Any entity with 'public' in its name facing crisis: Anu Muhammad

The country's public institutions and services are in a state of severe distress, economist Anu Muhammad has said, noting that any entity with "public" in its name is facing a crisis.

"Public education, public healthcare, public transport – all are in a disastrous state," he said at a press conference in Dhaka today.

"Public spaces are vanishing, and the overall condition is alarming. Meanwhile, private institutions are not facing such crises," said Anu Muhammad, former professor of economics at Jahangirnagar University.

The special press conference was held at the Bangladesh Institute of Planners' conference room, marking the 100th day of protests against the elevated expressway project, which aims to construct a flyover from FDC to Palashi by dismantling Panthakunja Park and the Hatirjheel reservoir.

Criticising the elevated expressway project, Anu Muhammad said, "Only 2% of the population will benefit from the expressway, while the remaining 98% will suffer from waste, dust, and unbearable traffic congestion. This project highlights the stark inequality in our so-called development initiatives."

He further said autocratic rulers are not born by choice but emerge through projects like Rooppur, Rampal, and the elevated expressway, which facilitate land grabbing and corporate control.

"Over the past eight months, no review has been conducted on these mega projects, which epitomises the extreme inequality of development," added the economist.

Expressing concerns about the government's decision-making, Anu Muhammad noted, "We have seen that a transportation expert from the United States has been appointed as the chief adviser's special assistant. Can he truly solve Dhaka's problems? Solutions must come through discussions with local stakeholders."

Regarding the elevated expressway, he added, "The government faces a crucial test: will it stand with the people or with Chinese corporations? The advisers should decide in the next few days when this project will be halted and how Hatirjheel and Panthakunja will be protected."

The event was held at the Bangladesh Institute of Planners' conference room and was organised by the Bangladesh Tree Protection Movement.

Sharif Jamil, member secretary of Dhoritry Rokkhay Amra (DHORA), warned, "Thieves and robbers have no shame. If the interim government lacks the courage to cancel environmentally destructive projects, what does that say? Projects that harm the public should have been scrapped from the outset."

Filmmaker Akram Khan highlighted the need for community participation in urban planning. "If development continues under fascist planning principles, the expectations of ordinary citizens will never be met."

Amirul Rajiv, coordinator of the Bangladesh Tree Protection Movement, said many of those who previously fought for environmental protection are now in government, yet even after 100 days, they have failed to take a stand on Hatirjheel and Panthakunja.

"Some activists have even received threats over the phone. Do not force us to make those call records public," he added.