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Economy Losing Momentum: Experts Warn at DCCI Seminar

Economy Losing Momentum: Experts Warn at DCCI Seminar

Published: 2025-08-27 02:32:11 | Source: Tahirul Islam, Special Correspondent, Dhaka.
Bangladesh’s economy is slowing down due to deteriorating law and order, declining private sector credit flow, uncertainty in energy supply to industries, stagnant investment, and widespread corruption, experts cautioned at a seminar organized by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) yesterday.

They noted that Annual Development Programme (ADP) implementation has become heavily debt-dependent, raising concerns about sustainability. Without a significant boost in revenue collection, the country risks a major economic crisis, they warned.

Investment and Trade Downturn

DCCI President Taskin Ahmed, who presided over the event titled “Bangladesh’s Economy: Current Status and Future Outlook from the Private Sector Perspective”, said private investment has dropped to 22.48% of GDP in FY2025 — the lowest in five years. Exports fell by 3.09%, while imports surged 46.8%.

The interest rate also rose from 11.52% in June 2024 to 12.11% in May 2025, further tightening the business climate.
“Restoring investor confidence requires stabilizing the banking sector, ensuring political calm, and removing bureaucratic bottlenecks,” Ahmed said.

Taxation and ADP Reliance

Dr. Mustafizur Rahman, Fellow at CPD, pointed out that ADP implementation has become “entirely debt-driven,” which is unsustainable. He stressed the need for stronger domestic savings and improved tax mobilization.

Dr. A.K. Enamul Haque, Director General of BIDS, said corruption must be tackled to safeguard the economy. “With only 2.3 million active taxpayers, Bangladesh cannot move forward,” he added.

Credit Flow and Energy Crisis

Dr. Manjur Hossain, Member of the Planning Commission, emphasized that increased credit flow to the private sector is crucial for reviving growth, especially in preparation for LDC graduation.

Mahmud Salahuddin Naser, Director of Bangladesh Bank, observed that high lending rates are not the sole barrier to investment. “Energy shortages and deteriorating law and order are also major obstacles,” he said.

Corruption Concerns

Reiterating the urgency of anti-corruption measures, Dr. Enamul Haque referred to the recent Sylhet white-stone scandal, where Tk 10,000 crore reportedly changed hands outside formal banking channels. “Fighting corruption requires more than personnel reshuffles — it demands a change in mindset,” he stressed.
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