In a memorandum to the Chief Adviser, the chamber said tax evasion by business should be "dealt with seriously." It could be addressed through the payment of income tax at regular slab, plus a heavy penalty to "deter future recurrence."

It also stressed that in the past it had become "entirely infeasible to pursue completely legitimate business or even personal activities, " without monetary involvement.

However the chamber expressed its concern over the proposed amendment of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), under which ACC has been given the power to arrest suspects and freeze assets, which is also made non-bailable; without court's order.

"We are afraid, this provision of law in every likelihood may turn into a tool for harassment of any person and may be counter-productive," it said.

Currently section 21 of the ACC Act states that an ACC assigned official needs the court's permission to arrest a person suspected of holding moveable property in their name or others that is not compatible with their declared sources of income.

The chamber also urged the government to make public only those names against whom there are specific charges.

During the meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed the ICC-B welcomed what it described as the bold steps initiated by the caretaker government under the leadership of the chief adviser for tackling corruption. It also applauded the reconstitution of the Election Commission in order to prepare for holding a free, fair and credible election, the creation of an enabling environment for business and the restoring of the business climate in order to ensure growth.

Mahbubur Rahman, president, Latifur Rahman and Samson H Chowdhury vicepresident of ICC-B president among others executive members were present at the meeting.

Commenting on the demolition drive by Dhaka City Corporation and Rajuk, the chamber urged the government to give a time limit for owners of unauthorized properties to obtain the correct Rajuk approval instead of demolishing structures.

Such actions are slowing down business activities of small traders who have taken possession of shops from the owners on payment. Such a situation has forced a number of small traders to close down the business, it said.

Similarly, the eviction of hawkers, slum dwellers and small traders in different kutcha bazaars will add to their miseries. These groups of petty traders have no other means of earnings, the memorandum added.

As regards, hawkers, slum dwellers and petty traders in kwacha bazaars alternative arrangements should be made so that they could continue with their livelihood and refrain from taking part in unwanted activities, it suggested.

Welcoming the government's recent drive for tackling corruption, ICC-B said it would definitely help in confidence building within the country as well as to outside world.

"We strongly believe and agree with the move of the government to punish those politicians who have utilized public offices for personal gain as this will send out a signal to the rank & file to deter recurrence of such development in the future. Similar action should also be taken for their cronies," it said.

"We urge the government to continue with the drive but at the same time ensure not to harass innocent people. We also urge that government to make public only those names against whom there are specific charges," it said.

The Government decision of waiving duties on rice and wheat import will definitely help in reducing price in the local market. In this regard, the business leaders reiterated their suggestion for duty free import of some other essential commodities for stabilising the market price.

The ICC-B leaders also welcomed the move by Bangladesh Bank for the commercial banks to reduce the L/C margin and to encourage small importers side by side with the large importers to import essential food.

The chamber welcomed the government recent steps for setting up an anti-hoarding policy at various supply chain.

However it said the policy of storage of goods should not be equated with hoarding and normal business and storage should not be disturbed and impeded in the name of hoarding in order to maintain the supply chain to the retail outlets.

Corporatisation of the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) may be undertaken to pave the way for investment in infrastructure development through capital market, the chamber hopes. Besides, private sector should be encouraged in the operation and management for greater efficiency.

For smooth and efficient operation of ports it is necessary to rationalize operation of trade unions and computerisation of terminal activities to reduce human interferences and increase efficiency, it said.

The country, even 36 years after independence is still undecided about the appropriate and efficient local government system.

ICC-B stressed on the need for efficient local government and urged the government to be addressed adequately before next election of the local government institutions.

The chamber appreciated the co-operation of businessmen establishments in saving electricity for domestic and industrial use by limiting their operation up to 7 pm. However, it urged the government to take immediate steps to enhance supply of power by at least 3000 megawatts to meet the growing demands.

The chamber urged upon to reconstitute and undertake necessary reforms in the Public Service Commission (PSC). It also welcome the move of the government against land grabbers and urge to continue the drive.

The political parties have been committing as election pledge to give full autonomy to government owned radio and television. But this has never happened. Therefore, we welcome the move by your Government to give full autonomy to these electronic media, it said.