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He reiterated that Bangladesh is at a crucial juncture as it moves towards industrialisation, digital transformation, export diversification, and domestic market expansion.

“To sustain this momentum, a secure, stable, and efficient law enforcement environment is absolutely essential.”

Abdus Salam, former DCCI vice-president, said the hopes for regime transition improvements have not materialised. “Instead, conditions are worsening.”

Another former DCCI vice-president, M Abu Huraira, warned that the continued decline in law enforcement could render business operations unsustainable.

He also proposed moving electric battery-powered rickshaws outside the city and demanded urgent implementation of a strategic transport plan for Dhaka.

Md Golam Mawla, president of the Edible Oil Traders’ Association, criticised the broker-dominated truck rental system at land ports, which inflates transport costs by Tk 8,000–10,000 per trip.

Abul Hashem, president of the Sugar Traders’ Association, said fear of robbery now keeps traders indoors at night, citing instances of sugar trucks being hijacked.

Lutfur Rahman Babu, president of the Mohammadpur Town Hall Kitchen Market Traders’ Association, said criminal activities and extortion in Mohammadpur continue unchecked. “Businesses want a way out of this chaos,” he said.

He alleged that the law-and-order situation in Mohammadpur is deteriorating, and no effective measures from the law enforcement agencies are visible.

Mohammad Nazrul Islam, president of the Dhamrai Brick Kiln Owners’ Association, echoed similar concerns, adding that extortion has become unbearable.

A representative of the Stationery Traders’ Association in Chawkbazar raised concerns about accessibility issues in Moulvibazar due to illegal parking and blocked roads.

Inspector (Investigation) of Motijheel Police Station, Md Mahaymenul Islam, said that the law-and-order situation has improved since August 5, but further improvement is still needed.

He agreed that a fully conducive law-and-order environment for commercial activities has yet to be ensured.

He mentioned that relevant agencies are trying to establish a friendly atmosphere and that the police cannot succeed without public cooperation.

He also stated that the police have always taken a tough stance against youth gangs and will continue to do so in the future.

Several traders alleged that a few companies have monopolised the edible oil and sugar markets, which worsened after S Alam Group halted operations. They demanded liberalised imports to stabilise prices.