Interim Govt Working to Dismantle Syndicates for True Ease of Business: Lutfey

The interim government is actively addressing barriers to business and dismantling syndicates to foster good governance and genuine ease of doing business, according to Lutfey Siddiqi, special envoy to the Chief Adviser on international affairs.

He shared these insights as a special guest at a seminar titled ‘LDC Graduation: Impacts on Agro Sector, Export Diversification, and The Way Forward’ held at the Economic Reporters' Forum (ERF) auditorium in Paltan on Tuesday. The event was jointly organized by the ERF and the Bangladesh Agrochemicals Manufacturers Association (BAMA).

Siddiqi emphasized Bangladesh's strategic advantage in becoming a global manufacturing hub, thanks to its large workforce. He added that the interim government is identifying key challenges and working to dismantle business syndicates, aiming to streamline services and improve the business environment.

Citing a notable example, Siddiqi pointed to the reduction in air ticket prices, which were once inflated due to syndicates, as a direct benefit of these initiatives.

On the subject of agrochemical manufacturing, Siddiqi reassured that the government is committed to promoting local production to ensure stable agricultural output.

In his remarks, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam noted that for the past two decades, discussions around ease of doing business had largely been theoretical. "The interim government, led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, is committed to delivering real and effective improvements," he added.

BAMA President KSM Mustafizur Rahman presented insights on Bangladesh’s agrochemical production and its market potential, highlighting the need to boost local manufacturing to reduce reliance on imports.

Ashraful Haque Chowdhury, President of the D-Chamber of Commerce, also spoke at the event, stressing the importance of facilitating local agrochemical production at more competitive costs.