DHAKA, April 7, 2026 (BSS) - The office bearers of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), led by its 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 the city.

During the meeting, Taskeen Ahmed stated that to mitigate the impact of the ongoing energy crisis stemming from the war in the Middle East, the government has already taken several timely and effective measures. 

However, he emphasized that priority must be given to sustaining people's livelihoods, employment, industrial production and overall economic activities of the country.

In this regard, he stressed the importance of taking effective initiatives and ensuring their implementation through coordination with the private sector.

Dhaka Chamber President welcomed the government's consideration to defer Bangladesh's graduation from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) status. 

He also noted that continued engagement with relevant international institutions is essential and urged the government to take more proactive measures in addressing post-LDC graduation challenges, particularly by incorporating private sector participation and implementing their recommendations. 

He stated that due to the ongoing crises since the COVID-19 pandemic, the country's CMSME sector has been the most affected, despite contributing around 30% to the national GDP and generating nearly 80% of total employment in the industrial sector.

To address the challenges faced by SME entrepreneurs, Taskeen Ahmed urged the government to introduce initiative such as low-interest loan facilities, ensuring easy access to credit, simplifying loan procedures and providing incentives and tax exemptions. 

At the meeting, A B M Abdus Sattar stated that the current government, elected by the people's mandate, remains committed to fulfilling the aspirations of the public. 

He assured that the government would continue engaging with the private sector through dialogues to tackle emerging challenges, accelerate industrial activities and achieve future economic goals. 

DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H Chowdhury, Vice President Md Salem Sulaiman and Secretary General (Acting) Dr A K M Asaduzzaman Patwary were also present during the meeting.