Tarique courts business leaders with pledge of transparency and reform

He discusses trade, economy, unemployment and the investment climate with top business leaders

The BNP has sought to reassure the business community of its economic intentions, with Tarique Rahman pledging a “transparent and business-supportive environment” if the party returns to power.

The acting party chief met with leading entrepreneurs late on Sunday at the BNP chairperson’s office in Gulshan, holding a wide-ranging, closed-door discussion that lasted more than two hours, according to party officials.

Participants said the talks focused on persistent weaknesses in trade and investment, rising unemployment, fragile law and order, and long-standing structural problems in the economy, including declining private investment and stress in the capital market.

Tarique, who has lived in London since 2008, acknowledged what he described as “daunting” challenges facing the private sector and argued that restoring confidence would require predictable policymaking, institutional reform and closer engagement between government and business.

Bangladesh Chamber of Industries president Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez said Tarique indicated the BNP would work with business leaders to revisit economic policies if elected, while recognising that reforms would have to be phased.

“Some issues may be addressed quickly, others will take more time,” Parvez said after the meeting.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, a former commerce minister, said business representatives highlighted falling investment, limited job creation and chronic inefficiencies in financial markets as major concerns.

The meeting comes as the BNP seeks to position itself as a credible alternative government ahead of the next general election, at a time when investor confidence has been shaken by economic headwinds and political uncertainty.

Party officials said further consultations with sectoral groups were planned.