Staff Reporter :
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has praised the Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD) for its influential research and advocacy efforts, crediting the organization with fostering a mindset instrumental in Bangladesh’s recent student uprising. He made these remarks in a video message during an event celebrating CPD’s 30th anniversary.
Prof. Yunus highlighted CPD’s significant role in promoting democracy, justice, and accountability over the past three decades, earning it a reputation as a fearless and reliable institution. “That is why this institution always holds special significance for me,” he remarked.
Acknowledging the challenges facing Bangladesh, Yunus expressed hope for CPD’s continued intellectual contributions to guide the nation toward progress. He underscored its potential to play a vital role in shaping the country’s future, as it has in the past.
As a founding trustee of CPD, Yunus extended congratulations to all associated with the organization and offered special recognition to its founder, Professor Rehman Sobhan, praising his unique contributions to the nation. Yunus also commended CPD’s international reputation as an independent and forward-thinking research institution,
noting its efforts to provide valuable policy advice and facilitate dialogues among diverse groups.
Meanwhile, former minister and BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury highlighted the erosion of citizens’ rights at the same event. Speaking at the inauguration of CPD’s 30th-anniversary program titled “Commemorating Thirty Years of CPD” at Brac Inn, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Khasru emphasized that stolen voting rights have undermined democratic accountability for the past 15 years. “Democracy is not just about voting; it’s about the daily accountability of an elected government,” he stated.
Khasru also praised CPD’s role as an independent platform, providing an alternative voice outside political parties for sharing public-interest opinions. He stressed the need for continuous democratic reforms, emphasizing consensus among political parties as key to impactful changes.
CPD Chairman Professor Rehman Sobhan, in his opening remarks, lauded the think tank’s contributions as a voice of civil society, especially during times when participatory elections and an effective parliament are absent. He described CPD as a “brand name” recognized for promoting civil society engagement.
Other notable speakers highlighted CPD’s impact across various sectors. Professor Rounaq Jahan, a distinguished fellow at CPD, emphasized that its dialogues and research have significantly benefited government and private entities, with many of its recommendations being adopted.
Barrister Nihad Kabir, former president of MCCI, commended CPD’s contributions to the financial sector, particularly in advancing discussions on connectivity and trade. Mahfuz Anam, editor of The Daily Star, described CPD as an “authentic source of data,” noting its value in a time of limited financial and social data availability.
Taslima Akter, president of Bangladesh Garment Sramik Sanghati, acknowledged CPD’s advocacy for workers’ rights and fair wages, while Dr. Fahmida Khatun, CPD’s executive director, moderated the event. The program included three sessions featuring contributions from Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Foreign Affairs Adviser M Touhid Hossain, economist Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, and other civil society and business leaders.
The event showcased CPD’s three-decade-long journey as a catalyst for policy dialogue and reform in Bangladesh, reinforcing its commitment to addressing the country’s pressing challenges.
