Debapriya calls for measures to restore public trust

OUR CORRESPONDENT

KHULNA, Nov 20: Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), has urged the government, the administration, and the Election Commission (EC) to take stronger and more transparent steps to restore public trust ahead of the upcoming national elections.

"Unless the prevailing sense of fear and uncertainty among citizens is removed, a participatory election cannot be held," he said while speaking at a regional consultation organised by the Citizen's Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh at Hotel City Inn in Khulna on Thursday.

He said an election would not have democratic legitimacy without public confidence.

"The nation is headed towards elections, which are inevitable. But the people still question what kind of election we are going to have. Restoring trust based on open dialogue, transparency, and integrity is now a necessity."

Speaking on the development prospects of Khulna and the south-western region, Dr Debapriya said implementation had long remained inadequate despite repeated discussions.

He noted that the opening of the Padma Bridge had not translated into the expected economic gains.

While land prices had surged, employment opportunities and fair wages for workers had not improved, he said.

Participants of the event also echoed concerns about industrial stagnation and inequality in the distribution of economic benefits.

Highlighting opportunities for region-based industries, Dr Debapriya said Khulna held vast potential in agriculture-based manufacturing, shrimp and fish production, and tourism based on the Sundarbans and cultural heritage.

"To attract the new generation of workers, regional industrialisation must be prioritised," he said.

He also called for a comprehensive regional development plan for Khulna and urged local candidates to include specific commitments in their election manifestos.

"Candidates from this region must pledge regional development. The civil society and the media will later ensure accountability for implementation," he said.

Speaking on port governance, he said efficient port systems were essential for an export-driven economy.

Foreign investments might be required, but procedural transparency was critical, he also said.

"If proper reforms are executed through flawed mechanisms, results will not be realised. The recent haste and lack of transparency in port reforms risk undermining positive initiatives," he warned.

"Reforms and investments are necessary, but they must be merit-based, participatory, and transparent to ensure sustainability," he emphasised.

The citizens' representatives attending the event placed several local and national demands, including safe roads, industrial development, elimination of polythene and plastic waste, tourism development centring the Sundarbans, and ensuring good governance.

The event concluded with remarks by Dr Mostafizur Rahman, another distinguished fellow at the CPD.

Among others, former BNP central unit organising secretary and former lawmaker Nazrul Islam Manju, Jamaat-e-Islami Khulna city unit Ameer Professor Mahfuzur Rahman, the unit's Secretary Advocate Sheikh Jahangir Hossain Helal, Islami Andolan Bangladesh Khulna city unit acting president Sheikh Md Nasir Uddin, and National Citizen Party's Dr Abdullah Chowdhury attended the programme.