Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury is a member of the Standing Committee, the highest policy-making forum of the BNP. He also serves as a member of the Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee of the party chairperson. He was the Commerce Minister during the four-party coalition government. He has been elected as a member of parliament four times from the Chittagong-8 constituency. The Khaborer Kagoj's staff correspondent Md. Shafiqul Islam recently caught up with BNP's Amir Khasru to talk about a host of issues ranging from the country's politics, economy, and contemporary issues to elections.
Khaborer Kagoj: The meeting in London announced that elections are scheduled for February next year. Are there any worries about conducting the elections given the current situation?
Amir Khasru: I don't believe there is any reason for concern regarding the election process. There is no doubt that we will conclude the meeting successfully. There must be trust. A nation lacking trust cannot operate effectively. If anyone breaks trust, that is their issue, not BNP's. A high-profile meeting took place in London. The entire world witnessed it, and the citizens of Bangladesh have regained their sense of stability. The Election Commission has begun its preparations. Potential candidates are actively engaging in their respective areas.
Khaborer Kagoj: Will BNP form an alliance with like-minded people in the next election?
Amir Khasru: There is no possibility of withdrawing from the alliance. Initially, 42 parties became part of the BNP, and subsequently, 10 additional parties joined. In total, around 52-53 party leaders have endured hardships alongside us on the streets and have faced imprisonment. They have made significant sacrifices. We cannot simply take everything for ourselves because we are the larger party; this is unacceptable. We will evaluate them. As you can see, from the outset, acting chairman Tarique Rahman has emphasized the formation of a national government that includes everyone. He remains committed to that promise. Integrity is crucial in politics.
Khaborer Kagoj: If BNP comes to power, it will form a national government. Will Jamaat-e-Islami be in that government?
Amir Khasru: Jamaat-e-Islami did not join the movement at the same time as BNP. It has been stated that the national government will be established with individuals who participated in the concurrent anti-fascist movement. Certain factions were not part of the movement, naturally. Yet they were alongside us. They likewise played a part, to some extent, in the movement and struggle. We aim to preserve solidarity with those who have opposed Sheikh Hasina for an extended period. Tarique Rahman aims to collaborate with all. It is easier to build a country if there is national consensus. Ziaur Rahman, founder of the BNP, took the 'bottomless basket' of the country forward in just four years through consensus. He created a unique example of unity through the slogan 'Bangladesh is nationalist.' We will adhere to the route indicated by him. This is the reason Tarique Rahman stated, 'Bangladesh first.' However, it is still too early to determine who will be part of the national government and who will not.
Khaborer Kagoj: Several parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami and the Islamic Movement, have come out in support of the demand for elections through the PR system. Do you see any discomfort?
Amir Khusru: Why should we see discomfort? Every party has the right to speak. But the people will decide. If all parties believe in democracy, then this (PR method) should be taken to the people in the next election. If the people support it, then it should be discussed in parliament and the law should be passed. 5-10 wise people sitting together do not have the right to make decisions about the people of the country. Every party has different thoughts and philosophies. There will be differences of opinion in politics. We must respect those opinions. Otherwise, there will be no benefit in making thousands of reforms. We are no longer sitting around talking about how everyone has to agree; we have no right to say that everyone has to accept our 31 points. For this, we have to go to the people with 31 points. At the end of the day, only the people have the right to decide on change. Since Sheikh Hasina was not elected by the people, she had no responsibility or accountability. She has turned day into night and night into day. She has destroyed the country by committing disappearances, murders, killings, and looting. Therefore, our first responsibility is to start the democratic process through elections and establish an accountable and responsible government for the people. Those who are elected will be accountable to the people for implementation. There is no problem if it goes against us. Because the people own the country.
Khaborer Kagoj: Currently, different parties are making different demands. How do you see it?
Amir Khasru: Democracy will be based on the opinion of the people. We will have to go to people's work again and again. Then, after August 5, people are much more aware. Their mindset has changed a lot. Without understanding this, politicians who do not understand it have no future. People are now paying attention to the body language, speech, and even eye language of politicians because people are now paying attention to their body language, speech, and even their eye language. Smart young people will not accept anything they do that is unacceptable to smart young people. If someone does not want to deal with people and wants to do everything his or her own way, it will not happen. Now if we act like a scoundrel, then we are back to where we were. They have done wrong politics and opposed democracy. I have been to jail so many times; just to bring about change in the country, my family has suffered. So if we cannot bring about change, then we will be on the verge of giving up politics. A democratic system must be introduced through elections. An elected parliament must be established. Then all changes will be completed through the democratic process.
