[🇧🇩] Monitoring the political activities of BNP

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Social media campaign targets BNP over reforms, polls: Fakhrul

The BNP consistently demanded that minimum reforms be implemented to ensure a fair and acceptable election, he said

en.prothomalo.com

Social media campaign targets BNP over reforms, polls: Fakhrul
Correspondent
Thakurgaon
Published: 02 Apr 2025, 19: 01

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir speaks at a gathering in Thakurgaon on 2 April, 2025.Prothom Alo

The secretary general of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, has alleged that social media campaigns are targeting his party over reforms and election, without blaming anyone directly.

He made the allegation while addressing a view exchange programme with the local party leaders and activists at his residence at Kalibar in Thakurgaon on Wednesday.

He noted that a narrative is being spread on social media that the BNP either prioritises elections over reforms or does not want reforms at all. This is an effort to create a misconception among the people.

Clarifying the BNP’s position, Mirza Fakhrul said his party never advocated for elections first and reforms later. The BNP consistently demanded that minimum reforms – such as election related reforms – be implemented to ensure a fair and acceptable election. Besides, the law and order system and the judicial system should be reformed.

“These three sectors must be reformed. Today’s demand for reforms is actually the BNP's demand. The BNP put forth the 31-point reform proposal, where it clarified its stance on constitutional reforms. There are some settled issues that the BNP does not want to interfere with,” he added.​

 

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10m jobs to be created in first 18 months if elected to power: BNP

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said 10 million jobs will be created in first 18 months if his party is voted to power. This plan was shared by BNP during their participation in the Investment Summit 2025, organised by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).

en.prothomalo.com

10m jobs to be created in first 18 months if elected to power: BNP
Staff CorrespondentDhaka
Published: 10 Apr 2025, 21: 25

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir File photo

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said 10 million jobs will be created in first 18 months if his party is voted to power.

This plan was shared by BNP during their participation in the Investment Summit 2025, organised by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir revealed the details in a post on his verified Facebook page Yesterday, Wednesday.

The party has also set a target of achieving a $1 trillion GDP by 2034. Additionally, BNP aims to reduce the tax burden on citizens and explore ways to increase tax revenue without instilling fear in taxpayers.

In the post titled “$1 Trillion Economy,” Mirza Fakhrul stated that BNP, if elected, will create 10 million jobs or employment opportunities within the first 18 months of taking office.

The party also plans to increase the ratio of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to GDP from the current 0.45 per cent to 2.5 per cent.

BNP has set a long-term GDP target of $1 trillion by 2034. The party also wants to work on increasing tax revenue by easing the pressure of excessive taxation on the public and removing fear associated with paying taxes.

To make FDI more attractive in Bangladesh, BNP has proposed 11 regulatory reforms.

Mirza Fakhrul highlighted eight of them in the post. Those are: strengthening Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), modernising visa and work permit regulations, introducing 24/7 service for investors, ensuring automated profit repatriation, developing skilled local manpower, enacting investor protection laws alongside infrastructure development, enhancing workforce productivity and expanding the scale and scope of foreign employment through proper training and incentive systems.

If given the chance to form the government, BNP aims to significantly improve the productivity of the country’s human resources and expand foreign employment more effectively than in the past, Mirza Fakhrul added.

He also mentioned that BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, in a goodwill message for the investment summit, emphasised three key points: unity is the foundation of national development, the late President Ziaur Rahman’s government had passed laws to attract FDI and the governments led by former prime minister Khaleda Zia followed investment-friendly policies.​

 

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They’re talking about reforms sitting at spacious expensive offices: Tarique

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has criticised those who are propagating the theory of reforms first and election later

en.prothomalo.com

They’re talking about reforms sitting at spacious expensive offices: Tarique
Staff CorrespondentDhaka
Published: 14 Apr 2025, 12: 16

Tarique Rahman File photo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman has criticised those who are propagating the theory of reforms first and election later.

