Bangladesh is scheduled to hold its next parliamentary election by January 2024. While the opposition parties led by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) continue to demand the resignation of the government ahead of the election, the international community, especially the U.S. and the European Union reiterated their interest in a free, fair, and inclusive election. As the ruling party, Bangladesh Awami League (BAL) has been flexing its muscles as well to display its popularity by organising frequent public meetings in the capital Dhaka, and other cities. Leaders of the ruling party don’t hesitate to appear at any event where the audience is friendly.
On 15 July 2023, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI), the nation’s apex body of trade organisations, held a business conference. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina attended and addressed the conference. Amid political slogans, the FBCCI leaders collectively proclaimed their public support for the ruling party at the upcoming election.
Please click here to read the full “The dangerous ‘cocktail’ of politics and business in Bangladesh” article published in the Bangladesh Chronicle, written by Griffith Asia Institute member, Professor Reza Monem.
