Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said the party wants to bring a change in the country’s political culture.
“We want to reform the political culture. Businesses should not have to go to politicians; rather, politicians should go to the business community,” he said.
He made the remarks while addressing the divisional business conference as the chief guest at the Rajshahi District Council auditorium on Saturday.
Amir Khosru said, “We have completed all preparations before coming to power. We will not waste time. Decisions will come in sequence once we assume office. After Hasina’s fall, people’s mindset has changed, and their expectations are now sky-high.
“Politicians must work with that in mind.”
He said decisions on industrial and agricultural policies are often made in Dhaka, disconnected from those they affect.
“We want to move away from that practice. The party is visiting every division, listening to people, and trying to understand their views. We do not want to be questioned; rather, we want to face the people’s questions,” he said.
Amir Khosru said the entry of educated youth into agriculture is a sign of positive change. “Opportunities for them to use modern knowledge, technology, and skills must be expanded,” he said.
He added that the BNP has decided to provide free primary healthcare, create opportunities for skill development, and ensure employment. “We will democratise the economy so that every citizen gets equal opportunity,” he said.
He said cottage industries must be transformed into large-scale industries.
“There will be major allocations in the budget for blacksmiths, potters, and traditional craftsmen. We will ensure skill development, design support, and branding so that their products gain higher value. We want to follow Thailand’s ‘One Village, One Product’ model,” he said.
Amir Khosru said deregulation will be introduced to reduce bureaucratic control.
“The fewer offices people have to visit, the less corruption there will be. We want to empower citizens by reducing government control. In the next 18 months, one crore jobs will be created across various sectors, including call centres and data centres,” he said.
He added that development must move beyond Dhaka-centric growth. “We will focus on regional empowerment. Development will continue, but there will be no waste in the name of mega projects. Every citizen must be engaged in economic activities,” he said.
He further said, “We must reform the political culture. There is now an attempt to impose a single opinion on the people. Even after the signing of the National Consensus Commission’s agreement, new demands are being raised.
“The commission’s responsibility is not to impose opinions but to preserve national consensus.”
The event was attended by BNP Chairperson’s Adviser and former Rajshahi Mayor Mizanur Rahman Minu, former president of the Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Lutfar Rahman, and business leaders from across the division.
