Dhaka: The people of Bangladesh will emerge as the frontline guardians of democracy in the days ahead, Citizen’s Platform Convener Debapriya Bhattacharya stated on Thursday, highlighting the country’s evolving political and social transformation. Debapriya emphasized the heightened awareness and capability of the Bangladeshi populace, asserting that the protection of democracy will increasingly rest in their hands.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Debapriya made these remarks during a press briefing at an event titled ‘National Election 2026: Citizens’ Recommendations for the Next Government’, organized by the Citizen’s Platform at a city hotel. He underlined that sustainable development and positive change in the country cannot be achieved solely through policy frameworks.
To address this, the Citizen’s Platform has launched a national program aimed at monitoring policy implementation. This initiative will track the extent to which policy recommendations are implemented over time. Debapriya remarked, “Policy advice alone does not ensure implementation; oversight is essential,” highlighting that education, health, social protection, and broader economic and social policy frameworks will be monitored through a ‘Reform Tracker’.
Debapriya further explained that the Reform Tracker will not be confined to the Citizen’s Platform’s proposals. It will also assess the fulfillment of political parties’ manifesto commitments related to citizens’ development following the election. He observed that civil society is more conscious now than ever before, suggesting that citizens will play a pivotal role in the country’s democratic transition. The Citizen’s Platform has structured its policy recommendations with a focus on enhancing people’s living standards.
In addition, CPD Distinguished Fellow Mustafizur Rahman presented 12 policy recommendations aimed at fostering inclusive development in Bangladesh’s future socio-economic and democratic transition. CPD Additional Director (Research) Towfiqul Islam Khan also announced a 10-point action plan to implement these recommendations.