BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that it is the responsibility of politicians themselves to build public trust, acknowledging that people currently lack confidence in political leaders.
While speaking at a seminar titled "National Election 2026 and Citizens' Expectations" held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Agargaon, Dhaka, he made the remarks on Tuesday.
Amir Khasru said public distrust in politicians is a reality that must be addressed honestly. "People do not seem to trust politicians. This is the truth," he said, adding that initiatives have already been taken to confront this challenge.
Referring to a series of seminars organized by BNP, he said the party has introduced extended question-and-answer sessions to ensure accountability. "Previously, we would deliver speeches and leave. We never knew what people were thinking or whether they accepted our views. That is why we are now keeping at least one hour for open Q&A in every discussion-to ensure accountability of politicians," he explained.
Emphasizing the importance of democracy, Amir Khasru said restoring people's ownership of the state requires rebuilding the country on democratic foundations, where civil society must play a crucial role. "Civil society must be allowed not only to function but also to be facilitated," he said.
He further noted that no political party can solve national problems alone, whether in government or in opposition. Effective delivery and implementation, he said, require partnerships.
"As a party policy, if we form the government in the future, we will maintain partnerships involving civil society, the private sector, NGOs, the health and education sectors, and employment-related institutions," he said, adding that national challenges must be addressed and implemented collectively.
Citizen's Platform for SDG Implementation, Bangladesh organized the seminar.
CPD Distinguished Fellows Professors Rounaq Jahan and Debapriya Bhattacharya, Gono Forum President Subrata Chowdhury, Community Party (CPB) General Secretary Abdullah Al Kafi Ratan, Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju, politician Dr Tasneem Jara, Jamaat-e-Islami central executive member Saiful Alam Khan Milon and several other political and civil society representatives also spoke.
