Khulna: Renowned economist and public policy analyst Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya has emphasized that good governance and effective policy reforms are crucial for Bangladesh's development journey. "Sustainable development is not possible without good governance and policy reforms. In particular, Bangladesh needs timely policy interventions to cope with global economic changes and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)," he said while delivering the keynote speech at a seminar titled "Bangladesh in Transition: Governance, Economy and Policy Reforms" held at Khulna University on Wednesday.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the seminar was organized by the Development Studies Discipline of Khulna University (KU) and took place at the URP Discipline's Lecture Theatre. Dr. Bhattacharya highlighted the importance of policy transformation, stating that reforms must begin with conceptual clarity-identifying problems, setting priorities, and translating ideas into actionable strategies. He further stressed that a democratic environment, freedom of the press, and active stakeholder participation are indispensable for meaningful reforms.
Dr. Bhattacharya remarked that reforms cannot be achieved by any individual or institution alone, emphasizing that it is a collective process. He added that a progressive political settlement is essential to strengthen reform coalitions and that special emphasis should be placed on uplifting marginalized communities.
Speaking as the chief guest, KU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Rezual Karim stated that strengthening governance and reforming policies in line with contemporary needs are vital to accelerating Bangladesh's progress. He also highlighted the role of higher education, research, and knowledge creation in preparing the new generation as skilled human resources.
The event was presided over by Dr. Kazi Humayun Kabir, Head of the Development Studies Discipline, while Professor Sheikh Sharafat Hossain, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, addressed it as the special guest. Associate Professor Md. Jobayer Hossain delivered the welcome speech, and the program was conducted by Assistant Professor Farhana Haque and Lecturer Irene Azhar Urmi. Faculty members, along with a large number of students and teachers from different batches, attended the seminar.