Commerce Secretary Firoz Ahmed speaks at a view exchange meeting with business leaders in Chittagong yesterday.Photo: STAR

A top government official yesterday urged the business community here to carry out business without any fear, as the government does not want to harass businesspeople unnecessarily.
Terming the so-called 'fear factor' baseless, Commerce Secretary Firoz Ahmed said the ongoing reform activities are aimed at creating a congenial environment for businesses besides holding a free and fair election.
He was addressing a views exchange meeting with business leaders yesterday at Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCCI) building.
Commerce ministry and CCCI jointly organised the meeting, which was presided over by Chittagong Divisional Commissioner Hossain Jamil.
Kazi M Aminul Islam, secretary to Chief Adviser's Office, Colonel Rezanur Rahman Khan, deputy commandant of Chittagong Cantonment East Bengal Regimental Centre, and CCCI President Saifuzzaman Chowdhury were also present.
This was the first meeting outside Dhaka after a high-profile dialogue between the government and business leaders held in the capital on September 5. Similar meetings will be held in other divisional headquarters.
Kazi M Aminul Islam said the government is going to form immediately 'Better Business Forum' and 'Regulatory Reform Commission' comprising high-level representatives from the public and private sectors.
Assuring businesses of all government support, the commerce secretary urged the business community to play a big role in boosting the country's economy.
He said government has taken different steps over the last nine months for creating a business-friendly environment in the country.
The anti-corruption drive was aimed at removing indiscipline and irregularities practised by a section of businesspeople, said the secretary.
He said the drive at initial stages might have created some panic among the business community. But the government has no plan to harass honest businesspeople, he added.
He also urged the business bodies to play an effective role to reduce price hike of different commodities produced in the country.