Dhaka: Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Abdus Salam on Sunday announced that trade licence renewal fees could be further reduced if the National Board of Revenue (NBR) lowers the charges included in the prescribed fees. Salam made these remarks while attending a view-exchange meeting at the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) auditorium.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the meeting, titled “Improvement of Local Business, Law-and-Order Situation, Traffic Congestion and Trade Licence Renewal Service,” also marked the inauguration of the week-long “Trade Licence Service Week 2026,” jointly organized by the DCCI and DSCC. During this week, trade licence holders in the DSCC area, including DCCI members, can renew their licences for the fiscal year 2026-27 by paying the prescribed fees from 10:00am to 4:00pm on August 16-20 at the DCCI.
Salam highlighted that DSCC currently has around 250,000 trade licences, although the actual number of businesses operating within its jurisdiction is believed to be higher. He urged all businesses to obtain and renew licences to ensure legal operation. Salam also mentioned that the city corporation conducts public hearings every Saturday to maintain accountability and gather feedback from residents and businesses. Emphasizing digital management, he revealed plans to introduce a one-stop service to make trade licence services harassment-free.
Addressing traffic congestion, Salam noted that initiatives are underway to register battery-powered auto-rickshaws and hawkers, and he seeks cooperation from the business community to implement one-way traffic systems to help restore Old Dhaka’s heritage.
DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed, in his welcome remarks, stated that a trade licence is a crucial document for business operation, but entrepreneurs face challenges in obtaining and renewing them due to lack of information and procedural delays. He suggested that automating the process and introducing multi-year renewal facilities could ease the burden on businesses.
DSCC Chief Executive Officer Md Khoybar Rahman pointed out that a significant portion of the city corporation’s revenue comes from holding taxes and trade licence fees. He disclosed that 246,180 licences have been issued under 294 business categories within the DSCC. Rahman mentioned that the city corporation aims to collect Tk 150 crore in revenue for FY27 and requested cooperation from businesses and residents to achieve this target.
Additional Police Commissioner (Admin) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Md Masud Karim emphasized the importance of a supportive law-and-order situation for business growth. He urged businesspeople to report any extortion involving police personnel during the unloading of goods in Old Dhaka. Karim also highlighted the role of AI-powered cameras in easing traffic congestion and mentioned plans to expand the programme. Furthermore, a policy is being developed to regulate auto-rickshaw movement through registration and number plates.
Speakers at the meeting stressed the need for a conducive business environment, reduced trade licence fees, hassle-free automated renewal processes, measures against traffic congestion and waterlogging, and the registration of auto-rickshaws. They also advocated for footpaths free of hawkers and strict action against extortion by political groups and law enforcement personnel.
Following the inaugural session, representatives of 10 DCCI member enterprises received their renewed trade licence copies from the DSCC administrator. DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H Chowdhury, Vice President Md Salem Sulaiman, and members of the Board of Directors were present at the meeting.