Economic growth to sustain

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) president Md Shafiul Islam yesterday said defying all odds country's GDP will continue to grow in 2018.

Irregularities in credit management in banking sector, Rohingya influx and the floods in the last year will continue its pressure on economy, he added.

He said the internal economy was under pressure due to floods in different parts of the country and Rohingya influx in 2017.

Nearly one million Rohingyas are now living in Bangladesh with 655,000 new arrivals since August 25, 2017.

The apex trade body leader said the works of the mega projects undertaken by the government are gaining momentum.

"If these mega projects are implemented, these will be shining example of the development of Bangladesh. We are satisfied with the government activities."

Mohiuddin said many new entrepreneurs have emerged and there is visible progress in establishment of special economic zones.

"These are good signs. We need better energy supply and improved transportation system. These areas need to be addressed in this year."

Referring to the construction work of Padma Multipurpose Bridge, FBCCI President hoped, "A new horizon in communication system will be opened through the inauguration of the bridge."

Mohiuddin said since the businesses are dependent on Chittagong port heavily, developing an alternative port or augmenting its efficiency and activities is a big challenge.

FBCCI witnessed instability in terms of prices of a number of products including rice, which created problem for consumers in 2017, the president added.