Former governor Farashuddin says Bangladesh can become $1tn economy within a decade

He proposes an upper house elected through proportional representation and an independent central bank governor

Former Bangladesh Bank governor Mohammed Farashuddin has proposed sweeping constitutional and governance reforms, saying Bangladesh could become a $1 trillion economy within the next decade through stronger institutions and accountable governance.

Speaking at the 8th Nahreen Khan Memorial Lecture at East West University on Sunday, Farashuddin argued that proportional representation should be introduced in the proposed upper house of parliament rather than for general elections.

He said lawmakers should be free to vote independently on all bills except constitutional amendments, money bills and no-confidence motions, while MPs should stay out of local administration and development activities, according to a media statement.

Farashuddin also called for constitutional status for the Bangladesh Bank governor, presidential authority over appointments to all constitutional posts and a high-powered administrative reform commission.

He urged the creation of a metropolitan authority for Greater Dhaka, modelled on Delhi's, alongside automated tax collection, politically neutral public administration and strict accountability to build a state founded on equality, human dignity and social justice.

The event at EWU's Manzur Elahi Auditorium was also addressed by Vice-Chancellor Shams Rahman, retired Dhaka University professor Fakrul Alam, senior journalist Sohrab Hasan and EWU Treasurer retired air commodore Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury.

Trustees, faculty members, students, staff and relatives of the late Nahreen Khan attended the event, held annually in memory of the EWU alumna and daughter of economist and former caretaker government advisor Akbar Ali Khan.