DCCI urges political stability to safeguard economic recovery in 2026

The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has urged political stability, policy continuity, and timely economic measures to safeguard Bangladesh's economic recovery in 2026 amid challenges posed by the upcoming national elections.

In a statement released today, DCCI called on the interim government, political parties, and all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful, inclusive, and credible electoral process, stressing that political stability is critical for sustaining investor confidence and long-term growth.

"A stable political environment before and after the election will strengthen the confidence of local entrepreneurs and foreign investors," said DCCI.

To accelerate the pace of economic recovery, DCCI recommended improvements in law and order, uninterrupted and affordable energy supply to industries, enhanced ease of doing business, and a reduction in the overall cost of doing business.

It also urged infrastructure upgrades and sound policy frameworks to attract both domestic and foreign investment.

Highlighting the persistent energy crisis and high power costs, DCCI cautioned about continued disruption in manufacturing and export competitiveness.

The chamber reiterated its call for a long-term, predictable energy pricing policy, along with intensified gas exploration, diversification of energy sources, and long-term supply agreements.

Amid pressure on foreign exchange reserves and currency depreciation, DCCI proposed considering currency swap arrangements for essential import payments and strengthening incentives for remittance inflows to stabilise the reserves.

The chamber also raised concerns over excessive government borrowing from the banking sector, cautioning that it could crowd out private-sector credit, particularly for local industries and CMSMEs (Cottage, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises), ultimately constraining investment and job creation.

To ease liquidity pressure and enhance financial sector resilience, DCCI recommended fiscal discipline, improved project execution, reduced reliance on bank borrowing, and stronger governance.

It further emphasised the need for full automation of revenue collection, modernisation of tax laws, broadening of the tax base, and prevention of taxpayer harassment.

As Bangladesh continues its transition from least developed country status, DCCI underscored the urgency of comprehensive economic preparedness.

It called for fast-tracking free trade agreements with key global and regional partners to expand market access and mitigate tariff-related risks.

The chamber identified export diversification, resilient industrial manufacturing, development of local industries, modern infrastructure, skilled human capital, technology adoption, backward linkage expansion, and rational tax-tariff reforms as critical drivers of growth in the post-LDC era.