‘Watching a circus in name of investment’

BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury yesterday slammed the recent investment summit, describing it as a "circus" and arguing that no genuine investment would come to Bangladesh without political stability.

Speaking at a seminar titled "Youth Perspectives on Employment and Multidimensional Industrialisation" in Chattogram, he said, "We are watching a circus in the name of investment. Those who understand how investments work know this is not the way forward."

According to him, even foreign participants at the summit seemed more concerned about the country's political future than its economic prospects. "The main question they asked was: When is your election?"

"Only a government elected by the people can ensure accountability, stability, and real investment," he said, adding, "We've removed autocracy, but we've yet to see a truly elected government in Bangladesh."

Commenting on current public sentiment, Khasru said, "There's been a psychological shift after Sheikh Hasina's fall. Those who fail to grasp this have no political future. We understand this transformation -- and Tarique Rahman has provided leadership in this direction."

Outlining BNP's economic vision, he pledged to liberalise 10-12 sectors beyond garments, offer bonded warehouse facilities, and simplify business registration through a fully digital process.

"To attract FDI, we will assign young professionals from BIDA as 'captains' to guide each investor throughout the process," he added.

He reiterated, "Bangladesh's top three economic priorities are investment, investment, and investment."

The event also featured speakers including Cornell University lecturer Jamal Uddin, political analyst Zahed Ur Rahman, Jahangirnagar University's Nahrin Khan, filmmaker Mabrur Rashid Bannah, and activist Syed Abdullah.