Dhaka, Oct. 30 -- Top business leaders have voiced serious concern over increasing uncertainty surrounding the timing of the referendum on the July Charter, as key political parties remain at odds over when it should be held.

The impasse, they warned, could deepen economic risks and undermine investor confidence. Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) President Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez and Bangladesh Employers' Federation President Fazle Shamim Ehsan said the business community is alarmed by growing political tensions.

The BNP has rejected the Consensus Commission's recommendations on the July Charter, calling it divisive and reiterating its demand that the referendum take place on the same day ...