Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday stated that a sustainable political and social atmosphere in Bangladesh is the primary requirement for both foreign and domestic investors.
Shafiqur made the remarks at the third session of the Bangladesh Economic Summit 2025, organised by Bangla Daily Bonik Barta, at a hotel in Dhaka. He presided over the session titled "Fairness in the Economy." The editor of Bonik Barta Dewan Hanif Muhammad moderated the session.
He shared that his discussions with foreign and local entrepreneurs reveal that despite incentives like cheaper labour, tax exemption facilities, and profit assurance, investors remain hesitant due to a lack of trust regarding the guarantee of security.
The Jamaat Ameer said that many countries are ready to invest once a peaceful political and social environment is restored, but entrepreneurs are simultaneously seeking corruption-free government services, arguing that corruption is significantly keeping the country backward for investment.
Criticizing the current tax system, Dr. Shafiqur pointed out that both the rich and the poor contribute to the economy, stating, "Even a beggar pays tax when he buys something from a shop. A newborn baby also pays tax when someone purchases a product for the child."
He further claimed that the non-citizen-friendly tax system often leads to harassment by tax officials. Rahman asserted that the economy cannot move forward unless fairness and equal opportunity are ensured for all, which requires skilled and honest individuals in every service sector.
Dr. Shafiqur called for a reform of the education system, shifting it from being "certificate based to work and skilled based."
He also highlighted that the burden of repaying foreign loans is shared equally by all citizens, from babies to the elderly, which underscores the need for an economic system rooted in fairness. The inequality, corruption, and lack of proper planning, he noted, are preventing Bangladesh's human resources from becoming a true national asset.
He specifically mentioned the issue of brain drain, where talented Bangladeshis settle abroad because they feel their skills are not valued in their own country.
The Jamaat ameer identified three priority areas for national progress: a reformed education system to produce skilled manpower, strong action against corruption at all levels, and justice for all.
He concluded that ensuring these three areas will stabilize society and allow the country to move forward, emphasizing that real change demands a firm commitment.
Md. Shafiullah, a retired senior secretary and Jamaat finance wing leader, also presented the organization’s financial sector work plans should they be able to form the next government through the national election.