He dismissed those who are expressing doubts whether BNP will carry out reforms or not.

Tarique Rahman made these remarks while virtually participating in a discussion titled “31-point outline for repairing the state structure and citizen’s thinking” announced by BNP on Sunday.

“They are talking about reforms sitting in important posts, inside air-conditioned rooms at spacious expensive offices. They are propagating reforms while enjoying government benefits such as cars, salaries, bonuses, and allowances,” BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman said.

Tarique argued that the BNP did not speak of reforms while taking such benefits.

We might have faults, we may have shortcomings and some of us might be involved with illegal activities. But our biggest credit is we are not in denial about these crimes----Tarique Rahman, BNP Acting Chairman.

“BNP did not talk about reforms while enjoying these benefits. When BNP talked about reforms, BNP was fighting and protesting against dictatorship on the streets, on the one hand, and was thinking about building the country on the other,” Tarique added.

He also raised questions as to how many of those who now champion reforms could dare speak up against autocrat Sheikh Hasina.

Tarique Rahman mentioned that BNP had given 31 points for state reforms at a time when BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and thousands of leaders and activists across the country were in prison, sued and harassed.

Thus, he insisted that the BNP will carry out reforms to change the fate of the people for better.

“We might have faults, we may have shortcomings and some of us might be involved with illegal activities. But our biggest credit is we are not in denial about these crimes,” Tarique said, adding that there are many political parties that don’t take any punitive measures against wrongdoings of their members.

He, however, did not mention the name of any political party.

Tarique said BNP does not want to keep any ties with those who get involved with wrongdoings.

He urged the party leaders to work with unity to do something better for the people of the country.​

 

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BNP delegation to meet Dr Yunus today with ‘firm message’ against election delay

A BNP delegation is all set to meet Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus today (Wednesday) to deliver a ‘strong message’ that the party will not accept any attempt to delay the national election beyond December this year. BNP senior leaders said the party will also urge the Chief Adviser to

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP delegation to meet Dr Yunus today with ‘firm message’ against election delay
Published :
Apr 15, 2025 23:17
Updated :
Apr 16, 2025 00:06

A BNP delegation is all set to meet Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus today (Wednesday) to deliver a ‘strong message’ that the party will not accept any attempt to delay the national election beyond December this year.

BNP senior leaders said the party will also urge the Chief Adviser to issue a clear statement regarding the election timeline, urging an end to the ongoing December-June uncertainty, UNB reports.

They said their party will provide reasons and logical justifications for their demand to hold the national election within this year, particularly by December.

BNP leaders said their party will also call upon the head of the interim government to take necessary steps to complete the reform process by the coming June in order to dispel public concerns over a possible attempt to delay the election under the pretext of state restructuring.

They said if their demand is met and a clear commitment is given, the party will shift its focus to election preparations and devising strategies to win over voters.

If no consensus is reached during the meeting, BNP leaders indicated that they would launch a movement demanding the restoration of democracy and holding the national election within this year.

Party insiders said the BNP has outlined a series of peaceful programmes over the next three months as part of its organisational preparations for the 13th national election, expected in December. These programmes may include rallies, marches and processions, beginning at the grassroots level and expanding nationwide with large public gatherings.

The plan was initially worked out in a recent meeting of the party's organisational secretaries and has been informally communicated to the top leadership. “If BNP does not receive a clear message on the election timeline in the meeting with the Chief Adviser, the party may begin implementing these programmes by the end of this month.

According to the schedule, a BNP standing committee member, led by party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, will meet the Chief Adviser at his official residence and state Guest House, Jamuna, at 12pm.

A BNP standing committee member, speaking on condition of anonymity, has expressed deep concern over what he described as a growing campaign aimed at postponing the national election and keeping the current interim government in power for five years.

He said whenever BNP demands a clear electoral roadmap from the Chief Adviser, various advisers issue conflicting statements to divert attention from the issue.

