BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury today spoke at a policy dialogue at Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Nov 8, 2025 (BSS) - BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury today said no new political issues should be created outside the consensus reached through long discussions among political parties.

"Differences of opinion within political parties or alliances are natural, but no one should create new issues beyond the consensus that has already been achieved. Everyone has a responsibility to implement what has been agreed upon," Khasru said.

He made the remarks while speaking at a policy dialogue organized by TRACE Consulting on how political parties can use technology to better reflect citizens' aspirations in their election manifestos at Hotel InterContinental in the capital this noon.

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General A.H.M. Hamidur Rahman Azad, Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque, TRACE CEO Fuad M Khalid Hossain, President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) Mohammad Hatem and DUCSU Vice President Shadik Kayem, among others, addressed the programme.

Amir Khasru said democratic behaviour means respecting others' opinions. "Due to Sheikh Hasina's prolonged autocratic rule, a kind of authoritarian mindset has developed in national politics, which must be abandoned," he said.

Khasru emphasized that the people of Bangladesh no longer want confrontational politics. 

"Stability and mutual respect are now the nation's foremost needs. Any attempt to delay or obstruct the upcoming national election would go against public expectations," he added.

Highlighting BNP's historic role in national reform, he said, "BNP has been torch-bearer of Bangladesh's political and economic reforms-from introducing multi-party democracy in place of one-party rule to establishing a parliamentary system and a free-market economy. The party will continue to uphold the principles of democracy, economic reform and private sector growth."

Commenting on the current interim government, Khasru said it took oath under the existing constitution, which does not include any provision for a referendum.

"If a referendum is to be held, it must be passed by the future elected parliament. Forcing anything outside the consensus from Dhaka would not be consistent with the constitution or democratic norms. The will of the people must be the ultimate basis of any decision," he said.

Regarding BNP's upcoming election manifesto, Khasru said the party's main focus will be on employment generation, particularly for youth. 

"BNP aims to create 10 million jobs within 18 months, with implementation plans already prepared. Employment will be generated through skill development in agriculture, manufacturing, service and IT sectors," he said.

He added that BNP plans to introduce digital administration to reduce direct visits to government offices and curb corruption. "All government permits and licenses will be issued online, and some administrative services may be outsourced to the private sector if necessary," he said.

Professor Dr. Shahab Enam Khan of Jahangirnagar University's International Relations Department conducted the panel discussion. 

Diplomats, election experts, civil society members and representatives from major political parties were present.