DHAKA, Dec 18, 2023 (BSS) - The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) has called upon the business community to keep the supply of essential items normal and prices under control during the ensuing month of Ramadan.
 
FBCCI president Mahbubul Alam made this call to businessmen in a meeting held today at its office to discuss the issue of keeping the supply of essentials normal and prices of those under control during the upcoming month of Ramadan.
 
Terming the businessmen as the "Lifeline" of the country, he said that the businessmen are creating jobs for which the country is moving so fast.
 
He said setting up an industry requires obtaining licenses from some 43 agencies, but despite this businessmen conduct business operations for the country and also for the state.
 
"But, the unfortunate thing is that despite all the hardships of businesses, the entire business community is getting a bad name due to the dishonesty of a couple of businessmen," he added.

Mahbubul mentioned that the FBCCI has strong objection if any trader wants to disrupt the supply chain of daily essential commodities in the market.

He said, "We are not with those who will unethically create crisis in the market. We don't want to hear anything like businessmen are dishonest, and they are engaged in any syndicate. We want businessmen to do business. If there is a problem, initiatives will be taken to resolve it. But we don't want any bad names."

The FBCCI president said they have heard the pleas of the businessmen during discussions about the complications of opening up of LCs. "We will hold more discussions if necessary. But I think it is more important to forge coordination between the ministries which are related to the market,"
 
Meanwhile, the chief of the country's apex trade body also said that the FBCCI is working sincerely to solve the VAT-tax related problem with fruits, including dates. He also urged the district chambers to work in coordination with the respective deputy commissioners in reviewing the market situation.
 
FBCCI senior vice president Md Amin Helali said that they would hold such exchange meetings with more stakeholders in the future. If necessary, seminars will be organized. However, he urged everyone to be more responsible to keep the prices and supply of daily essentials normal.

Earlier, the representatives of mill owners, wholesalers, and retailers highlighted their position by participating in the open discussion in the meeting.

Imran Master, President of Raw Material Wholesaler Owners Association, said that the unstable situation is created in the market due to the lack of a proper marketing system.

He also wants the incorporation of necessary provisions so that the retailers are made accountable to the wholesalers in order to maintain normalcy.

President of Bangladesh Salt Mill Owners Association Nurul Kabir said salt production might be disrupted due to fog and cold this time, but the supply of salt in the market will remain normal if there is no major natural disaster.

Golam Mawla, president of Bangladesh Wholesale Edible Oil Traders Association, alleged that there is an attempt to sell loose oil in the market, allegedly considering food security.

He drew everyone's attention to the fact that the sale of loose oil has long been going on the market, but why there is a discussion all on a sudden to halt it?

Bangladesh Restaurant Owners Association secretary general Imran Hasan commented that it is now high time to frame the policies by the businessmen, not by the bureaucrats.

According to Bangladesh Poultry Association, the price of broiler chicken is unlikely to increase if the LCs can be opened and the price of feed does not increase. They want to open LCs even with giving 100 percent margin.

The president of Bangladesh Shop Owners Association Md Helal Uddin said that it is necessary to form a separate ministry for consumer goods.

Assistant Director of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) Md Abdul Jabbar Mandal urged the businessmen to ensure the supply of essential items during Ramadan.

FBCCI vice president Khairul Huda Chapal, directors and business leaders from various sectors attended the meeting.