'Economy must be democratised so that everyone owns the country's development'

Democracy shouldn't be limited to politics — the economy must be democratised too. True progress demands that everyone in Bangladesh has a role in shaping the economy, said Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, a member of the BNP's highest policymaking body, the National Standing Committee, in an interview with The Business Standard's staff correspondent Akram Hossen. A former commerce minister and multiple-time lawmaker from Chattogram 8, Khasru also shed light on the current political climate, the upcoming general election, and the BNP's plans if voted to power. 

What is the BNP's vision for the economy? 

For the country to see true economic progress, everyone must have a role in the economy. We do not want an economy where wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few. When people are involved, they feel a sense of ownership in the country's development. They feel they are contributing. 

The BNP is engaging the business community nationwide — in cities like Chattogram, Sylhet, and Khulna. I personally attend these dialogues to hear their views and understand their challenges. The economy cannot grow without involving businesses; they must be included in the development process.

Because the BNP is now engaging the business community directly, they're beginning to see themselves as stakeholders in Bangladesh's progress. This is unprecedented in the country's history — it's the first time. We call this new politics. We advocate for real political change, not just talk. We must practice it, demonstrate it, and confidently convince people that we are delivering as well. 

The BNP has pledged to form a national government if elected. Will it include members of the current interim administration?

It's too early to decide who will be part of the government or how it will be formed. Let the election take place first — such discussions will follow once the process of government formation begins.

Will Jamaat be included in the BNP's national government?

Jamaat was not part of our simultaneous movement. We've said that the national government will include those who were part of that movement. That said, there are some parties that, while not formally in the movement, were with us — they played a role. However, it is still too early to say who will or won't be in the national government.

We want to maintain unity with those who have long fought against Sheikh Hasina (the former PM ousted during July Uprising). And to build the country, national unity is essential.

There's no reason to question the intent of holding an election in February. Trust is essential — without it, a nation cannot function. If anyone breaks that trust, that's their problem, not BNP's. The London meeting was high-profile, witnessed by the world and the nation. I see no grounds for doubt that could undermine the agreements reached there.

Does the BNP anticipate any challenges after forming a government, given the current economic situation?

Challenges do exist — that's why we're calling for national unity. Such unity is essential among pro-democracy forces. It's easier to face challenges together than alone. Without consensus on certain issues, solutions won't be possible.

How do you view the current political climate?

Politics must be grounded in tolerance. Disagreements and rivalries are natural, but they shouldn't turn into enmity. We view other parties as political opponents, not enemies. Each party should be free to operate and express its views — there's no place for intolerance. Let the public judge based on what each party says and does.

Sheikh Hasina has left behind a legacy of autocracy, instilling an authoritarian mindset in many. They reject democratic norms. Like her, they believe in imposing their will — "I'll take what I want and do as I please." Public opinion holds no value for them.

With an election expected next February after the London meeting between Tarique Rahman and CA Yunus, do you have any concerns?

There's no reason to question the intent of holding an election in February. Trust is essential — without it, a nation cannot function. If anyone breaks that trust, that's their problem, not BNP's. The London meeting was high-profile, witnessed by the world and the nation. I see no grounds for doubt that could undermine the agreements reached there.

Some parties are calling for elections under a proportional representation (PR) system. Do you have any concerns about this?

No. Every party has the right to express its views, but ultimately, the decision rests with the people. If all parties support democracy, the PR system should be presented to voters and, with public backing, debated and passed in the parliament.

Parties will have diverse opinions — this is not about enforcing uniformity, which would be authoritarianism. Political differences must be respected, and decisions made democratically, not by a few elites. Democracy reflects the people's will, not one party's interests.

Rejecting the people's verdict to impose personal agendas undermines democracy. True democracy requires parties to regularly seek people's mandate — deception won't succeed.

Politics must be grounded in tolerance. Disagreements and rivalries are natural, but they shouldn't turn into enmity. We view other parties as political opponents, not enemies. Each party should be free to operate and express its views — there's no place for intolerance. Let the public judge based on what each party says and does.

Under the caretaker government system, democracy was improving and could have strengthened further, but Sheikh Hasina destroyed that progress. Now, we must start afresh.

Many businessmen have benefitted from associating with the former Awami League government, and now some are trying to align with the BNP. What is your position on this?

That question doesn't even arise. No one has suffered more than the BNP. No other party has faced as much hardship as we have. Around 60 to 70 lakh of our leaders and activists were accused of false cases. Thousands have been victims of enforced disappearances and killings. Some have died in jail due to a lack of medical care or while in police custody. Many have been forced to flee their homes. Businesses and jobs have been lost, and families torn apart. If the Awami League returns to power, the BNP will suffer the most because we remain their main adversary.

What will be the BNP's approach to party nominations for the upcoming election?

Many candidates have already been selected, while others are still under discussion. Internal surveys are ongoing, and the process will continue until all factors are carefully considered and nominations finalised. 

It's been nearly a year since the Awami League's downfall. How do you see things now?

Now, I can sleep peacefully, eat well, and run my business without fear. No intelligence agents hover near my office or home, and no one comes at night demanding my presence. Before, I lived in constant fear, never knowing what would happen.

Almost daily court appearances and delays at immigration made life difficult for 16 years. Simply being alive now feels like a blessing. Many comrades have died, disappeared, or denied medical care in jail. I've seen people die due to a lack of treatment, living in constant fear of not surviving an illness behind bars.