Business leaders’ hopeful positive environment as BNP stresses on law and order
Business Report :
Business leaders have expressed hope for getting business and investment friendly environment as the BNP, the winner of the 13thh national election vows for re-establishing law and order.
They found it as a move widely seen essential for restoring confidence in the private sector. On the eve of the closely watched national election, a prominent business leader captured the prevailing sentiment succinctly: ensure stability first so that companies can step out of uncertainty and operate without fear of disorder.
His comment echoed a broader concern within corporate circles, where months of unpredictability, sporadic unrest, and weakening authority had left many investors hesitant, with some shelving expansion plans altogether.
On election day, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman reaffirmed that restoring law and order would be his foremost priority. For business leaders, that assurance was significant. Following the BNP’s victory, cautious optimism has begun to re-emerge, with entrepreneurs anticipating a more stable and business-oriented policy climate.
AKM Shaheed Reza, chairman of Reza Group-an exporter of garments to Europe, Turkey, and the United States-said the outcome sends a reassuring signal. He noted that the win of a liberal, centrist force like the BNP, rather than hardline Islamist groups, conveys a positive message to both domestic businesses and international partners.
Anwar-Ul Alam Chowdhury (Parvez), president of the Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI), said the private sector feels largely reassured. He observed that a flawed election could have destabilised the government within a short period, whereas a credible mandate increases the likelihood of completing a full term.
Looking ahead, industry stakeholders are calling for streamlined processes across sectors to boost efficiency, shorten lead times, and make better use of resources. Amirul Haque, managing director of Seacom Group and president of both the Bangladesh Cement Manufacturers Association and the LPG Operators of Bangladesh, stressed that rebuilding investor confidence must be central to the new administration’s agenda. He pointed out that fresh investment is vital for job creation and economic growth, noting that the interim government had struggled to attract new capital over the past eighteen months.
He further urged continuous engagement between policymakers and stakeholders, along with the creation of a fast-track mechanism to process investment proposals. Clear, transparent, and accountable policies-combined with consistency and institutional integrity-would strengthen entrepreneurial confidence, he said. Once trust is restored, businesses are more likely to expand operations, invest further, generate employment, and increase revenue collection.
Khairul Alam Sujan, former vice president of the Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association, remarked that deteriorating law and order in recent months had discouraged new investments. Emphasising that stability is the foundation of commercial activity, he called for immediate action to curb extortion and ensure good governance. A corruption-free administration, he added, is critical to revitalising the economy.
In the election results, the BNP and its allies achieved a decisive majority, securing 212 of 297 seats-well above the threshold required to form a government. Meanwhile, the alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami won 77 seats, falling short of the 151 needed for a majority.