Time for interim govt to prepare exit report, define exit policy: Debapriya
"Don't bite off more than you can chew," Debapriya advised
The time has come for the interim government to define a clear "exit policy" and present an "exit task report" outlining its achievements and remaining goals, said Debapriya Bhattacharya, economist and distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) today (30 July).
Speaking at a seminar organised by Democracy Dais Bangladesh at a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka, Debapriya said, "It's time for this government to address the nation and articulate what more it aims to achieve within its remaining tenure before stepping down."
"Don't bite off more than you can chew," he said, urging the administration to realistically assess how much reform it can complete in the limited time it has.
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Debapriya acknowledged that many reform initiatives will inevitably remain unfinished and must be continued by the next elected government. "This continuity must be embraced," he stressed, warning that otherwise, reforms risk becoming "unreformed" actions.
He recalled that the three previous caretaker governments each had an "exit policy".
"When Ziaur Rahman assumed power, his party gained a majority in parliament, allowing the legitimisation of the Fifth Amendment and other matters. Similarly, Hussain Muhammad Ershad, through the Jatiyo Party, ensured legitimacy up to the Eighth Amendment," he said.
In contrast, he raised concerns about whether the next elected government will fully legitimise the actions taken by the current interim administration led by Dr Yunus.
"The concern is not just about the election date," he said. "It is about what aspirations brought this government to power, what it has accomplished, and what it intends to leave behind."
Debapriya called on the government to prepare a formal "exit task report" or "duty completion report" to transparently communicate its remaining objectives, accomplishments, and unfulfilled tasks to the public before transferring power.
He reiterated that this process is essential to ensuring democratic accountability and a smooth transition, noting, "Every interim or caretaker government should think seriously about its exit policy."
