Restricting leadership to one person is detrimental for any organisation: Zahid Hussain

The policy of restricting leadership to one person is detrimental to any organisation, Zahid Hussain, former lead economist at the World Bank's Dhaka office, said today (1 December).

Speaking at the fourth session of a programme titled 'The CPD Journey: Commemorating Thirty Years of CPD', he said, "Leadership will emerge if given the opportunity. Good institutions need dynamic leadership to be run properly and CPD had done that."

He said the success of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) lies in the fact that they have been able to create leadership one after another. 

Speaking at the event, CPD Fellow Debapriya Bhattacharya said there is no point to research which does not play a role in bringing changes to society.

He said those who have had the opportunity to study and do research have that responsibility. 

The CPD has also imagined research as a tool for that change, the eminent economist said.

Presidium Member of the Communist Party of Bangladesh Mujahidul Islam Selim said, "Our mentality was similar to the CPD from the beginning. The CPD did not ignore the needs of the masses in their research. Besides, when I did the agricultural labour movement, I got the support of CPD policymakers."

He said unlike land, self-interest could not be given as a lease. Giving it to someone else, instead of pursuing it yourself, would not lead to results.

He also said there was a conflict between the productive sector and the looting sector, but the former will come to run the country in the coming days.

At the event, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said the CPD had done high quality research and was able to create resources. 

"This is their big achievement. Those who are in leadership here are an inspiration to young researchers."

Founder and member of the Public Assistance Organization FR Mahmood Hasan, on the other hand, said CPD should now focus on providing policy guidance.

Highlighting how the CPD had raised its voice against the development narrative from the beginning, South Asian Network on Economic Modelling (SANEM) Executive Director Selim Raihan said this was done from a place of constructive criticism.  

"The CPD has always given courage, I hope it will continue this trend in the future."

Rubana Huq, vice chancellor of Asian University for Women (AUW) and former president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) also urged for constructive criticism.

"If you criticise indiscriminately, many small entrepreneurs are also affected."

At the event, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman said a completely new position had been created by bringing about change in the country. 

The CPD can work on what steps need to be taken to overcome the situation we have reached at present, he said.

The closing speech at the event was delivered by CPD Chairman and renowned economist Rehman Sobhan.