Speaking at the 30th anniversary of Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), the Chief Adviser to the Interim Government Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday said the think tank has been the pallbearer of fearless and reliable source of information.
“Over the past 30 years, CDP has established itself as a fearless and reliable institution through various activities.
“I have always seen the reflection of my efforts throughout my life to change the overall condition of the country's common people and eradicate poverty in the work of CPD,” he said.
In his video message at a program titled “The CPD Journey: Commemorating CPD's 30th Anniversary”, the chief adviser also said: “CPD's research and public awareness activities have played a huge role in shaping the minds of the recent student uprising. That's why this institution has always held a special place for me.”
“The CPD has always stood against the current, independently, and tried to advise policymakers in the interest of the country,” he explained.
“CPD has always strived to establish a democratic, equitable and accountable society.” He also hoped CPD will continue to make many more significant contributions to Bangladesh in the future.
CPD Chairman Prof Rehman Sobhan delivered the opening speech at the day-long event.
“CPD initiated constructive discussions with all stakeholders, including the government and the opposition parties. Unfortunately, it has faced obstacles in the last 15 years. None of the finance ministers of the previous government participated in the CPD dialogue.”
At the time, he spoke of how CPD came to be its various activities, especially how CPD has developed into a space for expressing the views of civil society outside the parliament.
He raised one of the most pressing problems in the country -- whether the government was willing to implement reform policies.
“One of the biggest problems is not so much whether the policy is wrong or needs to be reformed. Most of the time policies are not implemented and that is implementation failure. So, the real issue is the government's willingness to implement reforms.”
Rehman Sobhan also said: “Political crises should be resolved through dialogue and CPD has always tried to achieve that dialogue.”
Professor Rounaq Jahan, distinguished fellow of CPD said: “CPD has worked to create a platform for holding the governments accountable.”
“CPD has shown that good governance is needed for development. CPD has brought to the fore the link between governance and politics. Many of CPD’s recommendations have been adopted by the government,” she added.
Former minister and BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said: “CPD has become an alternative voice outside political parties, providing a space to share opinions in the public interest.”
“Democracy is not just about voting; it’s about the daily accountability of an elected government, which has been absent for the last 15 years due to stolen voting rights,” he also added.
Mahfuz Anam, editor of The Daily Star, described CPD as an authentic source of data, especially at a time when media outlets face a scarcity of financial and development data for reporting.
He also commended CPD's pre- and post-budget dialogues for opening new avenues of thought.
He also said that in the last 15 years, free thinking and tolerance of others' opinions were hit the hardest. Suppressing the right to vote destroys all forms of freedom of expression.
In 15 years, all forms of freedom of expression have been destroyed, which is one of the main reasons behind the fall of the previous government, he also said.
Former president of MCCI Barrister Nihad Kabir praised CPD's contributions to the financial sector, particularly in exploring connectivity and trade potential.
Taslima Akter, president of Bangladesh Garment Sramik Sanghati, also appreciated CPD's role in advocating for workers' rights and fair wages.
Dr Fahmida Khatun, executive director of CPD, moderated the event, which also consisted of three other sessions.
