Business leaders across various sectors have expressed deep concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the country, warning that an insecure and unpredictable environment is severely hampering trade and investment.

At a roundtable organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI), representitives from different business associations unanimously called for urgent government action to restore security, ensure smooth transportation, curb extortion and foster a business-friendly climate to safeguard economic growth.

DCCI president Taskeen Ahmed has warned that without a stable and predictable law and order situation, business expansion and investment in Bangladesh will remain stagnant.

‘In recent times, the business environment has become increasingly unpredictable. Entrepreneurs are hesitant to expand due to security concerns and lack of proper enforcement,’ he said.

Taskeen underscored the need for collective action from all stakeholders, including cooperation with law enforcement agencies. He emphasized that democratic rights must be respected, but not at the cost of disrupting business operations and daily life.

To tackle the deteriorating law and order situation, the DCCI President proposed several measures: enhanced community policing, the establishment of fast-track response centers to combat extortion and fraud, special nighttime highway patrols to secure goods transport and better coordination among law enforcement bodies.

Former DCCI senior vice-president A Abdus Salam expressed serious concern over the current situation. ‘Though we are fulfilling our tax obligations, our businesses continue to suffer due to instability. This is unacceptable,’ former DCCI senior vice-president Abdus Salam said.

Former DCCI Vice-president M Abu Horairah called for expanding parking in Dhaka South, relocating the traffic department office and banning battery-operated rickshaws from city centers.

He also urged immediate implementation of Dhaka’s strategic transport plan.

Golam Mowla, President of Bangladesh Edible Oil Traders Association, said political changes had not yet translated into improved conditions.

He pointed out rising logistics costs at land ports and traffic issues at Babubazar Bridge caused by unregulated truck stands, advocating for increased police patrols in key business districts.

Abul Hashem, President of the Bangladesh Sugar Traders Association, urged the government to reduce import taxes on sugar to stabilise market prices and suggested a pilot project to operate at least two state-run sugar mills year-round to improve supply and competition.

Syed Mohammad Bashir Uddin, President of Moulvibazar Traders Association, called for opening up sugar and oil imports to private players to boost competition and reduce illegal stockpiling.

Lutfur Rahman Babu, President of the Mohammadpur Town Hall Kachabazar Traders’ Association, expressed concern over deteriorating law and order in his area and asked for continued action against illegal encroachments.

DCCI senior vice-president Razeev H Chowdhury, vice-president Md Salem Sulaiman, and Waliul Islam Dollar, were also present at the discussion.