, Nov. 15 -- Bangladesh's economy is caught in a debilitating 'waiting vortex' of stagnant investment, high inflation and weak business confidence, with experts saying only a credible and participatory election can restore stability and drive recovery.

The prevailing consensus across the business and policy landscape is that the economy is currently 'breathing, but unable to walk' as it is paralysed by political uncertainty ahead of the general election expected next February.

Business owners and entrepreneurs unanimously assert that new initiatives and investments are impossible without political stability and certainty.

Professor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir of Dhaka University, Liaquat Ali Bhuiyan, Senior Vice-President of the Real Esta...