Economy
DCCI Head Highlights Key Challenges in Industry: Bank Fund Shortages & Energy Crisis
The most pressing challenges facing industries over the past six months have been the scarcity of bank funding and ongoing issues with gas and electricity supply, according to Ashraf Ahmed, President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).
Speaking at a seminar titled “Bi-economic State and Future Outlook of Bangladesh Economy – Private Sector Perspective,” organized by the DCCI on September 28, Ahmed stated, “We are still grappling with gas and electricity shortages. If we cannot address the issues of labour unrest and energy shortages, and fail to keep factories operating continuously for at least four hours a day, it will severely impact exports.”
Ahmed further noted that production in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) is also declining. He warned that if these challenges persist, they would not only affect export levels but also significantly harm employment.
Impact on Non-RMG Sectors and the Importance of Alternative Solutions
The DCCI president emphasized that the crisis extends beyond the ready-made garment (RMG) sector, severely impacting non-RMG sectors as well. “We are already hearing that gas reserves are depleting. However, if the nuclear power plant is connected to the grid by the end of this year, there may be a positive shift. Immediate alternative measures are critical to overcoming this situation,” he added.
Ahmed also highlighted that labour unrest, initially confined to Ashulia, has now spread to other regions, raising concerns about its potential to disrupt industrial stability further.
Threat to Investment and Call for Confidence Restoration
Addressing the broader economic outlook, Ahmed stressed that restoring confidence in resolving the energy and labour crises is vital for maintaining investment levels. He warned that private sector investment growth, which has remained around 24% over the past three to four years, could face setbacks if confidence is not rebuilt.
Financial Reforms and Economic Stability
In his address, Ahmed pointed out that the interim government had proposed several financial reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy. “If these reforms are properly implemented, they will positively influence the economy, although it may take time to see results. Increasing tax revenue is also crucial for improving the government’s capacity to repay international debts, so revenue collection should be prioritized,” he noted.
Ahmed also remarked on Bangladesh Bank’s efforts to curb inflation by raising the policy rate. However, he cautioned that the effects of this measure would take three to six months to materialize. He also highlighted the need for careful handling of reforms in the banking sector, particularly for the 10 to 12 weak banks under scrutiny, to avoid negative consequences for the entire industry.
Recommendations for Industry and MSMEs
In his concluding remarks, the DCCI president recommended that bank loans to the industrial sector and MSMEs should be maintained at a consistent, normal level to ensure the stability and growth of these sectors.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
