Dhaka: Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud today said Bangladesh should prioritise an effective democratic transition, stronger accountability systems and a long-term roadmap for building a fair, discrimination-free society. He emphasized that these elements are critical for establishing a functional democratic order to ensure long-term economic development and building a just society.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Mahmud was addressing the Annual BIDS Conference on Development 2025: Democracy and Development organized by the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) at the Parjatan Bhaban in Agargaon. The conference focused on the nation's trajectory towards a democratic system that fosters sustainable economic development, equity, and reduced social and economic disparities.
Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud noted that nearly five and a half decades after independence, Bangladesh is still striving to establish a "functional democratic arrangement", which should have been achieved long ago. He stressed that democratic institutions alone cannot guarantee the quality of democracy unless political behaviour and political culture evolve.
He highlighted the necessity of a parliament elected by the people, a government accountable to that parliament, and independent watchdog institutions as prerequisites for a functional democracy. However, he pointed out that the real test lies in political conduct, which cannot change overnight.
Dr Mahmud also addressed the interconnections between political patronage, youth unemployment, and cadre-based politics, suggesting that these issues are linked to poor-quality education and high dropout rates. He argued that the economic front requires deep administrative reforms and an end to collusion between business and bureaucracy for democratic governance to ensure development.
He further explained that reforms through new rules and regulations depend on the behavioural environment, including the incentives created, the culture of trust, and the social norms within which markets operate. Drawing on global experiences, he cited China and Vietnam's reform experiences to illustrate how discipline, trust, and strong internal accountability systems can deliver sustained growth.
Regarding Bangladesh's statistical system, Dr Mahmud called for greater transparency in data production for evidence-based policymaking. He advocated for the digitalisation of BBS datasets to allow independent examination of national statistics, improving their quality. However, he emphasized that political will remains crucial to prevent illicit gains.
On the goal of creating a discrimination-free society, he noted that issues like redistribution, social protection, market-state relations, and reducing inequality are inherently ideological and should be clearly articulated in party manifestos.
In conclusion, Dr Mahmud emphasized that Bangladesh's path to a just society depends on political will, institutional innovation, and responsible governance. He stated that without political commitment, corruption merely changes its source, but with accountability and responsibility, sustainable equitable development is achievable.