Politicians, bureaucrats have become businessmen, White Paper body finds

Politicians and government officials have either become businessmen, or businessmen are becoming politicians – "that is what we have learned," said Debapriya Bhattacharya, the head of the National White Paper Committee.

He emphasised that both the current government and the committee seek to reverse this trend, adding, "Bangladesh 2.0 seeks a transformation that ensures we do not continue to live under similar oppression and fear."

Debapriya made the remarks today (2 October) at the first regional consultation meeting of the committee in Sylhet. 

Various stakeholders from different sectors in Sylhet shared their views during the consultation meeting of the committee which was formed by the interim government to assess the country's current economic situation. 

Debapriya said, "Various narratives of development have circulated in Bangladesh over the past decade or more. However, we have expressed scepticism about these claims and questioned why, despite such developments, taxes and employment opportunities did not increase, why there were no investments, why poverty and inequality has not decreased."

"For these reasons, we believe that the data was not accurate. This initiative is aimed at addressing inequality and reform. We are not here to catch thieves; we are working to understand the process of theft itself," he added.

Debapriya further said, "From today's discussions we got to know that fear and mistrust still persist in the country. Everyone must speak from their respective positions without fear. Corruption cannot be tolerated, and the opinions of all will be considered in this process.

"Discussions of this nature will continue to address economic reforms. The White Paper will be drafted by gathering everyone's opinions and carefully observing the realities on the ground."

At the meeting, representatives from various sectors, including tea, tourism, fisheries, agriculture, communication, and remittances, voiced their concerns over corruption, neglect, and lack of development in their respective areas.

They pointed out that several mega projects in Sylhet have been initiated, but most remain incomplete, with significant amounts of money allegedly embezzled. As a result, the region has been deprived of development benefits.

Criticising the mismanagement and corruption, they added that funds spent on initiatives like high-tech parks, economic zones, and tourism did not bring any tangible benefits for the local population.

Other committee members were also present at the event.