BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has stated that under the 15-year rule of the now-ousted Awami League government, Bangladesh’s capital market has turned into a “casino.” Speaking at a seminar hosted by the DSE Brokers Association on Saturday, he emphasized that investment is crucial for national progress and that the stock market must be revitalized to ensure future investments and sustainable economic development.

Criticizing the current state of the market, Khasru claimed that a certain group manipulates it for personal gain, likening the stock exchange to a game where players come and go. Over the past decade and a half, this pattern has persisted, with little regard for transparency or accountability. He added that excessive looting has pushed share prices to the floor, and called for improved liquidity—both domestically and from global sources.

Khasru asserted that all major financial reforms in Bangladesh took place under BNP rule and promised that, if returned to power, the party would undertake serious reform and restructuring initiatives from a position of responsibility. He proposed a plan to increase investment by $500 billion, questioning why the country remains stuck chasing a mere $4 billion.

He also noted that discussions with the Chief Adviser would focus on restoring democracy and ensuring elections occur as early as possible—perhaps even before December.

Meanwhile, Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, Distinguished Fellow at the CPD, warned that without stronger regulatory bodies and institutional frameworks, the stock market cannot operate effectively. He stressed that lack of punishment for corruption only encourages its repetition.