Experts emphasize the urgent need for inclusive socio-economic reforms in Bangladesh. They highlight the importance of allowing civil society and media to function freely without worrying about censorship, especially given the changing social conditions and uneven political situation.
Despite these emerging dynamics, the push for structural change remains limited to reforming existing systems, raising questions about the nation’s readiness for substantive transformation.
They also said that while new social forces bring hope for change, they need a more radical vision to address more profound societal inequalities.
They were speaking at “The CPD Journey: Commemorating 30 Years of CPD,” organized by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) in the capital on Sunday, marking the 30th anniversary of the country’s prominent private think tank.
Rehman Sobhan, chairman of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), said that the focus is on reforming the current system of politics, economics, and governance rather than achieving structural overhauls.
Yet even achieving these reforms would mark significant progress for the country, although a long journey ahead, he added.
He also said that they want to create a society in which all parties, including those who will be elected to parliament, sign on to accept that they can go on doing their work without having to practice self-censorship.
“I believe this is an issue that the media faced as well, but CPD often had to censor itself in how it expressed its views, and scholars did too. We want a situation where individuals feel free to speak their minds without fear of censorship,” he added.
He also urged policymakers to institutionalize freedoms that allow organizations to function without fear of retribution and also urged Professor Yunus to advocate for these changes.
He also said that socio-economic reforms may take time, but safeguarding freedoms is the first step toward achieving a more inclusive and democratic Bangladesh.
Regarding the CPD’s influence on government policy, Rehman Sobhan said that they have also influenced the government, but possibly in the wrong way.
"We have caught the attention of different governments over time. My colleagues sometimes felt upset when they saw the former prime minister making harsh things about CPD in the House," he said.
He mentioned that he advised his colleagues to observe the broader world and that they would not find any institution whose ideas and discussions are addressed by the prime minister in Parliament for an entire day.
“I told them that you may think that you have achieved one of your lifetime's ambitions, that you have acquired a degree of national and global recognition,” he added.
Regarding Rubana Haq’s remarks, he said that she observed that the private sector always looks for 40% marks from CPD. What she did not point out is that Sheikh Hasina was looking for 80% marks, and the CPD unfortunately gave her 33%.
“Her (Sheikh Hasina) main complaint about CPD was why we were not recognizing her singular achievements for the development of the country and giving her the marks that she rightfully felt she deserved,” he added.
Iftekharuzzaman of TIB said that the impact of civil society organizations like CPD or TIB may not always be visible, but they have huge impacts.
“They have done significant work on free press. However, CPD has to be wary of the upcoming challenges,” he added.
Dr Malika Banu, general secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, said that Rehman Sobhan and CPD have always dreamed of a just and equal society.
“I hope CPD will continue its work on gender equality, just and discrimination free, and financially inclusive society,” he added.
Dr Selim Raihan of SANEM said that CPD always encouraged them to work as a think tank for the country's economy.
Former World Bank Economist Zahid Hussain said that IBRD played a vital role in understanding the country's economic scenario.
Moreover, CPD paved the way for a dynamic leadership, from Rehman Sobhan to today’s Fahmida Khatun.
Former BGMEA President and AUW VC Rubana Haq said that CPD is a moral compass and the think tank is being used as a reference point for the private sector.
“We hope, along with structural criticism, CPD will also focus on the capacity of the industry and commerce,” she added, noting that the current time is not appropriate for Bangladesh to graduate from the LDC status.
Economists, political leaders, and other professionals also spoke at the event.
