The government has selected 180 businesspeople to honour them with the commercially important person (CIP) status as part of efforts to recognise their contributions in national export and vital roles played in trade bodies in 2021.

Of the selected, 140 made their mark in exports while the rest 40 are the leaders of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) along with different associations and chambers.

The commerce ministry shared the information through a gazette notification on May 24.

The selection was made based on their performance in export earnings, employment creation, working conditions, payment to workers and employees, tax payments, innovation in marketing, technology use in product manufacturing and management.

The export category CIPs are selected from different sectors, including jute, leather and leather goods, woven and knit garments, specialised and home textile, fabrics, handy craft, light engineering, plastic, agro processing and agricultural products, ceramic, frozen food, pharmaceuticals. computer software and miscellaneous.

The CIP status will remain valid for one year. However, the CIPs can use the cards until the next group of CIPs is announced.

According to the gazette, every CIP will enjoy some government-provided benefits like being able to enter Bangladesh Secretariat using vehicles with stickers and get invited to national programmes and receptions accorded to citizens by city corporations and municipalities.

The foreign ministry will send letters of introduction to the embassies concerned in favour of the CIPs to avail visa whenever they travel abroad while the CIPs can also enjoy VIP lounges II at airports.

The CIPs will also get priority in booking seats in public transport like airlines, railway, buses and water vessels, the gazette also said.

Moreover, the CIPs, their children and wives can avail cabins in public hospitals on a priority basis.