As an example, he said, the Home Affairs Adviser recently claimed that the public wants the interim government to remain for five years, while Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter went so far as to say this government was ‘elected’ by people through a mass uprising.

The BNP leader said during the last meeting with their party, the Chief Adviser had promised that his government’s actions would be directed towards holding the national election by December 2025. “But he is still wavering between December and June. We’re witnessing coordinated efforts, especially on social media, to justify a delay. That’s why we’re meeting the Chief Adviser again to clear up our doubts and confusion.”

Contacted, BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas alleged an attempt to prolong the election is visible. “There are people openly talking about keeping Dr Yunus in power for five years. But those trying to do that will not only damage his reputation but also cause serious harm to the country.”

Abbas said he still believes Dr Yunus is committed to holding elections by December. “But, some Awami elements surrounding him are trying to mislead him. That’s our concern going into this meeting.”

Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, another standing committee member, said BNP is still cooperating fully with the interim government.

“We do not want to create any trouble. Our goal is to convince the government to hold the election without unnecessary delay. If our demand is met, there will be no conflict. But if the government goes in the opposite direction, we too may take a different stance.”

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said their party will use the meeting to clarify the government's intentions. “We’ll remind the Chief Adviser of his promise to hold elections by December and urge him to publicly confirm it through a press conference. We’ll also ask him to direct the Election Commission to complete all necessary preparations accordingly.”

He said BNP is committed to reforms and has already put forward a 31-point state-reform framework well before the formation of the current government. “We won’t allow anyone to push their own agenda in the name of reforms.”

Asked about their next steps, Salahuddin said the party will decide on its future course of action based on the outcome of the meeting with the Chief Adviser.​

 

[Saif]

BNP wants election within December

BNP wants the next general elections within next December, the party tells the visiting US deputy assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia Nicole Chulick in a meeting today

en.prothomalo.com

Meeting with US delegation
BNP wants election within December

Staff CorrespondentDhaka
Published: 16 Apr 2025, 23: 02

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury briefs reporters on 16 April Prothom Alo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) wants the next general elections within next December, the party tells the visiting US deputy assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia Nicole Chulick in a meeting today.

The meeting was held in the residence of the US Deputy Head of Mission on Wednesday afternoon.

A four member delegation of BNP led by the party’s Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir participated in the meeting.

Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury briefed the journalists after the meeting. He said imposition of tariff was discussed during the meeting as export will be hampered if tariff cannot be set at a tolerable rate.

There was a long discussion regarding the election, said the BNP leader.

“The election will be held in December. We said it can even be held before December,” Amir Khosru said responding to a question.

The leaders of BNP also explained the reason why the party wants the election in earliest possible time.

He said if democratic order is not restored, many stalled decisions in and outside the country cannot be taken.

“These decisions can be taken easily if the government is an elected one and decision making gets easier if the government has the backing of the people,” he said.

Amir Khasru said people in and outside the country are waiting for the election.

“They (US delegation) inquired about the government's policy, what will be the policy of BNP and what will be our economic policy. We have told them in detail.”

The member of BNP’s Standing Committee also said the US representatives asked about all the reforms that have been done in Bangladesh in the past, the economic reforms that were done during the BNP regime, the political reforms, political reforms starting from multi-party democracy, free market economy to the judiciary, and the reforms that will be done in the future.

Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, who was the Commerce Minister of the BNP-led four-party alliance government, commented that the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump administration will not affect Bangladesh-US relations.

“We have talked about what the BNP can do in this regard,” he added.

He said the issue of Awami League was not brought up during the meeting.
Before the BNP, a delegation of NCP held a meeting with the visiting US delegation at the same venue.

Emerging from the meeting, NCP’s Coordinator Nahid Islam said, “We think the field administration is not working impartially. We have seen the administration is overlooking attacks on National Citizen’s Party leaders and activists in different places. We talked about these during our meeting.”

When asked about these allegations of the NCP leader, the BNP leader refused to make any comment.

