Jamaat chief blames politicians for businessmen becoming 'opportunistic'
Political leadership has failed to create the necessary facilities and a comfort zone for both domestic and foreign investors in independent Bangladesh, he says
Politicians are responsible for businessmen becoming "opportunistic," as they are often forced to align themselves with the government to survive, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said today (29 November).
"People sometimes call businessmen opportunists. When a government is in power, they fall in line. Please don't get offended by my words," he said while speaking at a discussion in the capital.
The Jamaat chief said, "Some businessmen align willingly, while others do so out of compulsion. They have no alternative if they want to save their businesses. How can I blame them? We, politicians, should be held accountable."
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The discussion titled 'Future Economic Roadmap and Political Commitment' was held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, organised by Banik Barta as part of the 4th Bangladesh Economic Conference 2025.
Shafiqur said political leadership has failed to create the necessary facilities and a comfort zone for both domestic and foreign investors in independent Bangladesh.
Highlighting the lack of fairness in the economy, he said government manipulation, red tape and corruption continue to hinder entrepreneurs.
"When an investor tries to buy land to set up an industry, they face countless obstacles. Work that should take a month often takes a year. In some cases, the state itself facilitates this corruption," he said, adding that such delays often push viable ventures toward loan default.
He further said corruption, extortion and bribery discourage entrepreneurs from taking new initiatives, forcing them to focus solely on protecting their existing businesses.
"Foreign investors are also reluctant due to perceived instability, bureaucratic hurdles and concerns over personal and financial security," he added.
Shafiqur further said, "There is no economy outside politics. Politics guides and coordinates all policies."
He went on to say, "If the brain is healthy, the whole body functions properly. If not, nothing works. Businessmen are an important part of society, and they need a supportive political environment."
