BNP senior leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday said that investment, business activities and even personal and family decisions have largely come to a halt across the country as people await the upcoming national election.
He made the remarks while addressing the launch of a book titled Visionary Recommendations for Building an Advanced Nation of the Future at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU).

The event was organised by the book’s author and publisher, Dr. Mohammad Faiz Uddin MBE, a former senior official in the UK public service and local government.

“People are now looking for a way out of the current situation through the election,” said Khasru. “All major decisions; whether related to investment, business or family matters, are being postponed. Everyone is saying, ‘Let the election take place first, then we’ll decide.’ Everything is on pause.”

Khasru, a member of BNP Standing Committee, alleged that certain groups are attempting to delay the national polls despite the public’s strong desire to vote.

“Those working to delay the election are in fact opposing democracy. Can we really believe they uphold democratic values?” he asked.
On the issue of the proposed referendum, the BNP leader said, “The current interim government took oath under the existing Constitution, which does not permit a referendum before or on election day. Still, BNP has agreed, out of political tolerance, to consider holding a referendum on election day for the sake of harmony and mutual respect.”

He added that the party’s willingness to consider the proposal reflected its political flexibility and its desire to prevent instability.
Khasru said BNP has already completed extensive groundwork for reforms in key sectors; including administration, policing and governance, so that if the party is elected, it can start implementing its plans immediately.

“In Bangladesh, new governments often take months or even years to start making decisions. This time, we are preparing in advance so that, if Allah gives us the chance to serve, we can act from day one,” he said.

He noted that people’s expectations are high and their patience is wearing thin after years of misrule.

“Citizens expect quick solutions once this regime ends. To meet these expectations, we must be ready from now so that people do not lose faith,” he added.

Referring to BNP’s long-standing advocacy for a bicameral legislature, Khasru said the idea was first presented in the party’s Vision 2030 document and later reaffirmed by Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in the party’s 31-point reform plan.
“Many are now discussing a bicameral system as if it’s something new. But BNP proposed it years ago; others are only now beginning to see its value,” he said.

Khasru also criticised attempts by certain quarters to impose their views under the pretext of forming consensus.
True democracy means respecting differences and reaching decisions through the people’s mandate, not by forcing others to accept one’s ideas,” he said. “The future of the nation must be decided by its people, not by a small group sitting in Dhaka.”