Govt's lack of willingness to implement policies is the real problem: Prof Rehman Sobhan
Amir Khasru commended CPD's role, saying, “CPD has become an alternative voice outside political parties, providing a space to share opinions in the public interest"
The real challenge in Bangladesh lies not in the creation or reform of policies but in their implementation, said Professor Rehman Sobhan, chairman of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).
He raised the issue during a programme commemorating CPD's 30th anniversary at the Brac Centre Inn in the capital's Mohakhali today (1 December).
Prof Rehman said, "One of the biggest problems is not so much whether the policy is wrong or needs to be reformed. Most of the time, policies are not implemented… So, the real issue lies in the government's willingness to implement policies – which is a topic that needs to be discussed."
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At the event, he highlighted CPD's activities over the past 30 years, especially how CPD has developed into a space for expressing the views of civil society outside the parliament.
He further stressed that political crises should be resolved through dialogue, noting that the CPD has always tried to achieve it through such means.
"Politicians often do not want to accept opposing views. Sometimes they even become upset. However, public opinion is crucial"
At the programme, Professor Rounaq Jahan, distinguished fellow of CPD, said, "CPD has shown that good governance is needed for development. It has brought to the fore the link between governance and politics."
She also highlighted CPD's efforts to create public opinions to hold governments accountable.
Praising the CPD for creating a space for free speech during politically repressive times, BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said, "When we were afraid to speak up, fearing imprisonment, the CPD created a space for us to voice our opinions."
He said that there is a need for a space for public opinion beyond the political mindset, and the CPD has successfully created that space.
"Politicians often do not want to accept opposing views. Sometimes they even become upset. However, public opinion is crucial," he said.
Referring to ongoing reforms, the BNP Standing Committee member highlighted the importance of both public and political consensus. "If reforms are devised by just 4-5 individuals without public ownership, and without going through a political process, the reforms will fail to achieve their purpose," he added.
Mahfuz Anam, editor of The Daily Star, said in the last 15 years, the greatest damage has been inflicted on free thought and tolerance for differing opinions.
He also noted that one of the key reasons for the fall of the previous government was its crackdown on the media.
"Accurate information never reached the top leadership of the previous government because the media was silenced," he said.
Stressing that all avenues for expressing opinions were systematically eroded over the years, he said, "CPD gained prominence in the media because it was considered an authentic source of information."
"Even during challenging circumstances over the years, CPD has consistently spoken the truth," he added.
Barrister Nihad Kabir, former president of MCCI, said, "CPD's budget reviews primarily focus on large businesses. The perspectives of small and medium entrepreneurs should also be highlighted."
Taslima Akter, president of Bangladesh Garment Sramik Sanghati, appreciated CPD's role in advocating for workers' rights and fair wages.
Fahmida Khatun, executive director of CPD, moderated the daylong event, which was divided into three sessions. The sessions featured Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, Foreign Affairs Adviser M Touhid Hossain, Economist Debapriya Bhattacharya, as well as civil society and business leaders.
