Staff Reporter :
Eminent economist Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya on Thursday said that Bangladesh’s interim government has been advancing reform discussions without involving key stakeholders.
Speaking at a pre-election event titled “Citizen Manifesto” organised by the Citizens’ Platform in Sylhet, he observed that the interim administration lacks a moral mandate since it is not an elected body.
Dr. Debapriya, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), noted that while the government continues to hold talks on reform issues, it has yet to engage directly with citizens or major stakeholders even after more than a year.
“They are attempting to reshape the system without public consultation or participation,” he said.
The Citizens’ Platform organised the pre-election dialogue to promote the inclusion of marginalised communities and to reflect their aspirations in the ongoing national discourse on reform, justice, and the electoral process.
Dr. Debapriya emphasised that reform efforts in Bangladesh must continue through a credible electoral process.
He underscored the need for higher levels of political maturity and unity to ensure meaningful reforms in the financial sector and state institutions.
Local representatives from various political parties, civil society groups, NGOs, and development partners took part in the regional dialogue.
According to the organisers, the manifesto will outline key national priorities aimed at building a just and inclusive Bangladesh.
