BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has stated that restoring public trust in politicians is the responsibility of politicians themselves, acknowledging a growing credibility gap between political leaders and citizens in Bangladesh.
BSpeaking at a seminar titled 'National Election 2026 and Citizens’ Expectations' at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon on Tuesday, Amir Khasru said public distrust of politicians is a reality that cannot be ignored. He said political leaders must take concrete initiatives to address this lack of confidence through openness and accountability.
He noted that the BNP has begun organizing a series of seminars focused on such issues, ensuring extended question-and-answer sessions to promote accountability.
Traditionally, he said, politicians deliver speeches and leave without understanding public concerns. To change that culture, the party now allocates at least one hour in each discussion for direct interaction so that politicians remain answerable to citizens.
Amir Khasru stressed that rebuilding democracy and returning ownership of the state to the people requires a strong role for civil society. He said civil society must not only be allowed to function freely but also be actively facilitated to contribute to national development.
He further said no government or opposition party can solve complex national problems alone. Effective delivery and implementation, he added, require partnerships involving multiple stakeholders.
The BNP policymaker said the party has decided that if it comes to power in the future, it will govern through partnerships that include civil society, the private sector, NGOs, as well as the health, education and employment sectors, in line with its policy framework. He said future challenges must be addressed and implemented collectively.
The seminar, organized by Citizen Platform for SDGs Bangladesh, was attended by prominent figures including CPD fellows Professor Rounaq Jahan and Debapriya Bhattacharya, politician Dr Tasneem Zara, Bangladesh Community Party general secretary Abdullah Al Kafi Ratan, Amar Bangladesh Party chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju, Jamaat-e-Islami central executive council member Saiful Alam Khan Milon, Gono Forum president Subrata Chowdhury, among others.
