FBCCI new board vows to bring back lost dignity

Newly elected FBCCI President Md Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin on Sunday said he would work on restoring dignity of business people and standardising the federation as an apex trade of Bangladesh. Shafiul came up with the remarks while taking over the charge of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Dhaka. “I would like to take the dignity and standard of the federation to a new level so that none can say that the FBCCI has failed to play its due role,” Shafiul said. The role of the FBCCI as an apex trade body came under question in connection with its role on implementation of new VAT act, which is scheduled to be effective from July with a 15% flat rate. The new board will also work towards creation of a business and investment friendly environment in the country to materialise the vision of a middle-income country and make it hunger-free, said Shafiul. The new board showed its keen interest in working for small businesses and create new entrepreneurs, especially women. There is a lot of opportunity for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) offered by the government, but due to a lack of awareness entrepreneurs cannot enjoy it. In ensuring the rights of SME sector, the apex trade body will focus on training and awareness, the leader said, adding that there will be a dedicated cell in order to create new women entrepreneurs. Reforms in the apex trade body is a much-talked-about issue and a continuous process. The previous board had been able to hold the election in time and the trend will continue, Shafiul added. As part of reforms, the board will also work on mainstreaming associations and chambers lagging behind so that they can hold election and annual general meeting timely, said the former BGMEA president. Though there was a debate over the role of outgoing FBCCI president in protecting the rights of business people, Shafiul expressed satisfaction over his predecessor’s performance. In his speech, the outgoing president of the chamber, Abdul Matlub Ahmad, claimed to have had a very successful tenure. He said the new board under the leadership of Shafiul will continue the trend of success protecting the interest of business people. Newly elected First Vice-President Sheikh Fazle Fahim and Vice-President Muntakim Ashraf along with the board of directors were present at the function.