Former minister and BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury today (1 December) highlighted the erosion of citizens’ rights, saying that when the right to vote is stolen, numerous other rights are lost as a consequence.
“Democracy is not just about voting; it’s about the daily accountability of an elected government, which has been absent for the last 15 years due to stolen voting rights,” he said while speaking at the inauguration of a daylong event marking the 30-year journey of the Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD).
The program, titled “Commemorating Thirty Years of CPD,” was held at BRAC Inn in Mohakhali, Dhaka.
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.”
On the topic of reforms, he stressed that they must be ongoing and democratic to ensure sustainability. He underscored the importance of consensus among political parties for any meaningful and impactful reforms.
Professor Rehman Sobhan, chairman of CPD, in his opening speech, lauded the think tank for its constructive role as the voice of civil society, especially in the absence of an effective parliament and participatory elections. He described CPD as a “brand name” widely recognised as a platform for civil society.
Professor Rounaq Jahan, fellow at CPD, highlighted the impact of CPD’s dialogues and research papers across various sectors, noting that both government and private entities have benefited significantly. Many of CPD’s recommendations have been adopted by the government, she added.
Barrister Nihad Kabir, former president of MCCI, praised CPD’s contributions to the financial sector, particularly in exploring connectivity and trade potential.
Mahfuz Anam, editor of The Daily Star, described CPD as an “authentic source of data,” especially at a time when media outlets face a scarcity of financial and social data for reporting. He also commended CPD’s pre- and post-budget dialogues for opening new avenues of thought.
Taslima Akter, president of Bangladesh Garment Sramik Sanghati, appreciated CPD’s role in advocating for workers’ rights and fair wages.
Dr Fahmida Khatun, executive director of CPD, moderated the daylong event, which was divided into three sessions. The sessions featured Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Foreign Affairs Adviser M Touhid Hossain, Economist Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, as well as civil society and business leaders.
