Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has warned that Bangladesh is heading into long-term economic and strategic commitments without an elected government to take responsibility for the consequences, arguing that both LDC graduation and recent decisions on Chattogram Port demand broader public debate and democratic legitimacy.

In a statement posted from his verified Facebook profile on Monday night, Tarique illustrated the human cost behind policy decisions, describing the pressure already faced by small factory owners, workers and families as Bangladesh moves toward its 2026 LDC graduation deadline.

He said many businesses are losing tariff advantages quietly, workers are seeing overtime disappear, and households are slipping into uncertainty — none of whom were consulted in decisions that directly affect their livelihoods.

Tarique reiterated BNP’s position that proceeding with the current graduation timeline without keeping the option of deferral open is a political choice being taken by an interim government that lacks an electoral mandate.

He rejected the claim that seeking a deferral would be “impossible” or “humiliating,” pointing out that countries such as Angola and Samoa have had timelines adjusted, and that UN rules allow flexibility for nations facing economic stress.

Having the right to graduate is not the same as being ready to graduate,” he said, adding that Bangladesh’s own documents point to pressure on the banking sector, foreign exchange challenges, debt risks and slowing exports.

He also drew parallels with recent long-term decisions involving Chattogram Port, calling them strategic commitments that should not be finalized by an unelected authority. According to him, both issues reflect a pattern where options are closed prematurely, concerns are dismissed and public debate is treated as an obstacle.

Tarique stressed that the matter is not about individuals but about protecting national institutions and ensuring that decisions shaping the next several decades are made by a government accountable to the people.

Strategic patience is not weakness. Public consultation is not obstruction. Democratic legitimacy is not delay,” he said.

He added that Bangladeshis have never been passive about their future, and that they deserve to be heard and respected — especially ahead of the national elections scheduled for February 2026.

Tarique concluded that the future of the country must be shaped by the people who live in it, guided by the principle: “Shobar age Bangladesh.”