Chattogram: Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain emphasized the need for Bangladesh to revert to the free market economic policy initiated by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman to achieve sustainable economic growth. He highlighted the significant progress made in GDP growth, human resources development, agriculture, and the garment sectors following the adoption of this policy post-1975, prioritizing national interests. Dr. Shahadat made these remarks while inaugurating the ‘Asia International Trade Fair Bangladesh-2025’ at the International Convention Center in the city’s Kazir Dewri area.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Shahadat expressed concerns about the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) due to unethical practices by a group of large businessmen. He noted that these practices have led to the gradual elimination of SMEs from the economic landscape over the past 16 years. The mayor called for honest and innovative businessmen to collaborate an
d restore the historical trade and investment heritage of the port city, enhancing its contribution to the national economy.
The trade fair, organized by Mia Trade International, is presided over by Managing Director Md. Ishaq Mia, with Abul Hashem Bakkar, former General Secretary of City BNP, as a special guest. Pakistani businessman Afsa Mansur, Indian businessman Miraj Kashmir, and fair organizing committee members Ferdous Ahmed Liton, Enayet Hossain Forkan, and Junaid Ahmed were among the speakers at the event. The fair features over two hundred shops from local and international businesses, including participants from India, Pakistan, Thailand, Nepal, Iran, and China, showcasing a variety of products.