Special Correspondent, Dhaka:
Bangladesh’s ambition to become a trillion-dollar economy will depend not only on political stability but also on the strength and inclusiveness of its democratic institutions, Danish Ambassador Christian Brix Møller said on Monday, highlighting the link between political governance and long-term investor confidence.
His remarks point to a central challenge for the BNP government: maintaining stability while building a political system that gives opposition parties a meaningful role in governance and ensures continuity in policymaking.
Speaking at the launch of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association’s (BGMEA) environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dashboard at its Uttara office in Dhaka, the Danish envoy stressed the need to implement the July Charter and establish a well-functioning parliamentary democracy.
He urged the government to seize the current “constitutional moment” to build an inclusive democratic system, arguing that a stable government alone would not be sufficient to secure the confidence of foreign investors.
For businesses considering long-term investments, political predictability extends beyond the tenure of a particular administration. The credibility of institutions, the scope for political participation, and the consistency of economic policies can influence investment decisions, particularly in sectors requiring substantial capital and long-term commitments.
Brix Møller made his remarks against the backdrop of Bangladesh’s political transition following the 2024 uprising and the end of the Awami League’s 15-year rule. He said the country needed to reconcile, heal, and strengthen its democratic institutions following what he described as atrocities under the previous government, while acknowledging that national healing would take time.
The ambassador also said foreign partners did not intend to prescribe how Bangladesh should address its past, leaving the country to determine its own path towards reconciliation and inclusive democracy.
He cautioned against allowing immediate pressures, including the energy crisis and international tensions, to overshadow the implementation of the July Charter.
“We have an energy crisis and lots of other imminent challenges, but don’t forget the July Charter and the uprising in 2024,” he said.
The challenge for Bangladesh is to translate the political momentum generated by the uprising into durable institutional reforms while addressing urgent economic constraints. Failure to balance these priorities could complicate efforts to attract investment and sustain growth.
Brix Møller expressed optimism that Bangladesh would overcome its current difficulties, drawing on the country’s record of confronting major challenges. His remarks underscored the importance of aligning democratic consolidation with economic ambitions as Bangladesh seeks a stronger position in the global investment landscape.
