BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has stated that there is no connection between Sheikh Hasina?s trial and the upcoming elections.

According to him, there is no one in the country who does not want Hasina to be brought to justice, but he emphasized that the legal process of prosecution is separate from a change in government. He further added that if an independent judiciary is to be trusted, then unnecessary debates surrounding elections should be avoided.

He made these remarks on Wednesday while speaking to journalists after a roundtable discussion on the challenges and prospects of Bangladesh?s ship recycling industry, organized by BSBR at Hotel Sheraton in Dhaka`s Banani.

Amir Khosru stressed that it is not just Sheikh Hasina who should face justice but also other Awami League leaders involved in crimes. He assured that a democratically elected government would remain committed to prosecuting Hasina and other Awami League criminals.

Criticizing the statement made by Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens? Party (NCP), he remarked that linking national elections to various proposals reflects a fascist mindset. He also reiterated the public?s expectation that the government will soon transfer power to an elected administration.

During the roundtable discussion, Khosru criticized the government?s approach towards the shipbreaking industry, stating that while the sector is closely monitored due to environmental concerns, necessary support is lacking. He urged the government to facilitate rather than obstruct the industry?s growth.

He further commented that Bangladesh has become a nation of overregulation, where entrepreneurs struggle to establish industries. He argued that the government should act as a watchdog rather than a controlling authority. If a BNP-led government is elected, he claimed that trade organizations would be allowed to self-regulate. He also blamed politics for economic destruction and the erosion of ethical values in society.

The discussion was chaired by BSBR?s acting president, Mohammad Zahirul Islam Rinku. Other notable speakers included AB Party Secretary General Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, BNP Chairperson?s Special Assistant Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Norwegian Ambassador Haakon Harald Gulbrandsen, Deputy Ambassador Kijs Oustra, EU Delegation Program Manager Hubert Blum, JICA Ship Recycling Advisor Okamoto Akira, BSBR Advisory Council Member Shawkat Ali Chowdhury, Senior Vice President Liaquat Ali Chowdhury, and Chittagong Labor Party?s AM Nazim Uddin.