Written by The Banking Post
Bangladesh needs strong, capable institutions to navigate rising global and domestic uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions and the challenges of graduating from least developed country status, a leading business leader has said.
Mahbubur Rahman said resilient institutions are essential to absorb economic shocks, manage complex transitions and maintain policy credibility beyond political cycles. At a time of heightened uncertainty, he noted, institutional strength will be decisive in protecting long-term stability and growth.
Despite notable economic gains over the past two decades, he said the global landscape has shifted in ways that now pose fresh risks for Bangladesh.
Speaking at a seminar on the country’s political and economic outlook held in the capital on Tuesday, Rahman also outlined key expectations from the next government. He said businesses can adapt to policy changes, but prolonged uncertainty makes planning and investment difficult.
He stressed the need for institutional independence, saying key bodies such as the central bank, regulatory agencies and the judiciary must function without interference to sustain investor confidence.
“Investor confidence depends not on personalities, but on systems,” he said.
Rahman argued that economic reforms work best when they are inclusive, requiring continuous engagement among policymakers, political leaders, businesses, labour representatives and civil society. Elections, he said, should reinforce this dialogue rather than disrupt it.
He also highlighted the role of transparent governance in curbing corruption and the importance of a free media in strengthening accountability.
Bangladesh’s future, he said, will not be shaped by elections alone or by economic policies in isolation. Instead, sustained cooperation between the government and all stakeholders, including the business community, will be critical to meeting upcoming challenges and ensuring sustainable growth and development.
