Bangladesh's Chief Advisor, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has called upon Qatari businessmen to invest in Bangladesh, emphasizing the country's significant economic potential.
Speaking at a private business reception held in his honor in Doha on Tuesday (April 22nd), he encouraged them to establish manufacturing plants in Bangladesh and sell their products both domestically and internationally.
Dr. Yunus stated, "Bangladesh has immense potential from an economic standpoint. Set up your production facilities here. Produce here and sell wherever you like, in any country. We have a workforce here; there's no need to bring in workers from other countries."
Highlighting the regional economic advantages, the Chief Advisor pointed out, "Bangladesh is bordered by Nepal on one side and Bhutan on the other, very close to our borders. To our north are the seven states of India. Considering this as a regional economy and becoming integrated could be a great undertaking. They have to do this because there is no other way. Nepal and Bhutan have no sea access, and India's Seven Sister States also do not have access to the sea. By working together, the sea can be utilized. This could lead to the creation of a hub here."
Assuring potential investors of support, Dr. Yunus commented, "We will provide all necessary assistance for setting up factories in Bangladesh. We want to create this kind of economy in Bangladesh where employment opportunities will be created for the youth. We recently organized an investment summit which received a tremendous response. Wherever I go, I welcome everyone, and I receive positive responses. Therefore, we welcome you; come and see the dynamism and creativity of millions of young people."
He further elaborated on Bangladesh's demographic advantage, saying, "Those who know Bangladesh are aware of how densely populated it is. In this country of 180 million people, half the population is under the age of 27. This is a very large young population with access to technology, knowledge, and education in everything. I am not just talking about young men; young women have also led movements. The way the women of this country protested on the streets was a sight to behold. That's why they call it 'New Bangladesh,' which we have to build, leaving behind whatever happened in the past."
Dr. Yunus also addressed the recent political transition, stating, "The way the country's economy, judiciary, and security system were destroyed [under the previous government], efforts have been underway for the last eight months to rectify it. This is our task. We have formed reform commissions in various sectors; they will make recommendations. Now we are in the implementation phase of those recommendations. Elections will be held once this process is complete."
Recounting the circumstances leading to his role as Chief Advisor, Dr. Yunus explained, "In July, students took to the streets and began protesting. Law enforcement shot at them and killed them. This was the latest instance of widespread discontent. There had been much resentment before this – 16 years of sham elections, regular disappearances of people, torture cells established across the country, theft of money from banks, the entire system was destroyed, corruption in mega projects – this had been going on for the past 16 years. In this context, the students came out in protest, saying, 'Enough is enough.' Several thousand young people were killed. Students began marching towards the former Prime Minister's residence. There was a flood of people. People were coming from all over the country; it was quite a frightening scene. She was taken from her residence to leave the country. Since then, Bangladesh has been freed from her rule. I was abroad, which is why I had to take responsibility. This is how the interim government was formed."
