Prominent businessman and BNP leader Abdul Awal Mintoo has said that a legitimately elected government is crucial for fostering real economic growth, as it remains accountable to people and prioritises their welfare.

Speaking in an interview with UNB, Mintoo criticised the introduction of a forced electoral system by the Awami League, claiming that it led the party away from its commitment to public welfare.

He alleged that the Awami League engaged in bank fraud and illicitly transferred money abroad due to a loss of confidence in people.

"Political parties can learn from the downfall of autocratic regimes in Bangladesh. No party should attempt to establish autocratic rule or conduct an election without voters in the future," said Mintoo, who is also the Vice Chairman of BNP.

He described the widespread discrimination in Bangladesh, citing last year’s student movement against job quota discrimination as an example. "Discrimination exists across various sectors of society, including the education system."

In the absence of an elected government, Mintoo said, disparities have emerged in crucial areas such as healthcare, education, resource allocation and citizen opportunities.

He pointed out that many schools in Bangladesh suffer from a shortage of skilled teachers, which negatively impacts students' ability to acquire essential skills. "In today's competitive job market, skills are crucial, yet the government has shown little concern for this matter," Mintoo said.

He stressed that students, regardless of whether they live in rural or urban areas, deserve quality education in government institutions.

But the primary and secondary education sectors suffer from mismanagement, with teachers more involved in politics than in their professional duties. "Who will ensure quality education if teachers are preoccupied with political activities?" asked Mintoo, the former president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI).

"Once a nation is well-educated, discrimination can be eradicated, as we have seen in Western countries, where quality education for all has been prioritised," he said.

Mintoo asserted that the primary objectives of an elected government should be to eliminate discrimination and ensure equal rights in asset distribution, as well as equitable access to education, healthcare and financial inclusion.

In response to a query, Mintoo said that when the BNP and Awami League previously assumed power through neutral elections, they did not cause harm to the country.

Regarding Bangladesh’s progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he stated that transparent and accurate data on development is essential. "If development is measured using manipulated data, it will ultimately be detrimental to the country," he warned.

Mintoo also criticised the influence of academics and intellectuals in policymaking, arguing that many lack practical knowledge of Bangladesh's socio-economic context. "Their policies have yet to produce the desired results," he said.

He also criticised Bangladesh Bank's tight monetary policy, stating that reducing money circulation is ineffective under current conditions, given the fluctuating exchange rate, high energy costs, and wealth disparity.

"A balanced policy is required to generate new assets, expand investment, and create employment opportunities," he suggested.

According to Mintoo, such measures would enhance people's purchasing power, stabilise inflation and support the manufacturing sector’s growth.

He claimed that many business figures and politicians associated with the autocratic government have amassed vast wealth through bank fraud and extortion, making them largely unaffected by inflation and rising commodity prices. "But common people and small traders are severely impacted by soaring inflation and high interest rates on bank loans," he said.

"The government must facilitate low-cost investment funds and employment generation while ensuring affordable gas and electricity to sustain economic growth," said Mintoo.

He said, “An unelected government lacks the vision and legitimacy to implement such policies effectively. To achieve meaningful reform, a strong government must be established through a participatory election."