The New Nation - Internet Edition

Monjur Elahi from Sylhet

Businessmen of Sylhet demanded to establish special economic zone in Sylhet. They also pleaded for information centre, easily accessible bank loan, an independent market for only women entrepreneurs, effective public license and removal of barrier in exporting lemon goods. All these demands were voiced in a 'Public-Private' conversation initiated by Asia Foundation.

Badar Uddin Ahmed Kamran, Mayor of Sylhet City Corporation, MP Hafiz Ahmed Chowdhury, MP Shafikur Rahman Chowdhury, MP Mahmudus Samad Koyes Chowdhury, Golam Rabbani, Divisional Commissioner of Sylhet and Shajjadul Islam, District Commissioner of Sylhet delivered lecture in the meet held on Sunday conducted by Faruk Mahmud Chowdhury, Administrator of Sylhet Chamber and commerce.

The businessmen of Sylhet said that Sylhet commands an effective environment for business. Everybody should come forward to use this environment. They added, especial economic zone in Sylhet is the demand of the time.

Badar Uddin Kamran was of the same view. In his speech, he said that he was aware of the necessity of giving protection to the businessmen from the harassment at Sylhet City Corporation. He assured that Sylhet City Corporation will establish an information centre early 2010 and will work to scrutinise holding tax and advance tax for trade licence.

In this seech, MP Mahmudus Samad Koyes Chowdhury pointed to the progress of special economic zone. A. Salam Chowdhury, Ex-president of Sylhet chamber and commerce and Prodip Chandra made a focus on problems and barriers netting the traders and problems facing poultry industry respectively. Dr. Anowara Khatun, Convener of Sylhet women business forum stressed on the importance of establishing information center in Sylhet. Sharnolata Ray, Rona Begum and Jahanara begum, members of Sylhet women business forum explained about easy availability of loan for women entrepreneurs. Foreign investor and President of British-Bangladesh Chamber, Dr. Owaly Tosor Uddin also participated in this conversation.

MP Shafikur Rahman Chowdhury and MP Hafiz Ahmed Chowdhury hoped in their speech that the present Government would help establish Sylhet as a business oriented area.