Foreign investment stalled in Bangladesh due to absence of political government: BNP leader Ershad Ullah

Foreign investment in Bangladesh remains stagnant due to the absence of an elected political government, alleged Chattogram Metropolitan BNP Convener Ershad Ullah.

He said several foreign investors recently visited Bangladesh but expressed reluctance to invest as the country lacks a government formed through democratic elections.

Urging swift national polls, he emphasised that power must be transferred to a political government without delay.

Ershad Ullah made these remarks during a discussion with journalists in Chattogram this afternoon (10 June) at the July Uprising Memorial Hall of Chattogram Press Club.

He further claimed that the BNP, being one of the country’s major political parties, has long been the target of smear campaigns during the Awami League regime.

“A cyber team will be formed under the initiative of Chattogram Metropolitan BNP to counter such propaganda and highlight BNP’s positive contributions,” he said. “We will make a decision on this matter soon in our party meeting.”

Speaking at the event, Chattogram Metropolitan BNP Member Secretary Nazimur Rahman alleged that BNP is being undermined by claims that the party alone is benefiting from the anti-discrimination movement. He criticised the portrayal of 5 August revolutionaries and accused the state of patronising a new political party formed by students.

“Freedom fighters fought for liberation in 1971; we have fought against authoritarianism. Though students led various movements, they did not run the state—politicians did. So why are students trying to run the state today?” he questioned.

“For the past 15 years, we have been struggling to establish people’s rights. The demand for voting rights must be realized through immediate elections,” he said.

During the meeting, several senior journalist leaders sharply criticised recent BNP statements regarding Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. They pointed out that following the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August 2024, BNP leaders have seen benefits, including the release of Chairperson Khaleda Zia and the dismissal of numerous politically motivated cases.

The journalists warned that spreading baseless claims could tarnish the party’s image. They also stressed the importance of maintaining strong relationships between political parties and the media.