17 political parties attend BIDA meeting on investment, BNP did not attend

The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) recently held a consultation meeting with political parties to discuss improvements to the country's investment climate.

The meeting took place on Tuesday at BIDA's office in Agargaon, Dhaka, and was chaired by BIDA's Executive Chairman, Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud bin Harun (Ashiq Chowdhury).

Out of 19 political parties invited, 17 attended the meeting. Notably absent were the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP).

According to BIDA sources, BNP's Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury was invited but did not attend.

In response, he stated that the current investment climate is not the responsibility of the interim government and emphasised the need for a clear election date to allow investors to prepare accordingly, as per local media.

Representatives from various political parties shared their perspectives during the meeting.

MM Akash, a central committee member of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), highlighted the importance of political continuity for investment growth, noting that investors seek stability.

AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, welcomed recent reforms by the interim government but acknowledged ongoing challenges. Nasiruddin Patwari of the National Citizens' Party (NCP) stressed the need to prioritise youth employment and environmental considerations in investment initiatives.

Zonayed Saki, Chief Coordinator of the Ganosamhati Andolon, pointed out persistent issues such as bureaucratic harassment and difficulties in obtaining bank loans, which hinder investment. Syed Ishaq Muhammad Abul Khair of the Islami Andolon Bangladesh criticised the complex registration process for starting a business, which often involves multiple agencies and unofficial payments.

Several parties, including the CPB, advised that foreign investments should not compromise national interests. Nasrin Sultana, Joint General Secretary of the Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), proposed the creation of an economic charter based on consensus among all political parties.

In his opening remarks, BIDA's Executive Chairman Ashiq Chowdhury emphasised that investment and employment are matters of national interest, transcending party politics. He acknowledged existing challenges in the investment sector and outlined ongoing and planned reforms aimed at creating a more conducive environment for investors. Chowdhury also mentioned that discussions with foreign companies are being conducted with national security considerations in mind.

The meeting underscored the importance of political stability and clear governance for fostering a favourable investment climate in Bangladesh.