Online Desk  :  The country’s law and order situation has not improved as expected in the eight months since the interim government took office; instead, it continues to worsen. As a result, businesspeople are living in fear. In this situation, they have called for relief from the threats of extortion and mugging. This concern was raised by business leaders during a discussion meeting organized by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) on Wednesday. The meeting, held at the Chamber Building in Motijheel, focused on maintaining a conducive law and order environment to facilitate business operations.

Speakers at the event emphasized the need for an effective complaint resolution system to ensure prompt action against crimes such as extortion and fraud. They also recommended activating corridor-based mobile teams to ensure the safe transportation of goods at night. In his welcome speech, DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed said that due to recent insecurity, extortion, fraudulent online activities, transportation risks, and various forms of fraud, businesspeople are losing confidence in doing business and investing.

Addressing the government, Taskeen Ahmed said, “On one hand, you’re talking about attracting foreign investment, but on the other hand, you’re failing to provide gas and electricity to entrepreneurs. You can’t ensure law and order, and interest rates have been increased. As a result, many small businesses have shut down. These issues are ultimately contributing to social degradation. In this situation, the only demand from the business community is the assurance of conducting business safely and without obstruction.”

Taskeen Ahmed, addressing to the government, pointed out that while there is talk of bringing in foreign investment, the basic needs of local entrepreneurs, such as adequate gas and electricity,are not being met. He noted that law and order remains unchecked, and rising interest rates are adding further pressure. These challenges have forced many small businesses to close down, which, he warned, is leading to broader social decline. “Under these circumstances, the business community’s primary demand is a secure and uninterrupted environment in which to operate their businesses”, he added.

Regarding recent movements that blocked key locations like Shahbagh over various demands, Taskeen Ahmed commented that while demands are a part of democratic practice, in this critical economic phase, concern must be taken to ensure that such activities do not hinder business operations or the daily life of citizens. Leaders from various business associations across Dhaka participated in the discussion. Among them, DCCI former Senior Vice-President Alhaj Abdus Salam stated that although businesspeople regularly pay taxes and VAT, they are currently operating under a climate of fear.

Golam Mowla, President of Bangladesh Edible Oil Traders Association, said that hiring trucks through middlemen for importing goods via land ports is increasing business costs. He added that due to unregulated truck stands in the Moulvibazar area, severe traffic congestion occurs at the Babubazar Bridge, disrupting business activities. He also recommended increasing police patrols in Old Dhaka during the evening to ensure the safe transport of cash by businesspeople. Haji Md. Abul Hashem, President of Bangladesh Sugar Traders Association, said, “Sometimes sugar trucks are hijacked from highways. We’re so scared we can’t even leave home at night or take a rickshaw ride. We want freedom from this fear.”

Lutfur Rahman Babu, president of the Mohammadpur Town Hall Kitchen Market Traders’ Association, remarked that the law and order situation in Mohammadpur is deteriorating rapidly. Muggers roam freely in front of the police, and even when complaints are filed, no one is arrested. Senior vice-president of Bangladesh Pulses Traders Association Nesar Uddin Khan, pointed out that youth gangs are now posing a serious threat not only to public life but also to business activities. Senior vice-president of Bangladesh Pulses Traders Association Nesar Uddin Khan said the businessmen were deeply concerned about the juvenile gang. He sought intervention of the police administration to prevent it. Other speakers included former DCCI Vice President M Abu Hurairah, President of Moulvibazar Traders Association Haji Syed Mohammad Bashir Uddin, Vice President of Bangladesh Fancy Goods Traders Association Haji Foyez Uddin, President of Dhamrai Brick Kiln Owners Association Mohammad Nazrul Islam, DCCI Director Enamul Haque Patwary, and Motijheel Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Md Mahaymenul Islam.

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