Reports have it that recently the rate of opening Letter of Credit (LC) for import has fallen, as a drive against profiteering and hoarding went on to create a clean business environment.

The assurance came when a delegation of divisional business organisations comprising FBCCI, MCCI, DCCI, Khulna Chamber of Commerce (KCC), Rajshai Chamber of Commerce (RCC), Sylhet Chamber of Commerce (SCC) and Barisal Chamber of Commerce (BCC) made a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed at his office.

Representatives of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce could not attend the meeting due to flight delay.

The chief adviser said his government would encourage and cooperate with the honest businessmen and mentioned that steps are being taken against illegal traders, hoarders and adulterators.

He categorically said the government is business-friendly and there would be no barrier to business operation for normal flow of business.

Dr Ahmed said instructions have been given to the concerned authorities so that nobody is harassed unnecessarily.

He said exchange-of-opinion meetings between administration and joint-forces and trade bodies would be held all over the country to resolve various complications as well as help smooth operation of business.

"Meeting between joint forces and Chittagong Chamber held recently can be followed as a model to this end," Dr Ahmed asserted.

The meeting was informed that all the DCs have been directed to hold such meeting. Already meetings between administration and joint forces and trade bodies were held in 11 districts yesterday.

The chief adviser said the government wants to keep price of essentials under the purchasing capacity of all sections of people. He noted that it is the responsibility of both the government and business community to keep price of essentials under control.

The meeting was informed that the National Task Force formed by the commerce ministry with representatives of various business organisations would sit with the commerce secretary on February 18 and with the commerce adviser on February 20 on various issues, including price of essentials.

Such consultations have been arranged to accelerate normal flow of trade and business, removing roadblocks, in public interest.

The CA stressed field-level communications between government and business community.

Dr Ahmed welcomed various suggestions of the businessmen, saying that the business leaders should come up during important national junctures. "We are always open, you are welcome," he told the business leaders.

About eviction and demolition, he informed the businessmen that notices are being given before taking such measures against the illegal establishments.

Law and Information Adviser Barrister Mainul Hosein, Finance and Commerce Advisor Dr AB Mirza Azizul Islam, Industries Adviser Geeteara Safia Chowdhury, home secretary, commerce secretary and law secretary were present at the meeting.

The business leaders thanked the chief adviser for his frequent meetings with business communities and taking effective steps in the last one month of assuming office.

They also appreciated the drives against illegal

trading and adulterated and rotten goods, saying that it is working as shock therapy among businessmen.

They also said the commerce ministry knows who do what type of business and can recognise the genuine businessmen.

The representatives of the trade bodies separately put forward various suggestions, which include clearing stock volume and period, clearing definition of hoard and syndication, banning hartal and blockade by enacting law, making Sunday only weekend and establishing supply-chain management and dredging of Mongla Port.

Among the members of delegation were FBCCI President Mir Nasir Hossain, MCCI President Latifur Rahman, DCCI President Hossain Khaled, ex-president of RCC Md Mustafizur Rahman Suja, Senior Vice-president of KCC Sultan Hossain Khan, BCC President Ebadul Huq Chan and SCC President Zunun Mahmud Khan.