They are not ‘fooling anyone’

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury yesterday accused the people in power of running a "circus" in the name of investment, warning that they are not "fooling anyone".

He said investors will not take the risk until an elected government is in power in Bangladesh.

"Bangladesh is being showcased as some kind of investment paradise. But in reality, investment has been steadily declining over the last 10 months. What we're actually seeing is just a circus being presented in the name of investment," he said during a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club marking the third death anniversary of Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury.

Accusing the people in power of acting like an elected government, the BNP leader said that investors invest in a country where there is an elected, stable government.

"No, I don't want to mention any names. But you are fooling no one. Until an elected government comes to power in Bangladesh, no investor will take the risk," the BNP leader said.

Drawing a parallel with the fallen regime's development narrative, Khasru said the way the interim government is pushing economic recovery through investment is "simply not possible".

He said the people in power are exaggerating the situation to create an impression that Bangladesh has become an investment paradise.

"They're trying to present an image that a lot of things is happening in Bangladesh. But nothing's really happening," he said.

"Sheikh Hasina used to say 'Bangladesh is at the peak of development'. Back then, it was said that there's no need for elections, human rights don't matter, we're doing great work. And now, we're hearing the same things again," he said.

Speaking on reforms, Khasru said that those who hid in fear of Sheikh Hasina are now lecturing others on reforms.

"We haven't even seen the faces of those now talking about reforms. Many of them were nowhere to be found on the streets during the struggles."

Khasru said the legacy of Sheikh Hasina's 15-year rule is that it has left behind small autocrats.

"This is reflected in their speech, behaviour, and actions," he said without naming anyone.

"You can't hold people hostage to serve the interests of a small group and then talk about reforms. You can't impose things forcefully while ignoring the people. That's over now. Those days are gone," he added.

He said BNP has proposed reforms when no one thought about the collapse of Awami League regime.

On the issue of the humanitarian corridor, he said, a geopolitical conspiracy is being hatched around Bangladesh.

"Can't you see what this so-called humanitarian corridor really means? Who is it being discussed with?" the BNP leader said, questioning how an unelected government is taking such decisions on its own.

"No political figure in Bangladesh knows about this. No one from civil society knows. Then whose agenda is this? What's the motive?" he asked.

"Are they trying to turn Bangladesh into another Gaza? Are they pushing Bangladesh into a war zone? For whose interest? Who are the people behind this?"

He said an elected government would have discussed such issues with all political parties before making any decision.

The BNP leader, however, said the country is not divided as some claim.

"It's only a small group trying to protect its interests. They think they can take Bangladesh hostage and run it to their will—but that's not going to happen, he warned.

"Bangladesh is united. People are united to reclaim their rightful ownership of this country," he added.