Roadmap coming soon to boost confidence among foreign investors: Touhid
“Our goal is to transfer power to an elected government through an election. We know this should happen as soon as possible. The government is working towards this goal,” says Md Touhid Hossain
Highlights
- Goal of interim govt is to transfer power to elected govt, says foreign adviser
- Says immediate action was taken against assault of Norwegian-origin Bangladeshi in Dhaka airport
- Says confidence of foreign investors will return as roadmap will come very soon
Political uncertainty caused by the shift in power has eroded financial security, leading foreign investors and expatriates to lose confidence in Bangladesh and the interim government hopes to restore their confidence with a roadmap soon, said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain.
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"When there is political uncertainty, people are less likely to invest, which is completely understandable as they need to ensure the security of their money," he said while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of an event in the capital today (11 January).
The adviser acknowledged the challenges in regaining investor trust but expressed optimism, saying, "Restoring the confidence of foreign investors is a difficult task. We hope that a roadmap will come very soon. Then their confidence will easily return."
"Once a roadmap comes, many will feel secure, and investments will flow," he said, not providing a specific timeline for the roadmap.
The event, titled "World Conference Series 2025: Branding Bangladesh – NRB & UN Peacekeepers Leading the Way", was organised by the Centre for NRB (non-resident Bangladeshis) at a city hotel.
Highlighting the need for investment to create jobs for the growing labour force, Touhid said, "If investments don't come, we won't be able to manage because a large number of people are entering the labour market. Sending workers abroad won't be enough; domestic employment also needs to increase. For that, investment is required."
He also addressed recent incidents of harassment at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, including a viral video showing a Norwegian-origin Bangladeshi being assaulted.
"Harassment in missions, at the airport, especially at the airport… I can tell you this much – even regarding the recent incident, immediate action has been taken against it. I am certain the culprit will be punished," assured the foreign affairs adviser.
He reiterated the interim government's commitment to ensuring justice for such incidents, saying, "We are determined to bring those responsible for such harassment to justice."
Regarding the election, Touhid said, "Our goal is to transfer power to an elected government through an election. We know this should happen as soon as possible. The government is working towards this goal."