BNP’s central Organising Secretary Shama Obaid and Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan were also present during the meeting.​

 

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We’re not satisfied at all: Fakhrul

A seven-member BNP delegation held a meeting with the chief adviser at state guest house Jamuna for nearly two hours on Wednesday afternoon.

en.prothomalo.com

Meeting with Chief Adviser
We’re not satisfied at all: Fakhrul

Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 16 Apr 2025, 16: 04

BNP leaders speak to the media after a meeting with the chief adviser at state guest house Jamuna on 16 April, 2025. Prothom Alo

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expressed deep dissatisfaction over its discussions with chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

A seven-member BNP delegation, led by secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, held a meeting with the chief adviser at state guest house Jamuna for nearly two hours on Wednesday afternoon.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the chief adviser did not provide a specific deadline for holding the next parliamentary election, rather mentioned a possible window between December and June.

“We are not satisfied at all,” Fakhrul said. “We have clearly said that if elections are not held by December, the country’s political, economic, and social situation will deteriorate further.”

Other members of the delegation were BNP standing committee members Jamiruddin Sircar, Mirza Abbas, Nazrul Islam Khan, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Salahuddin Ahmed, and Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury.​

 

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BNP for neither secularism nor pluralism

Bangladesh Nationalist Party standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday reaffirmed his party’s opposition to ‘secularism’ — a fundamental principle in the existing constitution — and rejected the proposed inclusion of...

www.newagebd.net

BNP for neither secularism nor pluralism
Staff Correspondent 17 April, 2025, 14:16

Bangladesh Nationalist Party delegates attend a dialogue with the National Consensus Commission at the LD Hall of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka on Thursday. | Sony Ramani

Bangladesh Nationalist Party standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday reaffirmed his party’s opposition to ‘secularism’ — a fundamental principle in the existing constitution — and rejected the proposed inclusion of ‘pluralism’ in it by the Constitution Reform Commission.

He made the remarks following a dialogue between the BNP and the National Consensus Commission held at the LD Auditorium of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka.

Salahuddin led a five-member BNP delegation to the meeting, which was chaired by NCC vice-chair Ali Riaz.

At a press briefing after the dialogue, Salahuddin said his party recommended adopting the fundamental principles of state policy as outlined in the fifth constitutional amendment, which had remained in place until the 15th amendment.

On April 6, 1979, the BNP-led second parliament removed ‘secularism’ from the 1972 constitution through the fifth amendment, inserting ‘absolute trust and faith in the Almighty Allah’.

The Awami League-led ninth parliament later passed the 15th amendment on June 30, 2011, restoring secularism. On August 5 last year, the student-mass uprising ousted the Awami League government after 15 years in power.

The Constitution Reform Commission, in its full report that was made public on February 8, recommended adopting equality, human dignity, social justice, pluralism, and democracy as the state’s fundamental principles.

‘In today’s discussion, we agreed in principle to equality, human dignity, and social justice. After further discussions in our party forum, we will take our final decision,’ Salahuddin said.

He added that the BNP delegation discussed the commission-proposed recommendations concerning the constitution’s preamble, the nature of the republic, the constitution’s fundamental principles, and fundamental rights of the people.

‘After exchanging views, we were close to reaching consensus on several issues,’ he said, without details.

However, he expressed concern over the commission’s proposed amendment to Article 70, which would allow parliamentary debate by party-nominated members on all issues except money bills.

‘This proposal, if passed, will destabilise a government,’ he said, adding that the BNP recommended limiting voting rights except on money bills, confidence votes, constitutional amendments, and national security.

He also noted the BNP’s continued opposition to the proposed referendum clause.

The Constitution Reform Commission proposed that any constitutional amendment should be approved by a two-thirds majority in both houses of a bicameral parliament and then put to a referendum.

‘A referendum is not necessary for every amendment,’ Salahuddin argued.

