"Listen First, Arrest Later" ; FNCCI, CNI, and NCC Issue Rare Joint Ultimatum to Government Over Industrialist Detentions

Nepal’s leading private sector organizations the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), and the Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) have issued a unified and urgent appeal to the government, expressing deep distress over the recent surge in arrests and detentions of prominent business leaders. The joint statement highlights a growing contradiction: while the private sector expected the newly formed, stable government to foster a secure investment climate following the recent elections, the current wave of "arrest first" tactics has instead spread fear throughout the business community. These organizations remind the authorities that the private sector is the backbone of the nation, contributing a massive 81% to the total economy and providing 86% of all employment. They warn that when entrepreneurs are treated like criminals before any guilt is established, the negative consequences ripple far beyond the individuals involved, causing serious damage to national revenue, infrastructure projects, supply chains, and the stability of the entire banking system.

The core of their demand is a call for a more civilized and legally sound "listen first, arrest later" approach to economic allegations. The business bodies argue that entrepreneurs are law abiding citizens who have repeatedly expressed their full commitment to cooperating with any investigation and appearing before the police whenever summoned. Despite this transparency, the government’s decision to move straight to arrests based on preliminary regulatory reports has left the private sector feeling targeted and discouraged. The statement emphasizes that while the business community has no objection to the law taking its course against those proven guilty, the government must respect the constitutional right of every citizen to live with dignity and the fundamental legal principle that a person remains innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law.

Furthermore, the organizations pointed out that these aggressive actions come at a time when the Cabinet has already passed a formal strategy intended to protect and promote private enterprise, making the recent arrests feel like a step backward. After nearly four years of a sluggish and struggling economy, there was a strong hope that a government with a two thirds majority would provide the stability needed for growth. However, the groups warn that if investors do not feel safe and protected from arbitrary detention, the goal of national prosperity will remain out of reach. They concluded by urging the state to recognize that the country’s wealth and development depend entirely on the enthusiasm and confidence of its investors, calling for an immediate shift toward a more supportive and business friendly environment that encourages investment rather than driving it away through intimidation.