In a rare, daylong marathon-style engagement with the private sector, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday convened a series of high-level consultations with leading business figures, spotlighting Bangladesh’s investment climate, industrial competitiveness and mounting economic pressures.
Held in three phases at the Prime Minister’s Office, the nearly daylong meetings brought together 15 top executives from food processing, agro-industry, pharmaceuticals and export-oriented conglomerates, alongside key policymakers including Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir.
Supply chains, costs under scrutiny
The opening session, beginning at 11am, featured executives from major consumer goods and agribusiness firms, including Md Parvez Saiful Islam, Chief Executive Officer of Square Food & Beverage Ltd; Simeen Rahman, Group CEO of Transcom Limited; Abdullah Al Mamun, Director (Corporate Finance) at Transcom Limited; Kazi Zahedul Hasan, Managing Director of Kazi Farms Limited; Kazi Zahin Hasan, Director of Kazi Farms Limited; Tamara Hasan Abed, Managing Director of Brac Enterprises; and Md Azizul Haque, Associate Director at Seed and Agro Enterprise, Brac.
Discussions zeroed in on supply chain resilience, rising input costs and export facilitation – pain points that have intensified amid global economic volatility. Regulatory bottlenecks in the food processing sector also came under review, with business leaders pushing for faster approvals and policy consistency.
Industry flags energy, finance constraints
The second round shifted focus to diversified industrial groups, including SK Shamim Uddin, Chairman of Akij Venture Group; Sayed Johurul Alam, CEO of Akij Food & Beverage Limited; Tajwar M Awal, Director of Lal Teer Seeds Limited; and Moshiur Rahman, Managing Director of Paragon Limited.
Executives highlighted persistent challenges in energy pricing, infrastructure gaps and access to finance – issues widely seen as undermining Bangladesh’s competitiveness in regional value chains. The discussion reflected growing concern among manufacturers over cost pressures and uneven policy support.
Export giants seek policy coherence
In the final session, leaders from export-driven conglomerates such as Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, Chairman and CEO of PRAN-RFL Group; Md Aminul Islam, Managing Director and CEO of Nabil Group of Industries; Mohammad Mustafa Haider, Group Director of TK Group; and Md Tariq Ahmed, Director of TK Group engaged directly with the Prime Minister.
Key expectations centred on export incentives, port efficiency, skills development and policy coherence – critical pillars for sustaining Bangladesh’s export growth trajectory.
‘Agriculture revolution’ on the table
Speaking after the nearly three-hour final session, PRAN-RFL chief Ahsan Khan Chowdhury said the talks extended beyond industry to encompass agriculture and broader economic development.
He noted a strong emphasis on expanding agro-based industries in remote regions, particularly in North Bengal, alongside boosting production in key sectors such as fruits, poultry, fisheries and seeds.
“Our goal is to implement an integrated agricultural development plan,” he said, adding that the Prime Minister encouraged greater investment in the sugar industry and backed a zone-based agricultural model to optimise crop production.
Renewables, EVs gain policy backing
Energy diversification, especially solar, emerged as a key theme. According to Ahsan Khan, the Prime Minister signalled strong support for renewable energy investments, building on existing tax incentives for solar power and electric vehicles (EVs).
The discussions also explored introducing a toll facility for EVs crossing the Jamuna Bridge, a move aimed at reducing logistics costs and promoting cleaner transport, particularly for businesses operating in northern Bangladesh.
Direct engagement signals policy shift
While most participants remained tight-lipped about specific proposals, the structured, sector-wise consultations point to a more hands-on approach by the government in addressing private sector concerns.
The outcome of these discussions could shape upcoming policy adjustments as Bangladesh navigates inflationary pressures, energy constraints and the need to stay competitive in an increasingly challenging global market.