BNP to ensure equal economic opportunity for all: Khasru

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has stressed the need to democratise Bangladesh's economy to ensure equal opportunity for all citizens to participate in economic and development activities, reports UNB.

"Democracy should not be confined to politics alone. We have to democratise the economy as well, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of their background, has a stake in the country's economis affairs," 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 in the capital on Wednesday.

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.