Business leaders urge poll on time amid referendum uncertainty
Staff Reporter :
Top business leaders have voiced serious concern over increasing uncertainty surrounding the timing of the referendum on the July Charter, as key political parties remain at odds over when it should be held.
The impasse, they warned, could deepen economic risks and undermine investor confidence.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) President Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez and Bangladesh Employers’ Federation President Fazle Shamim Ehsan said the business community is alarmed by growing political tensions.
The BNP has rejected the Consensus Commission’s recommendations on the July Charter, calling it divisive and reiterating its demand that the referendum take place on the same day as the national election.
In contrast, Jamaat-e-Islami has insisted the referendum must be completed by November—even if the national election needs to be deferred—while the NCP has also demanded a pre-election referendum.
Business leaders cautioned that any political disruption could slow investment, delay job creation, and damage the economic outlook.
They urged the authorities to hold the national election in February as scheduled and to resolve referendum-related disputes without delay.
“Businesspeople are waiting for an elected government,” Parvez said. “Any delay in the election will further weaken business confidence, affecting investment, employment, and overall economic momentum.”
Echoing this, Ehsan said those attempting to stall the electoral process “are acting against the interests of the economy and the nation.”
He noted that the economy is already facing pressure, with stagnant investment, limited job growth, and rising international travel restrictions.
“If an elected government is not formed promptly, the situation will deteriorate further,” he warned.