Bangladesh Dokan Malik Samity, an association of shopowners, has demanded withdrawal of 1.0 per cent supervision charge associated with CMSME loans, reports UNB.
The association leaders placed the demand at a press conference held at its office in Dhaka on Sunday.
In a written statement, they said Bangladesh Bank raised the interest rate from 9 per cent to 10.10 per cent and the rate, as indicated by high-ups, will be hiked further.
"Shop owners are running their businesses with marginal profits, and at times counting losses due to increased VAT, tax and utility charges, and fall in sales volumes. The central bank's 1 per cent supervision charge, in addition to the interest rate, is illogical and should be withdrawn immediately," said Helal Uddin, president of Dokan Malik Samity.
He stated that if the supervision fee is not abolished, and the funds already collected are not refunded by October 15, shop owners will initiate nationwide actions in protest.
He said if the supervision fee is not withdrawn and the money already collected is not refunded by October 15, shop owners will initiate protests across the country.
Helal Uddin said, "We sent a letter on behalf of Bangladesh Shopowners' Association to the Governor of Bangladesh Bank on August 27, requesting him to withdraw the circular and take necessary measures to refund the deducted money to the accounts of all traders."
The association is not aware of any action taken in this regard as yet, he said, adding that such a decision during a prolonged downturn in sales is a serious threat to entrepreneurs in the CMSME sector.
Leaders of 23 other associations from different sectors were present at the press conference.
Shopowners' Assoc seeks removal of CMSME loan supervision fee
FE Team | Published: September 24, 2023 23:24:39
Shopowners' Assoc seeks removal of CMSME loan supervision fee
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