Polls must be held in Feb to restore business confidence

The upcoming national election must be held in February. There is no alternative. The signs of complications surrounding the proposed referendum and the national election are creating renewed anxiety among the business community.

In this situation, the head of government should find a way to bridge the political divide and arrange the national parliamentary election in February, handing over responsibility to elected representatives.

Businesspeople across the country are waiting for an elected government.

For the past year, both local and foreign investors have been suffering from a lack of confidence. As a result, no new investment has taken place during this period. All eyes in the business community are now on the national election scheduled for February.

If a credible election leads to the formation of a political government, business confidence will return, local and foreign investment will increase, and employment opportunities will grow. However, if the election is not held on time, business confidence will fall even further, which will seriously damage the country's economy, investment, and job creation.

While our competitor countries are enhancing their production and export capacities through stable political environments, we are falling behind – something that is not acceptable in any way.

If political division and uncertainty deepen over reforms, referendums, or any other issues, it will not only harm politics but will also have a severe impact on the economy and public life. All political forces and the government must remain aware of this reality.

Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez is the president, Bangladesh Chamber of Industries