He criticised the NCC’s method of gathering opinions from political parties by spreadsheet-based multiple-choice questionnaire.

While on a break during the dialogue, Salahuddin said that any recommendations by the reform commissions must be ‘constitutional’ before being implemented.

He questioned issuing the Supreme Court Judges Appointment Ordinance without amending Article 95 of the existing constitution. Raising concern over the proposed formation of the Supreme Court Secretariat by the interim government, he stated that it has yet to receive constitutional approval.

As part of its efforts to build consensus on key recommendations by five reform commissions, the NCC began dialogues with political parties on March 20. As of Thursday, the NCC held dialogues with 10 parties.

The dialogue between the BNP and the NCC began at 11:00am and continued till 5:00pm. Salahuddin said his party would hold another meeting with the NCC on Sunday to conclude their discussions.

NCC vice-chair Ali Riaz said that while the BNP disagreed with several reform proposals, it also agreed to a number of points.

‘The aim of the NCC dialogue is to minimise differences and we hope to achieve that,’ Riaz said, without providing details.​

 

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BNP begins talks with allies for timely elections

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Saturday began discussions with like-minded political parties, which were its allies in the simultaneous movement waged against the immediate past Awami League regime, for building consensus and...

www.newagebd.net

BNP begins talks with allies for timely elections
Staff Correspondent 20 April, 2025, 00:03

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Saturday began discussions with like-minded political parties, which were its allies in the simultaneous movement waged against the immediate past Awami League regime, for building consensus and maintaining pressure on the interim government to hold elections within the promised timeframe.

On the first day of the discussion on Saturday, the party held separate meetings with the leaders of 12-party alliance and Liberal Democratic Party at the BNP chairperson’s political office in Gulshan in the capital.

Following the meetings, BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan told reporters that they started engagement with their allies to brief them on the outcome of their discussion with the chief adviser held on April 16.

‘This meeting was to decide our future activities as we demand elections by December,’ he said.

One of the leaders of the 12-party alliance, preferring anonymity, told New Age that they did not discuss any programme for waging a movement at their meeting.

Instead, the discussions focused on keep pressuring the government to hold elections as early as possible within the timeframe between December 2025 and June 2026, as chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus promised, the alliance leader said.

The meetings were led by BNP standing committee members Nazrul Islam Khan and Selima Rahman.

Among the 12-Party Alliance partners present at the meeting were Jatiya Party (Zafar) chairman Mustafa Jamal Haider, Liberal Democratic Party Bangladesh chairman Shahadat Hossain Salim and Bangladesh Jatiya Dal chairman Syed Ehsanul Huda.

However, a six-member delegation from the Liberal Democratic Party, led by Redwan Ahmed, attended a separate meeting with the BNP.

BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan said that a final decision regarding the demand for holding elections by December would be made after consultations with all the parties involved in the simultaneous movement.

‘I don’t think we need to launch a movement for elections because we are the ones who supported the government,’ he said.

Twelve-Party Alliance leader Mustafa Jamal Haider said that they were pleased that the chief adviser iterated his position about holding general elections between December and June at his recent meeting with the BNP.

‘We welcome his statement and the fact that his stance remains unwavering,’ he said.

Mustafa Jamal also said that their demand was to complete the elections by December, underlining that they strongly believed it was possible to hold the elections in that timeframe.

LDP leader Redwan Ahmed said that his party supported the BNP’s demands regarding reform proposals and national elections.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he said that the reform proposals agreed upon by all political parties could form the basis of a ‘July Charter’, while more fundamental issues, such as, constitutional amendments, should be addressed by the next elected parliament.

