Dhaka, Jan. 4 -- The BNP has sought to reassure the business community of its economic intentions, with Tarique Rahman pledging a "transparent and business-supportive environment" if the party returns to power.

The acting party chief met with leading entrepreneurs late on Sunday at the BNP chairperson's office in Gulshan, holding a wide-ranging, closed-door discussion that lasted more than two hours, according to party officials.

Participants said the talks focused on persistent weaknesses in trade and investment, rising unemployment, fragile law and order, and long-standing structural problems in the economy, including declining private investment and stress in the capital market.

Tarique, who has lived in London since 2008, acknowled...