A Correspondent:
Chattogram: Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir yesterday emphasized the government’s decisive shift toward achieving tangible results in fostering a business-friendly environment to drive investment and employment.
Speaking as the chief guest at a high-level view-exchange meeting with divisional and district admin-istration officials and business leaders at the Chattogram Circuit House, the Minister outlined a strategic mandate to eliminate administrative hurdles and red tape to revitalize the national economy.
Muktadir underscored that creating a favorable climate for investment is an urgent necessity for the na-tion’s progress.
He stated that the government is actively working to reduce the prevalence of red tape, relax restrictive regulations, and remove the administrative complexities that have historically hindered commercial growth.
Reflecting a core shift in governance, the Minister asserted that the current administration is not merely a government of words but is dedicated to delivering tangible results.
He emphasized that comprehensive policy reforms are being prioritized to ensure that the environment for doing business becomes increasingly conducive to both domestic and foreign investors.
Muktadir, however, revealed that approximately 20 to 22 lakh people enter the workforce annually.
To accommodate this growing demographic, he argued, massive private sector investment is required, which can only be achieved by establishing a robust and transparent investor-friendly ecosystem.
The Minister pointed out a historical disconnect in the national economy, noting that while economic growth has been a long-standing topic of discussion, it has not resulted in proportional job creation.
To rectify this imbalance, he said, the government is initiating significant deregulation to empower the private sector as the primary engine for sustainable employment.
Recognizing Chattogram’s role as the nation’s economic gateway, the Minister specifically addressed logistical bottlenecks that impede international trade.
These include persistent scanner issues at the Chattogram Port and the ongoing challenge of container congestion.
To resolve these matters, the Minister announced that a high-level meeting will be convened after Eid, involving relevant officials from the Ministry of Finance and the National Board of Revenue (NBR).
To ensure that grievances from the business community are addressed with precision and speed, the Min-ister announced the formation of a “Fact-Finding Committee.”
This body is tasked with identifying practical solutions to existing commercial barriers and providing actionable recommendations to the Ministry, he added.
He said that the government expects to see visible results from these initiatives within the next few months.
Muktadir issued a stern warning regarding governance deficits, stating that such gaps cannot persist.
He cautioned that administrative weakness in a nation of 18 to 20 crore people could lead to an econom-ic disaster if left unaddressed.
He reiterated that the government remains steadfast in its determination to produce economic results in line with the public mandate.
The view-exchange meeting was chaired by Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Dr. Md. Ziauddin.
Distinguished speakers including Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman and Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia attended as special guests.
