BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has pledged that, if the party comes to power, it will ensure that key regulatory bodies, such as Bangladesh Bank and the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), remain free from political appointments.
Speaking at a workshop organised by the Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) and the Dhaka Stock Exchange Brokerage Association (DBA) on July 13, 2025, Khosru criticised the negative impact of political interference in these institutions under the current Awami League government.
He pointed out that during BNP’s previous tenures, political appointments were avoided, which contributed to the stability of the financial system.
The event, held at the ERF office in Paltan, also included insights from Dhaka Stock Exchange Chairman Mominul Islam, Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) Chairman AKM. Habibur Rahman, DBA President Saiful Islam, DSE Director Minhaj Mannan, and Capital Market Journalists Forum (CMJF) President Golam Samdani Bhuiyan, with ERF President Daulat Akhtar chairing the session.
Khosru elaborated on BNP’s commitment to empowering the private sector by devolving certain government functions.
Drawing from his time as commerce minister, he highlighted his decision to delegate the approval process for raw material imports in the garment industry to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), which streamlined procedures and reduced delays.
Khosru also emphasised the importance of economic democracy, arguing that real progress in the economy can only be achieved through inclusive and participatory processes.
“You cannot democratise politics while leaving the economy undemocratic,” he said, stressing that democratic control over the economy is key to building trust and encouraging broader participation.
Khosru also addressed corruption within the capital market, noting that it had rendered the stock market “irrelevant.”
“The vicious cycle in the market will turn into a virtuous cycle if BNP assumes power,” he stated.
He called for comprehensive reforms within the BSEC, DSE, Bangladesh Bank, and other institutions to restore investor confidence and hold companies accountable for poor performance.
Concluding his speech, Khosru stressed that if BNP forms the next government, revitalising the stock market will be a priority. “True progress in the stock market can only be achieved through comprehensive control and leadership,” he stated.