Let the people decide: Amir Khasru

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said, “Two or three parties, including the Consensus Commission, are conspiring to force their opinions on the BNP and the people. We must avoid that conspiracy and hold elections by February. Let the people decide.”

He said this while speaking as the chief guest at the Rajshahi Divisional Business Conference at the city’s Zilla Parishad auditorium on Saturday afternoon.

Amir Khasru said, “The parties that want to fulfill their demands must go to the people, take the people’s opinions, and take the people’s mandate. No one’s opinions should be imposed on the people.”

He said, “All businessmen must also speak out against those who want to damage, delay, or question the elections.”

Amir Khasru also said, “A consensus has been reached, a signature has been made. Going beyond this, new demands are now being raised. The consensus commission is trying to impose its own opinion on us and the people. But their job is not to give opinions. Now go back to where you came from. Let the people decide.''

He also said, "It is not enough to establish political democracy, it is also important to democratize the economy. Democratizing the economy means that economic decision-making and ownership should not be in the hands of a handful of people but should be spread to the people, workers, consumers, suppliers and the wider community. In this, the common people can also be partners in development."

He said, "Democracy means facing the questions of the people, not implementing the agenda of a political party. In the past, the Awami League government wanted to implement its own agenda by oppressing the people, but the people responded to it. If the BNP comes to power, it will not waste people's money in the name of mega projects."

The BNP leader said, "The economic model of the past did not work for the common people, but protected the interests of a group. If the BNP comes to power, it will introduce an 'economy for all' so that everyone gets the benefits of development."

Criticizing the current economic situation, the former commerce minister said, “The country’s business and trade situation is very bad now. Businessmen have lost interest in investing.”

Quoting businessmen, he also said, “Why February, if possible, hold elections now – at least set us free.”

The meeting was presided over by former FBCCI director and former president of Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Md. Lutfar Rahman. BNP Chairperson’s advisor and former mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation Mizanur Rahman Minu was the special guest.

Rajshahi Chamber Senior Vice President Sultan Mahmud Sumon, Natore Chamber President Abdul Mannan, Naogaon Chamber Former President Alhaj Jahangir Hossain, Joypurhat Chamber Former President Aminul Bari, Hili Port Import-Export Group President Ferdous Haque, and Sonamasjid Land Port Group President Alhaj Ekramul Haque also spoke at the meeting.