After weeks of unrest culminating in the downfall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government, the interim government is steadily coming into shape. It is clear that a lot of thought and care is being given into placing the right people at the right place within the interim government, however, one oversight so far has been the lack of any representation from the business community.
Yes, the previous government made the grave mistake of populating its last cabinet with an overwhelming number of businesspeople, which has its own pitfalls when it comes to matters of national interest. However, having no individuals with business backgrounds is equally counter-productive especially for a country such as Bangladesh, a country that is currently battling record inflation while also looking to shed its tag as a least developed country within the near future.
Historically speaking, Bangladesh has fared very poorly when it comes to fostering a healthy climate for business and investment, with the past government playing favourites with certain businesspeople over others -- this has stifled not only our business landscape but has also been to the detriment of the economy at large.
Which is why it is important that, at this juncture, the interim government makes space within its ranks to include qualified and competent businesspeople who can help formulate policies for businesses which allow them to flourish.
A burgeoning private sector is one of the more noticeable developments that Bangladesh has observed in the past decade, despite the myriad obstacles in the way for businesses to set up shop. This sector and the millions who depend for their livelihoods on job growth and a well-functioning private sector will need confidence that the new Bangladesh will be able to lend them the support they require.