Only Elected Govt Can Ensure Real Economic Growth: Mintoo

In an interview with UNB, Mintoo criticized the Awami League for introducing a forced electoral system, which he claimed diverted the party from its original commitment to public welfare. He alleged that the Awami League had engaged in financial misconduct, including bank fraud and illicit money transfers abroad, due to its diminishing trust in the electorate.

"Political parties should learn from the fall of autocratic regimes in Bangladesh. No party should seek to impose autocratic rule or hold elections without the participation of voters in the future," said Mintoo, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the BNP.

Mintoo stressed that a legitimate elected government is essential for ensuring economic stability, maintaining public trust, and addressing societal inequalities. He pointed to last year’s student protests against job quota discrimination as evidence of widespread unfairness, adding that discrimination is rampant in various sectors, including the education system.

"Without an elected government, disparities have emerged in crucial areas like healthcare, education, resource distribution, and opportunities for citizens," Mintoo remarked.

He highlighted the shortage of skilled teachers in Bangladesh's schools, a factor that hinders students' ability to acquire vital skills needed for the competitive job market. "In today's world, skills are key, yet the government has shown little concern for addressing this issue," he said.

Mintoo further argued that all students, whether in rural or urban areas, deserve quality education in government institutions. However, he noted that primary and secondary education sectors suffer from mismanagement, with teachers more focused on politics than on their professional duties. "Who will ensure quality education if teachers are preoccupied with political activities?" he asked.

As a former president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), Mintoo pointed out that eradicating discrimination would be possible if the nation prioritized quality education for all, much like in many Western countries.

He stressed that the primary goals of an elected government should be to eliminate discrimination, ensure equal rights in asset distribution, and provide equitable access to education, healthcare, and financial opportunities for all citizens.

When asked about Bangladesh’s progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Mintoo stressed that transparent and accurate data on development is vital. "If development is measured using manipulated data, it will only harm the country in the long run," he cautioned.

Mintoo also took aim at the role of academics and intellectuals in policymaking, arguing that many lack practical understanding of Bangladesh's socio-economic challenges. "Their policies have not yielded the expected results," he added.

On the issue of monetary policy, Mintoo criticized Bangladesh Bank's tight stance, stating that reducing money circulation is ineffective under current conditions, particularly given the fluctuating exchange rate, high energy costs, and growing wealth disparity.

"A balanced policy is needed to generate new assets, expand investment, and create jobs," he suggested, adding that such measures would boost purchasing power, stabilize inflation, and support the growth of the manufacturing sector.

Mintoo argued that many business figures and politicians tied to the autocratic government have accumulated significant wealth through fraudulent practices and extortion, leaving them largely unaffected by inflation and rising commodity prices. "However, ordinary people and small traders are suffering greatly from soaring inflation and high interest rates on bank loans," he said.

"The government must create an environment conducive to low-cost investment, job creation, and affordable energy to sustain economic growth," Mintoo stressed.

He concluded, "An unelected government lacks both the legitimacy and the vision to implement effective policies. To achieve meaningful reform, the country needs a government born from a participatory election."