BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that the announcement of an upcoming election has helped restore investor confidence, easing uncertainty and encouraging both local and foreign entrepreneurs to prepare for new investments in Bangladesh.

Speaking at a session titled “Bangladesh’s Economic Context: Growth and Potential” at Foreign Investors Summit 2025 in Dhaka on Wednesday, Khosru highlighted the positive momentum in investor sentiment. The summit was organized by BRAC EPL Stock Brokerage Limited.

“The news of an election has not only reassured domestic investors but has also resonated with international stakeholders,” Khosru said, pointing to the presence of a large Japanese delegation at the summit as a strong signal of renewed global interest.

He emphasized that sustainable economic growth requires increased investment and a robust capital market. “Loans or printing money can’t drive long-term economic progress,” he said. “Only investment can.”

Khosru further stressed the need for product branding, technical and financial support for businesses and direct access to global markets as critical components for economic advancement.

During the summit’s opening session, Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Finance, remarked that Bangladesh has defied expectations in the wake of recent political changes.

“While many countries face economic turbulence after a change in government, Bangladesh stands out,” he said. “Despite a mass uprising and a transition in leadership, our GDP remains stable, and inflation has decreased — a miraculous achievement.”

Chowdhury also pointed to the recent recovery of the stock market as an indicator of stability and investor trust. He noted that Bangladesh was ranked third among Asian nations for stock market performance last month — a significant turnaround for a market once marred by malpractice.

He affirmed that the interim government is committed to building a strong, transparent and investor-friendly capital market, encouraging both domestic and foreign investors to consider long-term opportunities in Bangladesh.

The panel discussion also featured insights from M Masrur Reaz, Chairman of Policy Exchange Bangladesh; Md. Saifuddin, CFA, Commissioner of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC); Takao Hirose, Managing Director of Contextual Investment LLC and Ruchir Desai, CFA, Fund Manager at Asia Frontier Investment Limited.

The summit brought together investors, business leaders, capital market experts, and policymakers from around the world to explore Bangladesh’s economic potential in a changing political landscape.