BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has blamed the absence of good governance and rising lawlessness for leaving Bangladesh’s economy exposed to external shocks, including the new tariff measures imposed by US President Donald Trump.
Speaking at the launch and discussion of Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman’s book Economy, Governance and Power: Portraits of Everyday Life at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka on Saturday, Fakhrul said that the lack of reforms and accountability had worsened the situation.
“There is no sign of improvement in governance. A businessman who used to pay Tk 300,000 in extortion is now paying Tk 500,000. Nothing has changed in the police or the administration,” Fakhrul said, alleging that corruption and arbitrary practices have become entrenched.
The event was presided over by Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, with Chief Adviser on Economic Affairs Dr Salehuddin Ahmed attending as chief guest.
Fakhrul stressed that democratic practices and accountability must be restored to ensure public welfare and economic stability. “Reforms cannot happen overnight, but there should be no delay in moving towards a democratic process. People’s representatives must be sent to parliament through fair means to undertake these reforms,” he added.
Earlier this month, President Trump imposed a 35 percent tariff on Bangladeshi exports to the US, including garments, which account for more than 80 percent of the country’s export earnings. Trade analysts have warned that such measures could sharply weaken Bangladesh’s competitive advantage, especially as governance failures further erode investor and market confidence.