Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Md Abdus Salam announced today that a five-year renewal facility for trade licences will soon be introduced. This initiative aims to streamline the renewal process, making it easier and more convenient for businesses. Salam emphasized the DSCC's commitment to digital transformation, stating, 'We are working to make the trade licence renewal process easier, faster and digital.'
Speaking at a discussion meeting organized by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), Salam highlighted the DSCC's efforts to collaborate with the business community rather than resorting to force or creating harassment. He noted that measures are being taken to allow businesses to renew trade licences and pay municipal taxes from home through digital services.
Regarding the demand for a five-year trade licence renewal, Salam confirmed that the proposal has been positively considered and an official decision will be announced soon. He also addressed concerns about signboard taxes, assuring that businesses would not be harassed and that a fair and transparent system would be established for tax assessments.
The DSCC administrator identified several urban challenges, including traffic congestion, footpath encroachment, and illegal hawkers. He proposed a registration system for hawkers and battery-run rickshaws, with licences issued based on a fixed number and activities recorded in a digital database.
Salam also discussed the issues of outstanding trade licence fees and unpaid rents in city corporation markets. He called for market-based coordination initiatives involving business associations to address these problems. Additionally, he highlighted various programmes undertaken to preserve Old Dhaka's heritage, marking its 416th anniversary.
The DSCC administrator urged business leaders to collaborate with the administration in tackling urban management problems such as traffic congestion, footpath encroachment, and extortion. He stressed that sustainable solutions require the active cooperation of the business community. DCCI President Taskin Ahmed presided over the meeting, with Additional Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Masud Karim attending as a special guest.
The introduction of a five-year trade licence renewal facility is expected to significantly benefit Dhaka's business community by reducing the bureaucratic burden and promoting a more business-friendly environment. This move aligns with broader efforts to digitize municipal services and improve ease of doing business in Bangladesh.
