Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, senior politician and  Standing Committee Member of the BNP talks to The Mirror Asia (TMA) about the current political climate in Bangladesh, his party’s ongoing movement and the challenges associated with them. Here are some highlights from the interview.

TMA: What’s your take on Sheikh Hasina's recent trips to India and China?

Amir Khosru: Politics shouldn’t be the measure of a country’s relationship with another. It’s about mutual interests, covering everything from development to security, economy, and investment. It’s quite embarrassing to visit one country (China) after taking another’s (India) permission. So, where does this leave Bangladesh? If our survival depends on other countries, where’s our sovereignty?

TMA: The government says it’s trying to balance relationships with both India and China for the country’s economic development.

Amir Khosru: Bangladesh’s economy shouldn’t rely on any single country. When we (BNP) were in power, the economy grew by over 7%. The Awami League hasn’t reached that level yet. During our time, all macroeconomic indicators were positive; now they’re all going down. The ruling party is doing whatever it takes to illegally stay in power. Depending on another country is messing up our foreign policy too.

TMA: Weren’t you dependent on foreigners when you were in power?

Amir Khosru: Ziaur Rahman, BNP's founder, set clear foreign policy guidelines that we still follow— we have foreign friends but they’re not our masters. Today’s foreign policy in Bangladesh is the opposite. Those in power now—speaking in legal terms—who aren’t the government, don’t trust the people of this country. They rely on foreigners.

TMA: The government is optimistic about increased Chinese investment after the visit. What‘a your take on that?

Amir Khosru: Previous investments can’t even repatriate profits due to dollar shortage, let alone attract new ones. Banks can’t settle LCs on demand. The financial and energy sectors are in a shambles, taken over by vested interests. Foreign investors need to see a stable business environment, functioning laws, and regulatory institutions. Our local skilled workforce isn’t being developed, and dollars are stashed abroad. Without the rule of law, foreign investors won’t feel safe. Under the BNP, we saw higher foreign investment. Now the oligarchs control everything. There were no scandals in the stock market or financial sector during our time. Bangladesh Bank was free from political influence. Common people had their fair share when it came to investment opportunities, and the economy was well-managed, making Bangladesh an emerging tiger in the global economy.

TMA: The government claims Bangladesh’s economy is advancing. What’s your view?

Amir Khosru: Fitch downgraded Bangladesh’s ratings due to questionable data and statistics. Corruption is rampant, and those involved in such activities support Hasina’s government to cling onto power. These individuals won’t face long-term punishment because they’re allies of the Awami League. The administration is completely corrupt, and the current situation is just a glimpse of the overall corruption. The defaulted loans are far higher than reported. The government’s statistics aren’t trustworthy. Our reserves have plummeted from USD48 billion to USD13 billion. Banks are drained, stock markets manipulated, and millions of dollars smuggled out. Imports are halted due to forex shortages, and factories are closing down due to lack of gas and electricity. Prices are skyrocketing due to import dependency.

TMA: Is the system stuck in a vicious cycle?

Amir Khosru: People have to pay a higher price for water and electricity. The only way out is a parliament elected by the people, accountable to them. As long as the Awami League panders to the oligarchs, corruption will continue. Politicians are sidelined, and people have lost their voting rights. True politicians are out of power.

TMA: Is BNP raising its voice against these issues?

Amir Khosru: People are yearning for a change. The Awami League uses state machinery to hold onto power, presided over by years of disappearances, murders, and oppression. We’re aware of these issues. The oppressed will eventually fight back.

TMA: Will people’s trust in political parties increase?

Amir Khosru: People are strongly supporting our struggle to restore democracy. They’re ahead of political parties in this movement. Our movement, driven by the people, cannot fail. The rulers try to suppress the voices of the masses with tear gas and the state machinery, but people’s resolve strengthens.

TMA: Many leaders and activists have sacrificed a lot due to BNP’s long movement. Will they continue to support future movements?

Amir Khosru: Today’s movement is more powerful than it was before the election. Ninety-five percent of Bangladeshis showed their stance by not voting. Our movement continues with them. Millions defy police barricades to join our rallies. No other party has received such public support. Peaceful protests are our aim. People’s refusal to vote is a success for the BNP. Even faced with tear gas and shootings, our movement grows stronger.

TMA: Khaleda Zia’s health is in a critical condition. Can you free her through mass mobilisation and street protests?

Amir Khosru: Like Nelson Mandela, Khaleda Zia is a symbol of democracy. Her name will be remembered in the global democratic movement. The fight for her release continues. The regime has stripped the nation away of its democratic rights, but our movement persists until Khaleda Zia is free.

TMA: But there doesn’t seem to be much momentum in the movement right now.

Amir Khosru: The media plays a role in this fight. The people are ready to sacrifice for their freedom. Our movement has seen countless sacrifices: false accusations, disappearances, deaths, job losses, and homes destroyed. A movement backed by sacrifice will never fail.