Has the interim government lost its way, asks Debapriya

He flags “weak representation” in commissions as reform hurdle

The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Distinguished Fellow Debapriya Bhattacharya has raised concerns over the slowdown in the government’s reform agenda, questioning whether the interim administration has “lost its way”.

Speaking at a discussion hosted by Bangladesh Reform Watch on Monday at a hotel in Gulshan, he asked why the enthusiasm that marked the beginning of reform initiatives has faded, and why the recommendations of commissions were never implemented.

“Has this interim government lost direction? This question is now weighing heavily on our minds,” said Debapriya.

He said the anti-inequality sentiment that emerged from the mass uprising remains Bangladesh's “greatest asset” at this moment, and must be protected.

“The excitement with which we had initially engaged in reform efforts with the current government has now largely faded. This has been an experience in itself,” he added.

Debapriya criticised the committees and commissions formed as part of the reform process for “lacking adequate representation” from different social groups.

The economist questioned the fate of their proposals, saying: “Those recommendations somehow never made it to the ground. Was it due to lack of will? Lack of ability? Or was there a deeper, significant conflict of interest at play?”

Commenting on the current political climate and general elections, he warned of turbulent times ahead but urged people to safeguard the country’s core values.

“A storm is currently sweeping over Bangladesh. Amid this turmoil, we must protect our true assets. Governments come and go, but the people and the country remain. Bearing that in mind, we move forward with the work ahead,” he said.