Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, chairman of committee for drafting a white paper on the current economic situation in Bangladesh and a distinguished fellow of CPD, has said that the eradication of corruption is a must for making sure all the potential opportunities come to fruition.
He said: "Every organ of the state is somehow linked to corruption. Those who are supposed to legislate are involved in corruption. Those who are supposed to provide legal protection are involved in corruption. Those who are supposed to enforce the law are involved in corruption. If we cannot eradicate corruption, then many potentials will not be effective."
The renowned economist made this statement during a public hearing of the committee for drafting the white paper on Bangladesh's current economic situation, formed by the interim government, held on Wednesday in Rajshahi.
The event took place at a restaurant in Rajshahi city, where the committee listened to various allegations and suggestions regarding local economic irregularities, corruption, and the overall situation.
Demanding the return of embezzled money, Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya said: "Those who have engaged in corruption within the country must be punished. If there are no visible punishments for them, then the oversight we are talking about to prevent corruption in the future will not be possible. Corruption is our number one enemy."
Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya further said: "We have seen how, in the past, secretaries became businessmen and how businessmen became politicians. Many believe that it is not just businessmen who have become politicians; politicians have also become businessmen."
Other speakers at the event included committee member Prof AK Enamul Haque, Professor Dr Mohammad Abu Yusuf from the Development Studies Department of Dhaka University, Professor Dr Selim Raihan from the Economics Department of Dhaka University, Professor Shormind Nilormi from the Economics Department of Jahangirnagar University, and CPD Senior Fellow Towfiqul Islam Khan.
During the public hearing, citizens raised issues regarding various unnecessary projects in Rajshahi city and the surrounding region, corruption in projects and various irregularities and corruption in education, health, and administration, including political thuggery.
Representatives of civil society also highlighted issues of regional inequality and unemployment in development.