TDS Desk:

The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) has called for holding national election soon, stressing that a stable political environment is crucial for economic and investment growth.

“The sooner conducive environment is created, the faster the election can be held. There is no reason to delay it,” CPD Executive Director Dr. Fahmida Khatun said on Wednesday.

She made the remarks while responding to a question during the release of the “State of the Bangladesh Economy in FY2024-25” report at CPD’s office in Dhanmondi, Dhaka.

Dr. Fahmida underscored the importance of setting a clear timeline for elections, suggesting a window between December 2025 and June 2026.

“Uncertainty is inherent in any temporary system,” she noted. “An interim or caretaker government operates for a short time, while a political government holds a longer-term mandate from the people.”

She said that a government without a public mandate cannot remain in power indefinitely and emphasized the urgent need for stability to foster business and investment confidence.

“For business and investment, stability is urgently needed, organizational stability which will work with skill and accountability,” she said.

Dr. Fahmida also pointed out that ongoing policies and reforms would ultimately depend on an elected government for implementation.

“In such an uncertain situation, major investments will not materialize. Big decisions, structural changes, and organizational transformations cannot move forward without stability,” she said. “That is why holding elections is essential, and we continue to advocate for it.”

CPD’s Distinguished Fellow, Dr. Mustafizur Rahman, echoed similar sentiments, saying that political and economic reforms are not mutually exclusive and can proceed simultaneously.

He emphasized the need for democratic processes within political parties to ensure sustainable governance.

“I personally believe the country must progress through a democratic process swiftly,” Dr. Rahman said, urging for continued political and economic reforms.

“These reforms are critical for our future,” he concluded.