Businesses will depend on how the elections go: BCI president 

The nature of the upcoming national election slated for 12 February 2026 will determine the future of the country’s business and investment climate, said Anwar-ul Alam Parvez, president of the Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI).

In an immediate reaction to CEC AMM Nasir Uddin’s televised announcement, Parvez told The Business Standard in the evening that even though the election schedule has been announced, many people remain uncertain about whether the election will actually take place. 

According to him, the public wants a peaceful election and hopes that a stable government will help restore political and economic stability.

However, he noted that the attitude of the law enforcement agencies responsible for conducting the election has created further doubt among citizens regarding the likelihood of the election being held.

Parvez stated that post-election business and investment conditions will depend entirely on how the election is conducted. 

A credible election, he said, will create a favourable environment for businesses. After the polls, businesspeople are expected to observe the situation for five to six months before making investment decisions.

He added that the current concerns among businesspeople are likely to ease once the election is over, giving them some relief. 

Overall, he said, the pace of business, investment, and the economy after the election will depend on how acceptable the election is and the level of political stability ensured afterward.