The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) has failed to play its due role as the country's top business orga nisation. observed Redwan Ahmed MP

A leading businessman involved In the readymade gar ment sector Ahmed is one of nine candidates contesting for the coveted post of FBCCI president in the coming polls scheduled for October 17 He Is also the current president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA)

The federation has also failed to protect the Interest of its member trade associations, because traditionally the FBCCI has been dominated by the people representing the cham bers, Ahmed charged.

The FBCCI represents 55 chambers and another 132 trade associations around the country

Moreover, he said, the FBCCI Is yet to adapt to the rapid changes towards the free market economy and the increasing liberalisation of the global marketplace. "It is abso lately essential that the fed eration plays Its due role as an apex body representing trade and industry If we are to win this new challenge of the twenty first century '

Ahmed identified the failure to develop adequate policy initiatives and the lack of Investment as the primary impediments to the country's economic growth. The FBCCI. he said, should be used as a ' parliament'' of business rep resentatlves to develop and recommend policy initiatives to the government.

Emphasising the need for a continuous dialogue with the government policy-makers. Ahmed pledged to make FBCCI play a pivotal role In recommending policies relating to industry and commerce . u Tf I am elected president

of the Federation. I will set up sector wise committees and try to ensure that the recommendations of these committees are reflected in the government policies "

Ahmed, who is the only candidate directly Involved In national politics and is a member of parliament from the ruling BNP. also pledged to Initiate a dialogue with all political parties to ensure a favourable business climate in the coun

"On behalf of the business community, we will appeal to the political parties to help develop a healthy trade and investment environment.

Noting that surplus investable funds are remaining shy because of the negative government regulations, he said that he would work towards convincing the government to take adequate steps to encourage the investment of this "shy investable surplus.

He would also recommend reforming the existing tax structure and for making the VAT assessment more realistic. he said. Although he supports greater liberalisation and deregulation In principle. Ahmed pledged to seek tariff protection for the local industries.

Referring to the shortfall in the country's power generation capacity, he also proposed to allow duty free import of generators and the supply of diesel and gas at the same sub-

sidised rale gtven to the PDB

He also proposed to strong then the Federation's seere tart at and to formulate a business rehabilitation pol Icy to revive the sick Indus tries

To make the trade associations more representative and strong, he suggested making membership of trade bodies compulsory He urged the government to declare the presidents and general secre Cartes of all trade associations as commercially Important persons (CUT

Ahmed also proposed to set up a regional office of FBCCI in the port city of Chittagong

Bom in Chandina thana of Comllla district on January 7. 1952. Ahmed took his master's degree In Law from Dhaka University and later worked as a Supreme Court Advocate He was also elected to the parliament tn 1979 and 1986.

He is currently a member of the national export development council chaired by the Prime Minister and also a member of the task force for promoting exports set up by the Commerce Minister

Ahmed has also set up a number of schools in his constituency and is Involved in a number of socio-cultural organisations

Married with a son and two daughters. Redwan Ahmed ts the Managing Director of Saleha Garments. R Z Knit Fashions, Rolly Apparels and Ahmed Fishing Limited.

With his Involvement in var ious trade organisations for over a decade and his political background Ahmed feels that he Is capable of leading the FBCCI to face the new challenges ahead.

"I believe I can achieve the objectives outlined earlier in the interview and as a member of parliament I can also act as a bridge between the business people and the politicians