Former Commerce Minister vows to create one million jobs in 18 months if BNP comes to power, with top priority on IT and agro-export sectors.

Sylhet, June 28 – Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee member and former Commerce Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has stated that business must be separated from politics to ensure sustainable economic development. He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the Sylhet Business Dialogue, held on Saturday at the Jalalabad Gas Auditorium in Sylhet.

Addressing entrepreneurs and professionals from across the Sylhet region, Khasru outlined BNP’s economic vision if voted into power. One of the key promises: the creation of one million jobs within 18 months, primarily in the Information Technology (IT) sector.

“If BNP comes to power, we will focus on employment generation. At least one million jobs will be created within the first 18 months, and the IT sector will be our highest priority,” said Khasru.

He emphasized that young individuals with a minimum SSC qualification will be trained and employed in IT, helping bridge the country’s digital gap while tackling youth unemployment.

Khasru stressed the importance of insulating business from political interference, calling for a “fascist-free economic environment.”

“Business must be kept outside the influence of politics. We must free it from fascist control,” he said. “Once in office, the BNP government will begin working on economic reforms from day one—there will be no delay.”

He assured that investors in agriculture would receive full support, with BNP aiming to boost agro-product exports by providing policy backing and facilitating market access abroad.

Criticizing the current regime’s economic governance, Amir Khasru said Bangladesh has lost the creative momentum it once had in the economic domain.

“In the past 17 years, the creative spirit that once drove Bangladesh’s economy has been systematically destroyed. We cannot afford to continue politics in the same old way—people’s mindsets have evolved, and so must governance,” he said.

He reiterated the necessity of removing political oppression and cronyism from economic management, urging that business growth and entrepreneurship be driven by merit, innovation, and competitiveness.

The Sylhet Business Dialogue focused on regional economic challenges and future opportunities. It was chaired by Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, advisor to the BNP Chairperson, and jointly moderated by Barrister Riazad Azim, Vice-President of Sylhet City BNP, and Enamul Quddus Chowdhury, the city unit’s Treasurer.

Among the notable participants was S. M. Fazlul Hoque, former president of BGMEA, who joined as a special guest. Entrepreneurs and business leaders from various sectors in Sylhet Division actively took part in the discussions, reflecting the growing concerns among the business community regarding political instability and policy inconsistency.

Throughout the event, speakers emphasized the need for inclusive economic growth, better infrastructure, access to finance for SMEs, and a predictable policy environment that supports local enterprise and innovation.

Khasru concluded his speech with a call for collective responsibility in restoring the country’s economic vitality.

“This is not just about Sylhet or the BNP. It’s about Bangladesh’s future. We must reform how we govern, how we think, and how we work together—businesses, policymakers, and citizens alike,” he stated.

As national elections approach, the BNP’s messaging appears increasingly focused on economic reforms, job creation, and curbing authoritarian interference in business—an attempt to appeal to both young voters and the country’s vast entrepreneurial base.