Business Activities Stalled Amid Regulatory Deadlock

Although the organisation's day-to-day affairs had been managed by government-appointed administrators, it has now been left without even that arrangement

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the country's apex business organisation, has remained without an effective elected leadership for nearly 21 months, raising concerns over the functioning of the country's principal private-sector representative body.

Although the organisation's day-to-day affairs had been managed by government-appointed administrators, it has now been left without even that arrangement.

Following the expiry of the administrator's tenure on 26 June, no successor has been appointed, leaving FBCCI effectively without administrative leadership. At the same time, amendments to the Trade Organisations Rules remain pending, creating uncertainty not only for FBCCI but also for elections in several chambers of commerce and business associations across the country.

Business leaders say that while the government has introduced various policy incentives, reforms and support measures to encourage private investment and industrial growth, it has yet to take visible steps to restore democratic and effective leadership within the organisations representing the business community. They fear this has weakened institutional dialogue between the government and the private sector.

According to business representatives, the crisis cannot be resolved unless legal complications surrounding the Trade Organisations Rules introduced during the tenure of the previous interim government are addressed. Several provisions of those rules have been challenged in court, resulting in a suspension of election activities.

Former member of an FBCCI support committee Abul Kashem Haider said the government is encouraging greater private-sector investment while the country's most important business organisation has remained leaderless for almost two years.

"We have discussed the issue with both the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Commerce several times, but there has been no tangible progress. If the government no longer considers the organisation necessary, it should clearly state its future plans," he said.

Leadership Vacuum Since 2024

Following the political changes triggered by the student-led mass uprising on 5 August 2024, demands were raised for the resignation of the then FBCCI board of directors. Former President Mahbubul Alam subsequently stepped down.

On 11 September 2024, the Ministry of Commerce dissolved the board and appointed Md Hafizur Rahman, a member of the Bangladesh Competition Commission, as administrator.

Although he served for nearly a year and announced an election schedule, he was unable to conduct the election after several business leaders filed writ petitions in the High Court challenging various provisions of the Trade Organisations Rules.

After his tenure expired, the administrator's post remained vacant for nearly six weeks.

Later, in October 2025, the then Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Md Abdur Rahim Khan, was appointed administrator with instructions to complete the election within four months. However, ongoing court proceedings again prevented the election from taking place.

His tenure was subsequently extended by another four months in February this year, but it ended on 26 June, after which the post became vacant once again.

Demand for a Business Leader as Administrator

In May this year, leaders of the FBCCI Reform Council met then administrator Abdur Rahim Khan and demanded that a qualified businessperson, rather than a government official, be appointed to oversee the organisation.

Although he reportedly assured them that such an initiative was under consideration, no appointment was ultimately made.

Abdur Rahim Khan, now serving at the Ministry of Labour, said his tenure had formally ended and he was no longer attending FBCCI activities.

"There was an initiative to appoint a business leader as administrator, but it could not be finalised before my tenure expired," he said.

Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan said the government is currently searching for a suitable business leader to serve as administrator.

According to him, the planned FBCCI election will be held under that person's supervision.

Election Deadlock Over Trade Organisation Rules

The previous interim government introduced new Trade Organisation Rules in May 2025.

Two weeks later, an election board was formed, and on 18 June an election schedule was announced for the posts of president, senior vice-president, two vice-presidents and 30 directors.

Following objections from business organisations, the voting schedule was postponed by 45 days.

One of the most controversial provisions of the amended rules limits directors to two consecutive terms, requiring them to remain out of office for one full term before becoming eligible again.

The rule was applied retrospectively, making previous consecutive terms count towards the limit. As a result, many long-serving business leaders became ineligible to contest the election.

Several affected candidates challenged the provision in court, arguing that it was discriminatory. Their writ petitions effectively brought the entire election process to a halt.

Wider Impact on Business Organisations

The legal impasse has affected not only FBCCI but also several major business bodies, including the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), whose elections have also been delayed.

Although the Ministry of Commerce initiated efforts to amend the disputed rules following objections from business organisations, there has been little visible progress since September last year.

Former FBCCI President Jashim Uddin believes the country's leading business organisation must be brought back under effective leadership without further delay.

He warned that if FBCCI remains inactive for an extended period, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will lose an important platform for presenting their concerns, policy recommendations and business challenges to the government.

"This will not only undermine the interests of the business community but could also negatively affect the country's overall business environment," he said.