Without accountability, promises disappear again and again: Amir Khasru

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that democracy in Bangladesh will not survive without accountability, warning that good promises lose their value when governments are not answerable to the people.

"Without accountability, promises disappear again and again… Accountability must work both inside parliament and outside parliament," he said.

He made the comments today at the Carnival Hall of the Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon, Dhaka, at a dialogue titled "Citizen Manifesto 2026: Expectations for National Election and Democratic Transition".

The dialogue was organised by Prapti, with support from the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).

Amir Khasru said no government can deliver change on its own and stressed the importance of partnership in governance.

"No government alone can solve everything," he said. "We must govern through partnership, and civil society is a key partner."

He added that stopping civil society from functioning is a dangerous sign.

"When civil society is not allowed to work, it often shows the beginning of authoritarianism," he said.

He emphasised the need for strong parliamentary practices, saying, "Parliamentary committees must be functional. If committees do not work, accountability cannot be ensured."

Referring to global examples, he said, "In the UK and the US, powerful officials appear before parliamentary or senate committees. Nobody is above accountability."

Speaking about BNP's reform agenda, he said many of the issues raised at the dialogue were already included in the party's plans.

"Most of what you are hearing today is already in our vision and in our 31-point reform plan," he said.

On the economy, he said BNP wants to move away from a system that benefits only a few.

"We want to democratise the economy so that every citizen can participate and benefit, not just a small, organised group," he said.

Amir Khasru also warned future governments against ignoring criticism after coming to power.

"Every government enjoys a honeymoon period, but after that, many fail because they cannot take criticism… People's expectations are now much higher, and politicians must understand this change."