‘In line with the chief adviser’s commitment made in his address, we demand national elections by December, following the completion of minimal reforms,’ he said.​

 

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BNP holds closed-door meeting with CPB-BaSoD

BNP on Sunday held an informal closed-door meeting with senior leaders of left leaning Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) and Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (BaSoD) ahead of the 13th national elections. The meeting was held between 4 pm and 5 pm at a Banani hotel in Dhaka city. CPB politburo member

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP holds closed-door meeting with CPB-BaSoD
BSS
Published :
Apr 20, 2025 21:20
Updated :
Apr 20, 2025 21:20

BNP held an informal closed-door meeting with CPB and BaSoD on Sunday. BSS

BNP on Sunday held an informal closed-door meeting with senior leaders of left leaning Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) and Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (BaSoD) ahead of the 13th national elections.

The meeting was held between 4 pm and 5 pm at a Banani hotel in Dhaka city.

CPB politburo member Mujahidul Islam Selim, its President Shah Alam, General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince and BaSoD General Secretary Bazlur Rashid Firoz, Communist Party Joint General Secretary Mihir Ghosh and BaSoD Joint General Secretary Rajequzzaman Ratan were present.

BNP Liaison Committee led by BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku and Vice-Chairman Barkat Ullah Bulu were present.

BNP will hold a series of meetings with left parties as part of building an all-party unity to hold the next national elections by December.

As part of this, the party held its first meeting with CPB-BaSoD.

Talking to BSS, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said there were preliminary discussions on political unity regarding the elections by December.

The leftist leaders have a positive attitude towards the national elections by December.

CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince said this was not a formal meeting as it can be called an 'informal tea party'.​

 

[Saif]

Building BD as $1.0t economic powerhouse main target

Bangladesh Nationalist Party cherishes a vision of transforming Bangladesh into a US$1.0-trillion economic powerhouse through serious liberalisation, deep financial reform and a youth-driven investment model, if in government next time. Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, a senior BNP leader and former

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Khosru sets forth lofty goals of a next BNP govt
Building BD as $1.0t economic powerhouse main target
Jasim Uddin Haroon
Published :
Apr 21, 2025 00:49
Updated :
Apr 21, 2025 00:49

Senior BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury talks to the FE in an interview — FE Photo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party cherishes a vision of transforming Bangladesh into a US$1.0-trillion economic powerhouse through serious liberalisation, deep financial reform and a youth-driven investment model, if in government next time.

Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, a senior BNP leader and former commerce minister, sets forth the party's cardinal goals while election-timing and reform talks reverberate through the political arena on the cusp of transition from the interregnum following the August changeover and the economy struggles for a rebound from disruptions.

"We're showing investors our policies-based on open markets and genuine liberalisation," Mr Chowdhury, a member of the standing committee or the highest policy-making body of the BNP, told the Financial Express in an exclusive interview recently at his office at Banani in Dhaka.

"And they're (investors) responding. But they're holding back, waiting for an elected government."

On the much-talked-about election timing, he says there is a consensus on election-related reforms and the Election Commission (EC) is ready. Also is there agreement on the need for credible, neutral elections.

As such, the senior leader of the party that had ruled the country for several terms in the past wonders why to wait even until December 2025--the earliest tentative time the interim government headed by Chief Adviser has given in a timeline that, for unforeseen reasons, may extend up middle of next year.

"Actually conducting election is possible even before December 2025," he argues, as he sees time fleeting away for ridding the country of accumulating problems.

Mr. Chowdhury, who introduced the Central Depository Bangladesh Limited (CDBL) and founded the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) during BNP tenures, is widely regarded as one of the architects of modern capital-market infrastructure in the country. But he's now more focused on the future than the past.

One of his standout proposals is the deployment of "youth captains" under the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA)-a corps tasked with navigating foreign investors through bureaucratic thickets in the country.

"They'll act as single-window facilitators-permissions, certificates, everything streamlined. The investor watches progress, they don't chase files."

As regards the transition process underway, Chowdhury sees economic reform and democratic restoration as two sides of the same coin.

"We're talking about democratisation of the economy-for the sake of the economy. Right now, it's been hollowed out by systematic siphoning."

