The leaders of the International Chamber of Commerce, Bangladesh (ICC-B), met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at his office at the State Guest House Jamuna on Tuesday (20 August).
The business delegation, led by ICC-B President Mahbubur Rahman, congratulated the Chief Adviser on assuming leadership of the interim government, expressing the full support of the country's business community for his new role.
Professor Muhammad Yunus thanked the delegation and acknowledged that his administration had inherited an economic mess. However, he expressed confidence that the situation would soon improve with the introduction of crucial reforms.
“It’s a very hard situation that we are in now. But it’s also the biggest opportunity that we can get. Our job is difficult, but very much doable,” he said.
The Chief Adviser further remarked that if Bangladesh, as a nation, could collectively overcome the challenges, "we will have the world’s attention." He added, "The world will look to us for inspiration, and the world will want to do more business with us."
The ICC-B leaders urged the 2006 Nobel Peace Laureate to implement much-needed reforms without haste, to restore stability to the economy.
They noted that the previous government had left the country in ruins and emphasized the need for deep reforms and restructuring in the banking sector, revenue administration, education, and industry.
"We have witnessed what happened over the last 15 years. The Bangladesh private sector is with you," said Mahbubur Rahman, the ICC-B President.
Professor Muhammad Yunus encouraged the delegation to "think outside the box to achieve greatness as a nation."
He added, "If we can make the young people’s dreams come true, we can make the nation’s dreams come true.”
Senior business leaders Tapan Chowdhury, Kutubuddin Ahmed, AK Azad, Simeen Rahman, Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Fazlul Hoque, and Mohammad Hatem also attended the meeting.
