Reporter Name 
The 39th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) was held at the BCI boardroom recently with its president Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury (Parvez) in the chair.
At the outset, a condolence motion was adopted over the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, convener of Inqilab Mancha, followed by a one-minute silence seeking eternal peace for his departed soul.
Prayers were also offered for deceased BCI members. Separate condolence motions were also adopted for late founding director Syed Manzur Elahi and former president ATM Waziullah.
BCI Secretary General Dr Md Helal Uddin NDC conducted the proceedings. The minutes of the 38th AGM were approved, followed by the president’s address highlighting the chamber body’s activities during the 2024-25 fiscal year and the overall economic situation of the country.
The audited accounts for FY2024-25 were approved, and an auditor was appointed for FY2025-26. Speaking on the occasion the BCI president said he was encouraged by the valuable inputs received from business leaders at the meeting.
He said BCI continues to work to safeguard the interests of its members with their collective support. As the country’s sole national chamber representing industries, BCI has been working to address challenges faced by the industrial sector, particularly through engagement with the government following recent political changes.
He said issues related to VAT and tax (VAT and TAX) raised at the meeting would be taken up promptly with relevant stakeholders.
Highlighting priority areas, the BCI president stressed the need to ensure uninterrupted gas and electricity supply to maintain industrial competitiveness, ensure a smooth democratic transition to support effective supply chains, promote sustainable MSME development to generate employment and reduce income disparity, among other challenges.
Members participating in the discussion included Obaidur Rahman, former BCI president Shahedul Islam, Mainul Islam, president of BCMEA, Matiur Rahman, chairman of Uttara Motor Corporation Limited, BCI vice-president Md Yunus, and members Nurul Hasan Mia, Shahidul Haque and Md Ziauddin, among others. BCI members and directors were also present. Senior Vice-President Preeti Chakraborty wrapped up the meeting.
