High interest, extortion, energy crisis ‘suicidal’ for economy: DCCI President

High bank lending rates, unstable law and order marked by extortion, energy uncertainty and lack of coordination in revenue management are proving “suicidal” for the economy, President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) Taskeen Ahmed said on Monday.Taskeen made the remarks at a press conference titled “Expectations from the New Government to Address the Current Economic Situation” held at the DCCI auditorium in the city.Taskeen said the unchanged policy rate has forced businesses to borrow from banks at 16–17 percent interest, creating mounting pressure on the private sector. “The high volume of non-performing loans (NPLs) and the reduction of the loan classification period from nine months to three months have further destabilised the financial sector.”“Industrial production is being hampered due to inadequate gas supply and the recent increase in gas prices for new industries and captive power plants by Tk 40 and Tk 42 per unit respectively,” ...

• 23 Feb 2026