Business leaders in a pre-budget discussion on Sunday warned that entrepreneurs are struggling to compete in the global market with the uncertainty of energy in affordable cost, higher interest, and tax rate.

Some banks have provided loans for a single entrepreneur violating rules, due to a lack of monitoring of regulators (Bangladesh Bank), now those banks want to merge with the big and well-reputed banks, and this creates concerns about good governance and fair competition of business, they pointed out.

The business leaders came with remarks in a pre-budget discussion for the fiscal year 2024-25, organized by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), Bangla Daily Samakal, and Channel 24 (Television) held at Hotel Inter-Continental, Dhaka, on Sunday.

Aftab ul Islam, former president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh, said in the discussion that there is fear and confusion among people about the merger of banks.

They are concerned about arising new problems, if there is a merger with a weak bank with a good bank.

General Secretary of the Bangladesh Economic Association Dr Aynul Islam also said there has been panic among the people regarding the merger of the banks.

Former FBCCI President & Managing Director of Ha-Meem Group A. K. Azad, MP said, "Why should Sonali Bank and Rupali Bank be subsidized with taxpayers' money?"

He raised the point of difficulties in business and wanted to inform the finance minister:  "Banks are saying the dollar is Tk109, but we are buying it at Tk124. The NBR is collecting tax on our imported goods at Tk124."

Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali was also present at the pre-budget discussion meeting as the chief guest.

Among others, National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Muneem, Bangladesh Bank deputy governor Md Habibur Rahman, Member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Finance Abul Kalam Azad, MP spoke in the program. The DCCI president Ashraf Ahmed chaired the program.