization, he said the government aims to ensure equal opportunities for
all entrepreneurs, free from political patronage.
He also called on trade
bodies to support efforts to widen the tax base, ensuring a fairer and more
competitive business environment.
"If the private sector
prospers, Bangladesh prospers," he said, assuring continued dialogue with
stakeholders to address financial and administrative challenges.
In a significant policy shift, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that all promising export-oriented sectors would receive facilities similar to those currently enjoyed by the readymade garments (RMG) industry. He emphasized that potential misuse by a few should not hinder opportunities for the majority of compliant businesses.
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