Reform an ongoing process, essential for economic dynamism: Debapriya

Debapriya Bhattacharya, distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), on Thursday described reform as a continuous process, emphasising its necessity for maintaining economic momentum.

"Reform is not a static concept, it is an ongoing process. Just as blood circulation is vital for the human body, reforms are indispensable to keep an economy moving," he said while addressing a discussion titled "Bangladesh Reform Tracker and Relevance of Media," organised by the Citizen's Platform for SDG, Bangladesh, and the Economic Reporters' Forum (ERF) at the ERF auditorium in the capital.

Speaking at the event, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan disclosed that the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) policy is set to undergo revisions.

Responding to queries from journalists, he said, "I discussed the matter with the adviser concerned four days ago when he informed me that an initiative has already been taken to revise the policy."

The NEIR system is utilised by the government to enhance mobile handset security and curb the use of illegally imported or counterfeit devices by syncing International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers with the owner's National ID and SIM cards.

Reflecting on the spirit of the student-led mass uprising, Debapriya noted that the movement has intensified the public's aspiration for structural changes.

He urged politicians to prioritise the concept of reform, noting that current electoral manifestos have attempted to reflect both the necessity and expectations of such changes.

The eminent economist also touched upon the historical context of reforms in Bangladesh, recalling the post-independence reconstruction efforts, led by then Finance Minister Tajuddin Ahmad, through state-owned enterprises.

He further highlighted the contributions of former Finance Minister Saifur Rahman, stating, "His role in implementing two major reforms – the introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) and the flexible exchange rate – will remain historic."

The discussion was also attended by New Age Editor Nurul Kabir, Prothom Alo Online Editor Shawkat Hossain Masum, ERF President Daulat Akter Mala, and General Secretary Abul Kashem, among others.