Tech-Driven Transformation: BNP Leader Amir Khasru Outlines Business Reforms in Faridpur
Stressing the growing importance of a robust internet ecosystem, BNP Standing Committee member and former Commerce Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said that no country can advance to the “next level” without technology and artificial intelligence.
“We have extensive programmes focused on technology, and we have brought them near completion. Without technology… I have said that call centres will be established in villages, where young men and women will work. There will be data centres. Young people will pursue online trading. There are many IT-related businesses. All of these can be done from home. One can work from Faridpur—there will be no need to go to Dhaka. We have large-scale investment plans in IT. We will not undertake mega projects. Our investments will be in this sector,” he said.
He made the remarks on Saturday, 15 November, while addressing a views-exchange meeting with business leaders of the BNP’s Faridpur organisational division at the Faridpur Sadar Upazila Auditorium. The meeting was chaired by Shama Obaid, Central Organising Secretary of the BNP and Coordinator of the Faridpur Division Business Forum. Top business representatives from five districts—Faridpur, Madaripur, Gopalganj, Shariatpur and Rajbari—attended the event.
Amir Khasru emphasised that corruption grows wherever excessive control exists. To minimise corruption and ease business operations, he stressed the need to reduce the number of required certificates, create a conducive business environment, and build a stronger capital market.
“No business can function with 15 percent interest rates. Interest must be brought down to a tolerable level. Controls must be reduced. Business should be left in the hands of businesspeople,” he said.
In response to questions from business leaders, he noted that the previous government established a patronage-based economy that benefited only a few.
“There was no democracy in the economy; there was no level playing field. Many businesspeople suffered because of this. We will identify the root causes of these crises and work toward solutions,” he said.
Explaining the purpose of incorporating a question-answer session into the meeting, he stated:
“After the fascist regime fled, there has been a transformation in people’s mindset. If we fail to understand this change, there is no future in politics. That is why we added this Q&A session. Through this, we are giving a job interview, and you are the ones who will hire us—this is the objective of this arrangement.”
He further noted that the BNP is moving away from traditional political practices.
“Politicians previously expected businesspeople and the public to come to them. But we want to move beyond that. Therefore, we have organised these divisional meetings with business leaders across different cities. We are going to the root level to understand the needs and expectations of businesspeople.”
If the BNP comes to power, Amir Khasru said, the party will create employment for 10 million people within a year and a half.
He added, “Currently, opening a restaurant requires 19 certificates and takes one to one-and-a-half years. We will take steps to ensure that government permissions can be obtained within 10 to 15 days.”
Speakers at the event included former BGMEA President S. M. Fazlul Hoque; Chairman of Karim Group Jahangir Mia; BS Jute Mills proprietor Zahirul Haque Shahjada Mia; University of Dhaka BBA Faculty Professor and economist Rashed Al Mahmud; former President of Faridpur Chamber of Commerce Awlad Hossain; President of Madaripur Chamber Lokman Hossain; President of Rajbari Chamber Inamul Karim; Vice-President of Shariatpur Chamber Alaudin Al Azad; Chairman of Mamun Group Shahin Shahabuddin; Chairman of Faridpur Jute Industries Chowdhury Fariyan Yusuf; and Acting President of Faridpur Chak Bazar Traders’ Association A. K. M. Kibria, among others.