To substantiate his view he cites data from Bangladesh Bank Governor and former IMF official Dr Ahsan H. Mansur, who recently alleged that over $17 billion was siphoned off during the ousted Awami League (AL) tenure through over-invoicing and insider lending.

"Many banks are now empty," he says bluntly. "Policies have been abused. It's time to fix the foundation."

High levels of non-performing loans (NPLs) in the country's 61 banks are a symptom of deeper rot, he argues.

The BNP leader thinks to cure the NPLs there is need for homegrown strategies, not adopting best practices.

"It's not just about adopting best practices. For genuine defaulters, we'll offer nurturing. For willful defaulters, we'll go hard. We must protect depositors and stabilise the financial system."

He mentions that when BNP left office in 2007, GDP growth was 7.06 per cent. "Had that trend continued, we would be in double digits -10-11 per cent-- now."

Investment should have been higher, employment too. Poverty levels would have been far lower had that trend continued.

He deplores that the post-2007 economic trajectory was largely derailed by corruption, politicisation of institutions, and money laundering.

"Under BNP, banks were stable, macro-indicators strong, and investor confidence intact. That changed under AL regime, where a handful of families captured the banking sector with their ill-motives."

Mr. Chowdhury hints at sweeping reforms in the banking sector under a future BNP government.

"There'll be big changes in our banking policies. Why are NPLs so high? Simple-politicisation and looting. We'll break that cycle."

While a proposed Banking Commission has sparked debates, Mr. Chowdhury downplays this. "There have been many commissions before. What matters is political commitment to clean up the sector and enforce governance."

He stresses that regulatory institutions must function independently and professionally.

Claiming that they never politicised regulators while in power, he says, "Some were so autonomous, even we couldn't interfere. That's the standard we'll return to."

Despite having been more than 16 years out of power, the former commerce minister still draws on BNP's landmark achievements-socioeconomic landscape-not out of nostalgia but as a foundation.

"People forget," he says, "Bangladesh was once called an emerging tiger. We laid the groundwork."

At this point of talk, focus turns on the present-day catchphrase Gen Z. Anticipating a question I hadn't yet asked, he shifts the conversation towards demographics. Generation Z, he says, is at the heart of BNP strategy.

He asserts that there is no alternative to investment if to eradicate poverty and create employment opportunities. "We are fortunate to have a demographic dividend as many, including Sri Lanka, haven't , and we must tap into this potential by increasing investment."

The BNP heavyweight stresses investing heavily in skill development for economic advances. "We have comprehensive policies in place for skilling, re-skilling, and harnessing the demographic dividend," he continues during the nearly hour-long interview with this correspondent.

"Time is slipping away, and we must act now."

He says the BNP plans to allocate 5.0 per cent of GDP each for education and healthcare to develop human resources.

"Once people are equipped with skills, there is immense promise in many sectors, especially in the ICT sector, for our youth," he says.

"Opportunities are emerging in data centres, call centres, and startups, and our young population can lead the way."

The BNP leader notes that election mood already prevails. During the recent Eid vacation, "the mood for elections was palpable even in remote areas".

He mentions that although BNP has not yet officially announced nominations, many parties have already declared names of candidates to run in the next elections. "So, yes, there is definitely an election atmosphere."

Turning to new political parties and the National Citizen Party (NCP) born during the interregnum, he welcomes the development on the political front.

"Over the last 16 years, we have been fighting to restore democratic order, which was dismantled by the Sheikh Hasina-led government," he says, adding that democracy means respecting others. The formation of new parties is a civil right.

"We must change our political culture. A political rival should not be treated as an enemy. Tolerance is the essence of democracy. Even if we differ in opinion, we must maintain a level of tolerance," he stresses.

"There may be more parties, and everyone should be free to go to the people and seek their votes. At the end of the day, it is the people who will decide who governs the country."

He makes it clear that the people hold the supreme right to choose their leaders. "For that, we need a level playing field and neutral and credible elections which were denied by the overthrown Sk Hasina government in at least past three consecutive elections."​