'Democracy deficit' not a problem for progress

Prime minister's Energy Adviser Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury has claimed “democracy deficit” is not a big problem in accelerating the economic progress of a country.

Instead, economy of a country advances if it has good leadership, stability and peace, he told the launching of the World Investment Report 2016 at the Board of Investment yesterday.

The report was prepared by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. The report shows that Bangladesh has crossed the $2 billion mark in attracting foreign direct investment in 2015.

The amount is the highest ever.

This is an achievement that gives courage, he said, adding, “We will be able to achieve all the targets if we work together.”

He said Bangladesh stepped into a good phase of economic advancement. “If we all become tolerant to some extent and get some strength during this transition phase, we will be able to handover the fruits to the young generation.”

The PM's adviser said a Saudi minister termed Sheikh Hasina as an example of a model for Muslim women. This means leadership is the main factor. 

“Democracy deficit is not a big problem,” said Tawfiq, citing the economic advancement of countries such as South Korea and Singapore.

These are good examples, he said.

Tawfiq said everything could not be achieved at once. “My appeal to the media is that you give support to the prime minister and her government.”