Need election to kick-start democratic process, earn investors' confidence: Khasru

Fair elections are needed to ensure investors' confidence in Bangladesh, BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said today (9 April).

"If the democratic process continues, the country's economic situation will improve. Therefore, we must first start the democratic process through fair elections," he told reporters after attending the Investment Summit at the InterContinental Dhaka today (9 April).

"This will give investors confidence, because they believe in democracy," said the BNP standing committee member.

He said the BNP would take steps to boost investment if it comes to power, as the party focuses on economic development and the politics of production.

"This summit is very important for us. We will move it forward. We understand that its potential is immense. It has started today, and in the coming days, we will elevate it even further, as we aim to rebuild our economy through investment," Khosru said.

He mentioned that the growth of the garment industry and the private sector in Bangladesh occurred due to BNP's effective policies, which were rooted in the politics of production.

The BNP leader pointed out that the country experienced a growth rate of 7.06% during BNP's government 21 years ago. "If that trend had continued, Bangladesh would likely have a growth rate of more than 10 percent by now. However, in recent times, we have seen that progress has been ruined."

At the summit, Khosru also said they promised investors a more investment-friendly and transparent trade environment in Bangladesh by introducing 'Investor Protection Regulations'.

His comment comes hours after BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said the party has requested an appointment with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to resolve confusion regarding the national election.

"We have sought time to meet the chief adviser. After meeting with him, we will talk about this (election) issue," said.

He made the remarks at the BNP Chairperson's Gulshan office when journalists asked for his comments on the party's future course of action to pressure the government into organising the national election by December this year.

Salahuddin said they will certainly urge the CA to present a clear roadmap for the next parliamentary election.

"We will urge him to clearly present the roadmap for the national election through the proper process, so that the sense of instability and uncertainty over the election issue is removed," he said.

The BNP leader said a clear election roadmap is necessary not only to address the election issue but also to restore political stability and inject dynamism into economic activities.

He said they will also ask CA Yunus to ensure the election is held in December, which provides sufficient time for the interim government to organise the polls.

"We have previously discussed this with the Election Commission, and they have confirmed that they will be able to complete all preparations for the election by June," Salahuddin said.

He also noted that the chief adviser also assured them earlier that his government is working to ensure the election is held by December.

"Given the confusion surrounding the election due to statements from various parties on different issues, we will call upon the chief adviser to clear it," the BNP leader said.