The Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) held its 39th annual general meeting, using the forum to highlight key challenges facing the industrial sector, including energy supply, taxation and the need to support small and medium enterprises.
The meeting was presided over by BCI president Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury (Parvez) and opened with votes of condolence for several prominent figures from the business community, including Sharif Osman Hadi, convener of Inqilab Mancha, BCI founding director Syed Manzur Elahi and former BCI president ATM Waziullah. Members observed a minute’s silence and offered prayers in their memory.
BCI secretary general Dr Md Helal Uddin NDC conducted the meeting in line with the approved agenda. Members adopted the minutes of the 38th AGM, following which the president presented an address reviewing the chamber’s activities during the 2024–25 financial year and outlining his assessment of the broader economic situation.
The AGM approved the audited financial statements for FY2024–25 and appointed an auditor for the 2025–26 financial year.
Chowdhury said the chamber remained committed to safeguarding the interests of its members and welcomed the constructive recommendations put forward by industry leaders at the meeting. He said BCI, as the country’s only national industry chamber, had been actively engaging with the government to address industrial challenges, particularly in the context of recent political developments.
He said issues related to value-added tax and taxation raised during the discussion would be taken up promptly with the relevant authorities.
The BCI president identified several priority areas for policy focus, including ensuring uninterrupted supplies of gas and electricity to maintain industrial competitiveness, supporting a democratic transition to strengthen supply chains, promoting sustainable development of micro, small and medium enterprises to generate employment and reduce income inequality, and enhancing collaboration between academia, industry and government to drive research and innovation. He also called for product testing and certification processes to be made more entrepreneur-friendly.
The discussion was attended by senior business leaders, including Obaidur Rahman, former BCI president Shahedul Islam, Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association president Mainul Islam, Uttara Motor Corporation chairman Matiur Rahman, BCI vice-president Md Yunus, and members Nurul Hasan Mia, Shahidul Haque and Md Ziauddin, among others. Directors and members of the chamber were also present.
