BNP Standing Committee Member Ameer Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury pledged 'a more liberalised and democratic economy' saying that if they are voted into power, they will ensure a level playing field for the business community.
Addressing a business delegation of British Bangladeshis on Tuesday, he also expressed his party's commitment to treating both domestic and foreign investors equally.
"We are doing our homework, and I have been talking to business communities across the board and trying to understand, get their feedback, their problems and the prospects. And I can assure you, as I said, the next economic environment will be very liberal," said the former commerce minister. "
And when I say serious liberalisation, I mean serious liberalisation and democratisation of the economy which means equal opportunity for all business people."
He said that the previous 15 year-rule of Awami League saw patronised and oligarchic economy which ruined the base that was created over the years as a free market economy.
"And the level playing field for everybody was somewhat distorted over the last few years, and that, of course, damaged some of the economic aspirations of the business community, investors at home and abroad.
"I'm happy to say that that is over, that is behind us. Let us put it down to experience. Don't carry the baggage of politics."
Mr Khosru emphasised the importance of extending bonded warehouse and back-to-back LC facilities, currently available to the textiles sector, to other industries as well.
Highlighting the significant role of diasporas in global economies, particularly the British and Bangladeshi diasporas in supporting Bangladesh's economic progress, Khosru urged them to invest more in the country.
He emphasised the importance of maintaining a high moral ground on issues like minority rights. He also stressed the need for investing in health and education to leverage Bangladesh's demographic dividend and ensure a skilled workforce crucial for the future economic growth.
He pointed out that misinformation is being spread against Bangladesh over the minorities issue.
"Smear campaign is being carried out against Bangladesh. We all know that we don't discriminate against religious caste and the people living in the hills. Everybody is treated equally," he told the British Bangladeshi business delegation.
He said Bangladesh is the country which will not tolerate oppression of the minority and people here will maintain their moral high ground come what may in the region or in the neighbourhood.
"Whatever has happened in the neighbourhood or in the region in terms of minority or religious repression, this is not going to happen in Bangladesh. This is the strength of Bangladesh and this is the asset of Bangladesh. So this is also good for business," he explained.
About the comfort zone, he said, "It is a comfort zone for all the investors-both local and foreign investors. "I can assure you in two areas. One is health, the other is education. On health, we have already committed to universal health care for all."
British MP of Bangladeshi origin Rupa Huq and UK Bangladesh Chamber Chairman Iqbal Ahmed also spoke at the event chaired by BTMA President Shawkat Aziz Russel.
