Experts expressed worry about the state of Bangladesh’s institutions, particularly the banking sector. They believe corruption is being facilitated through policies, and accountability is lacking across various sectors. Transparency International, Bangladesh (TIB) went as far as to say fixing these issues could take over 50 years.
Macroeconomic stability, inflation control, debt repayment, and sluggish growth were highlighted as critical economic concerns. Debapriya Bhattacharya, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), emphasized the complex economic situation.
The seminar included discussion on the role of the opposition party. While Debapriya Bhattacharya questioned their strategy for addressing economic problems and their lack of participation in local elections, Asif Nazrul, a law professor at Dhaka University, dissented. He pointed out the party’s participation in mass movements and argued elections haven’t been fair.
Concerns were raised about democratic processes. Hossain Zillur Rahman, advisor to a former caretaker government, suggested that elections have become a mere selection process, and institutions have been weakened over time. Ali Riaz, a political science professor, echoed this sentiment, mentioning staged elections.
Overall, the seminar shed light on significant challenges faced by Bangladesh. Addressing institutional weaknesses, reviving the economy, and ensuring a fair political landscape were all identified as crucial areas for improvement.