Political Desk

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury today called on all political parties to refrain from creating new political issues beyond the consensus already reached through extensive dialogue among parties.

Speaking at a policy dialogue on “How Political Parties Can Use Technology to Reflect Citizens’ Aspirations in Election Manifestos,” organized by TRACE Consulting at the Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka this noon, Khasru stressed the importance of maintaining unity and respecting agreed positions.

“Differences of opinion within political parties or alliances are natural, but no one should create new issues beyond the consensus that has already been achieved. Everyone has a responsibility to implement what has been agreed upon,” he said.

He further noted that democratic practice requires respecting others’ viewpoints, adding, “Due to Sheikh Hasina’s prolonged autocratic rule, an authoritarian mindset has developed in national politics, which must be abandoned.”

Khasru emphasized that the people of Bangladesh no longer want confrontational politics, stating that “stability and mutual respect are now the nation’s foremost needs. Any attempt to delay or obstruct the upcoming national election would go against public expectations.”

Highlighting BNP’s historical role in national development, he said the party had been a driving force behind major reforms, including the introduction of multi-party democracy, establishment of a parliamentary system, and promotion of a free-market economy. “BNP will continue to uphold the principles of democracy, economic reform, and private sector growth,” he added.

Referring to the current interim government, Khasru pointed out that it took oath under the existing constitution, which does not provide for a referendum. “If a referendum is to be held, it must be passed by the future elected parliament. Forcing anything outside the consensus from Dhaka would not align with the constitution or democratic norms. The will of the people must be the ultimate basis of any decision,” he said.

Regarding BNP’s upcoming election manifesto, Khasru said the party’s main priority would be employment generation, especially for young people. “BNP aims to create 10 million jobs within 18 months, with specific implementation plans already in place. Employment will be generated through skill development in agriculture, manufacturing, services, and IT sectors,” he explained.

He also stated that BNP plans to introduce a digital administrative system to reduce citizens’ need to visit government offices and to curb corruption. “All government permits and licenses will be issued online, and some administrative services may be outsourced to the private sector if necessary,” Khasru said.

The discussion was moderated by Professor Dr. Shahab Enam Khan of Jahangirnagar University’s Department of International Relations.

Among others, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General A.H.M. Hamidur Rahman Azad, Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque, TRACE CEO Fuad M Khalid Hossain, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem, and DUCSU Vice President Shadik Kayem spoke at the event.

Diplomats, election experts, civil society representatives, and senior leaders of major political parties also attended the dialogue.