Khaborer Kagoj: What do you think about BNP's young candidates in the elections? What will be the criteria for nomination?
Amir Khasru: Only those who are talented, educated, qualified to go to parliament, and can contribute to future politics will get a nomination. Someone may have a PhD but is not accepted in the area. In comparison, if someone with less education and various qualities is more accepted in the area, then the second person will have priority in the nomination race. Now we have to do merit-based politics. To run the country, we need meritorious politicians. Because the world has changed, the country has changed, people have changed, and the context has changed. It will not be enough to make some ministers by following the lines as before. BNP wants a quality parliament—where every representative works rationally and contributes. That's why 8 years ago we proposed an 'Uchkaksha' (Upper Chamber) to improve the quality of politics. And now everyone wants to own this proposal.
Khaborer Kagoj: Who will get a place in the upper house of parliament if BNP comes to power?
Amir Khasru: There will be a mix of young and old in the upper house according to qualifications. Those who do not have money, do not have muscle power, but have extensive experience in some sector and have received recognition will be given a place in the upper house. Their experience will be used in the country and politics. The debate in the upper house, like in the lower house, will be a little better. We have realized that Bangladesh cannot continue like this in the coming days.
Khaborer Kagoj: What is BNP's view on the country's current economy?
Amir Khasru: We are saying that the economy must also be democratized. Only politics must be democratic, and people cannot participate in the economy; that will not happen. Everyone in Bangladesh must participate in the economy; then there will be economic growth. BNP does not want this economy where only a few will own the wealth. We want to get out of here. If every person participates in the economy, he will feel that he also has a contribution to the development of the country. There will be no economy in Bangladesh without businessmen. We have already held dialogues with businessmen in big cities, including Chittagong, Sylhet, Khulna, and Rangpur. We are taking their opinions, trying to understand the problems. This is the first time in the history of Bangladesh that we are doing this. These are new politics.
Khaborer Kagoj: Many businessmen took advantage of the Awami League during its rule. Now many of them are trying to get close to the BNP. What is your position here?
Amir Khasru: There is no one who suffers more than BNP. Because BNP is the biggest enemy of Awami League. So there is no question of giving shelter. Our 6-7 million leaders and workers are accused in false cases. Thousands of leaders and activists have been victims of disappearances and murders. Many have died in jail without receiving medical treatment. The number of deaths in police custody is also not small. Many leaders and activists have lost their businesses and jobs because of BNP.
Khaborer Kagoj: Do you see any challenges in running the state after the formation of the government in the context of the current economic situation?
Amir Khasru: We have talked about national unity among pro-democracy forces because there are challenges. It is easy to face challenges with everyone. If we cannot reach a consensus on some issues, there will be no solution.
Khaborer Kagoj: Several other parties, including Jamaat, are opposing BNP on every issue. What is your relationship with them?
Amir Khasru: There will be opponents in politics, there will be political disputes, but there is no need to be enemies. We consider everyone as political opponents, but we have no enmity with anyone. Each party will do its own politics. The people will judge. There is nothing to be intolerant about. Sheikh Hasina has left behind many small dictatorships. She has created an authoritarian culture in the minds of many. They did not believe in democratic culture. The opinion of the people was not important to them.
Khaborer Kagoj: How far along are BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman's preparations to return to the country, and are there any challenges regarding his security?
Amir Khasru: Tarique Rahman will decide when to return to the country at his convenience. Having been away for so many years, there are family and political advantages and disadvantages. But I can say this much: the acting chairman is preparing to come to the country. He can announce the date at any time. And naturally, all quarters have to take into consideration the issue of his security. It is natural to have special security at his level.
Khaborer Kagoj: BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Who will assume the role of prime minister if the party gains power?
Amir Khasru: The people of the country know who will be the prime minister if BNP comes to power.
