The BBG has existed, in one form or another, for at least the length of the current Commercial Section corporate memory (since 1987). It has evolved ‘organically' over the years into a semi-formal grouping of senior representatives of British companies in Bangladesh.

The most significant evolution of the group has been during the last seven years (2000-2007) since the introduction of the bi-monthly breakfast meeting format. During this time, the High Commission became de-facto host and organiser of meetings, including setting the agenda and manages to select and invite guest speakers. An ‘elected' five-member Steering Group and BHC as BBG Secretariat has seen the group take more ownership of its own destiny.

The Steering Group produced the following statement of purpose in December 2003:

“The BBG is an informal forum to enable British companies in Bangladesh to interact on areas of mutual interest, promote and support their collective interests and to stimulate wider recognition of their contribution to the Bangladesh economy.”

In the absence of a formal constitution and process, proposals such as this are adopted on the basis of silent consent or adjusted in line with any objections voiced.

The Steering Group's current aims are:

•  To identify and quantify the British business contribution to Bangladesh, in terms of government revenue, employment creation, social programmes, etc;
•  To attain a level of (Bangladeshi) public and official recognition for British business commensurate with its contribution; and,
•  To leverage the combined strength of the BBG as an advocate of reform and in support of members' interests.

Although there is no formal criteria for selection of members, we have traditionally invited only a single representative (usually MD, CEO or nominee) from the British company with a branch or representative office in Bangladesh. We have not included British nationals representing local companies or non-British multinationals. The Steering Group is content with this arrangement and has, so far, shied away from formally defining the membership criteria. The annual subscription for BBG membership is Tk 30.000 with effect of the 1 st week of July 2008.

BBG Secretariat
UKTI Section, British High Commission, Dhaka.
April 2008