Fair election to shape confidence, economic momentum Business leaders say

Staff Reporter :

With the national polls set for 12 February 2026, business and industry bodies are watching closely, warning that free and fair election will shape confidence, capital flows, and economic momentum in the months that follow.

Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) President Anwar-ul-Alam Parvez told the media that the business community is now in a wait-and-see mode.

Reacting to Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin’s announcement of the schedule, he cautioned that uncertainty remains over whether the polls will actually take place.
“People want a peaceful election and a stable government that can restore political and economic stability,” he said.

What worries many, he added, is the behaviour of law enforcement agencies tasked with running the polls – something that has only deepened doubts among citizens.
According to Parvez, the post-election business climate “will depend entirely on how the election is conducted”.

A credible process could rebuild trust and create a favourable environment for companies to plan ahead. Even then, he expects businesspeople to monitor the situation for five to six months before making major investment decisions. Once the polls are over, he believes anxiety in the private sector will start to ease.

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Taskeen Ahmed echoed a similar outlook. He said the announcement of the election date has at least removed immediate uncertainty by providing a political roadmap. But that alone won’t restore confidence.
“What this really means is that investor sentiment now hinges on peaceful maintenance of law and order throughout the election period,” he said.
Taskeen stressed that the administration must keep industrial zones secure and ensure that essential services – banking, customs, ports – run without political disruption.
He argued that a credible election gives legitimacy to the next government, which is crucial for long-term stability, foreign investment, and predictable economic policy.
Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) President Mohammad Hatem welcomed the clarity after weeks of speculation.
He said foreign buyers and investors have repeatedly told local businesses that the election must take place before they can make commitments.
Hatem noted that attempts to engage the current government on policy matters have largely stalled.
“A democratically elected government can take decisions more effectively, considering the socio-economic context,” he said.
With investment and economic activity stagnant, he believes an elected administration would be able to move swiftly on measures to revive growth, support industry, and expand jobs.
He also raised concerns over Bangladesh’s upcoming LDC graduation. The absence of clear policy direction, he said, is holding back preparation.
He urged political parties to offer short, medium and long term plans, saying the public deserves to know what each party aims to deliver in the first year and beyond.
Across the business community, the message is consistent: the election must be credible, peaceful and accepted by the public.