Staff Correspondent

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Thursday stressed the need for democratising the economy in Bangladesh to ensure that every citizen has an equal opportunity to take part in economic and development activities.

“Democracy should not be limited to politics alone. We have to democratise the economy as well, where every citizen, regardless of their background, has a stake in the country’s economy,” he said.

Khosru, a BNP Standing Committee member, made the remarks while speaking at a discussion organised by the Bangladesh Jano Odhikar Party at the Jatiya Press Club.

Highlighting BNP’s vision of economic democracy, he called for collective efforts to build an inclusive economy that benefits all citizens and helps create a brighter future for Bangladesh.

The BNP leader said economic democracy means creating a level playing field where all citizens—from rural artisans to educated professionals—can contribute to and benefit from the nation’s economic progress.

“We cannot run the economy by favouring a particular group. The economy must belong to everyone. From blacksmiths, weavers, and women to retired persons, everyone must have the opportunity to take part in economic activities,” the BNP leader said.

He said BNP is planning initiatives to involve people of all genders and social positions in economic activities, ensuring their skills and abilities are properly used. “Even those who have retired at 60 or 65 still have the ability to contribute. We are working on plans to engage them effectively.”

Khosru said increasing people’s participation in the economy will help improve their income and standard of living, which in turn will make them more responsible citizens.

He said when people earn more and their quality of life improves, they become aware of their rights and duties.

“They will pay taxes, and in return, they will demand accountability for how their tax money is spent. They will have the right to say, ‘This cannot be done with my tax money,’ or ‘My taxes must be used for the people of the country,” Khosru added.

Calling for unity among all political parties, Khosru said the focus should be on building a prosperous, democratic, and inclusive Bangladesh. “While every political party has its own agenda, we must find common ground when it comes to the country’s progress. Free thinking and open discussions must be encouraged to face the challenges ahead.”

He said the people of the country must come together to restore democracy and rebuild institutions so they serve the people, not the political interests of any party.

“We have to restore people’s ownership of the country. We have to break these barriers and I have one thing to say to Bangladesh... We have to build an inclusive Bangladesh with people from all walks of life. But that doesn’t mean all parties will hold the same ideals and thoughts. Democracy means every party has its own thoughts, philosophy, ideology, and future work plans,” the BNP leader said.