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Published : 23 Feb 2026, 05:56 PM
Extortion in the business sector surged by 20 to 50 percent during the tenure of the previous interim government after the fall of the Awami League government, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Taskeen Ahmed has alleged.
He made the claim during a press conference at the chamber's office in Motijheel on Monday.
Responding to queries about the extortionists, Taskeen alleged that ruling party members, police, and revenue officials are among the key actors in the extortion business.
"They come and claim to be from the ruling party. Whoever is in power, people show up claiming government affiliation and demand tolls for local events or under other pretexts," he said.
The DCCI chief noted that corruption and extortion have become "embedded in the blood" of the nation.
"If this does not stop, we will be forced to shut down our businesses and leave," he warned.
He added that corruption did not stop for a single day after the political upheaval of August 2024, increasing in some sectors instead.
Taskeen outlined four key priorities to stabilise the economy, the first one being to restore the law and order situation and bring an end to extortion.
He also called on the government to provide capital support to traders, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance and bringing bank interest rates down to a "reasonable and tolerable" level.
He also called for better coordination between political decisions and economic policy.
Taskeen alleged that businesses face demands for illegal tolls not just on the roads but even at the gates of their factories.
He cited recent incidents, including a transport worker strike in Trishal and a shootout over sand extraction in the Meghna River, as evidence of the prevalence of extortion in society.
"The business community is against extortion,” Taskeen said.
The people want this new government to send a strong message by putting an end to it," he added.
The DCCI recommended listing “high-quality” companies on the capital market to reduce bank loan dependency.
The organisation suggested creating a "green channel" to directly list profitable state-owned enterprises.
The chamber urged the government to disclose the business-related clauses within the recently signed customs agreement with the United States.
