DHAKA, Sept 7, 2023 (BSS)-Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman today urged the businessmen to pay taxes regularly to maintain the continuity of country’s development.

“Tough tax was reduced in the face of trader's demands but revenue has not increased at the desired rate,” he said at a discussion with the newly elected committee of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) at the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) conference room in the city.

The business leaders highlighted various challenges of the country's trade and harassments of the revenue department. 

In response, Salman F Rahman advised the FBCCI to work closely with the revenue department to resolve the crisis.

He pointed out that the country has enjoyed political stability in the past 15 years, and many business leaders are confident that this stability will persist throughout the upcoming elections.

Mentioning that all the national elections were held as per the constitution, he affirmed that the upcoming parliament election will also be held in accordance with the constitutional framework.

He assured that the government will work more closely with the private sector to improve the business-friendly environment in the country.

"After overcoming the shock of the Covid-19 pandemic, our economy was progressing well. But, like the rest of the world, Bangladesh is now facing challenges due to the impact of the Ukraine-Russia war," said Salman.

"To meet this challenge and maintain the pace of economic growth, the government has already taken several initiatives where the private sector is being prioritised seriously," he added.

Salman F Rahman informed that the two-day 'Commonwealth Trade & Investment Forum' will be held in Dhaka on 13-14 September.

The forum is going to be organised by Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) in partnership with the BIDA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ZI Foundation.

Speaking about the event, Salman said the forum will offer a platform for promoting trade, investment and economic growth.

"Bangladesh will be able to showcase its trade and investment opportunities before the Commonwealth countries during the forum. It will be a win-win situation for everybody," he said.

Salman informed that this is the 1st ever 'Commonwealth Trade & Investment Forum' going to be organized in Bangladesh.