President of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) AHM Shafiquzzaman has voiced strong concern over the country’s business environment, saying honest and transparent business operations have become increasingly difficult because of systemic barriers and administrative complications.
Speaking at a programme attended by business leaders and media representatives, Shafiquzzaman said entrepreneurs in Bangladesh often feel discouraged rather than supported when trying to operate legally and fairly.
“There is no real scope to do business honestly in the country,” he said, arguing that many businesspeople are compelled to seek alternative methods simply to keep their operations running amid excessive hurdles and inefficiencies.
The CAB president warned that such conditions could negatively affect investment and weaken confidence among both local and foreign entrepreneurs. According to him, a stable and transparent business climate is essential for long-term economic growth and sustainable industrial development.
Highlighting challenges in the energy sector, Shafiquzzaman stressed the need for stronger discipline, improved governance and better management practices. He said investment would naturally increase if stability in the sector could be ensured and policy implementation became more predictable.
He also raised concerns over infrastructure bottlenecks and border-related restrictions affecting trade and commerce. Excessive controls on imports and exports, he said, could harm economic activities and disrupt supply chains needed for business expansion.
The CAB president urged policymakers to adopt more business-friendly reforms and reduce unnecessary barriers that hinder entrepreneurship and trade.
He expressed hope that the concerns of the business community would receive serious attention from the government in order to create a more supportive and competitive economic environment.
