'Where is the transparency in economic activities of this government?' asks Debapriya | The Business Standard
Skip to main content
  • Epaper
  • Economy
    • Aviation
    • Banking
    • Bazaar
    • Budget
    • Industry
    • NBR
    • RMG
    • Corporates
  • Stocks
  • Analysis
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
The Business Standard

Wednesday
May 28, 2025

Sign In
Subscribe
  • Epaper
  • Economy
    • Aviation
    • Banking
    • Bazaar
    • Budget
    • Industry
    • NBR
    • RMG
    • Corporates
  • Stocks
  • Analysis
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2025
'Where is the transparency in economic activities of this government?' asks Debapriya

Economy

TBS Report
27 May, 2025, 11:10 pm
Last modified: 27 May, 2025, 11:16 pm

Related News

  • Inflation, exchange rate shocks to intensify fiscal pressure in FY26
  • Four, including top criminal 'Excel Babu', arrested in Mohammadpur
  • Apparel leaders, global buyers, regulators discuss overlapping audit challenges, compliance requirements in high-level meeting
  • Govt may reduce newsprint import duty
  • Reform is more difficult in times of economic crisis: Anisuzzaman

'Where is the transparency in economic activities of this government?' asks Debapriya

Debapriya said, “What structural changes has this government brought compared to the ousted one? Where is the transparency? Just like the previous government, there is no transparency now either. The issue of inflated costs in mega projects still remains.”

TBS Report
27 May, 2025, 11:10 pm
Last modified: 27 May, 2025, 11:16 pm
Illustration: TBS
Illustration: TBS

Just like the fallen government's lack of transparency in economic activities, the same appears to persist in the current government as well, said Debapriya Bhattacharya, distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).

He made the remark while speaking at a pre-budget discussion jointly organised by NTV and the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) in the capital's Tejgaon today (27 May).

Debapriya said, "What structural changes has this government brought compared to the ousted one? Where is the transparency? Just like the previous government, there is no transparency now either. The issue of inflated costs in mega projects still remains."

The Business Standard Google News Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel

Citing a recent example of lack of transparency, he added, "Trying to implement a positive move like the separation of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) without proper discussion is a major example of what the consequences can be – this is exactly what happens."

He said, "The separation of the NBR was included in our white paper. It was also recommended by the Revenue Reform Committee…But without public participation and keeping the door open for discussion, even a good initiative cannot be implemented effectively."

"This government may be legal, but it is not elected. What guarantee is there that any future government will continue its policies?"

Debapriya Bhattacharya, Distinguished Fellow, CPD

The distinguished economist also raised concerns about the lack of a clear roadmap for the economy.

He asked, "Where is the roadmap for the economy? Will investors plan based on just six months? This government may be legal, but it is not elected. What guarantee is there that any future government will continue its policies?"

Describing the banking and energy sectors as the "lungs of the economy," he stressed the importance of addressing issues in these two areas.

"There is no visible discussion on employment generation," he said. "What is the government's stance on discrimination? This government must prove how it is different from the previous one and what it has done differently."

At the event, Imran Hassan, general secretary of the Bangladesh Restaurant Owners Association, echoed concerns about inequality.

He said, "It is often claimed that inequality has decreased, but in reality, it has only worsened. 

"Small and marginal businesses are collapsing, while corporate entities continue to receive benefits and are even transferring money abroad."

Dr Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, special assistant to the chief adviser, hinted at the obstacles the government is facing in implementing certain reforms. 

He said, "Reform is more difficult during an economic crisis – especially in a country like Bangladesh. Those opposing reforms are well-organised."

"Where else in the world do civil servants go on strike like this? Even a 'people's platform' has emerged here. These are the realities we have to face," he added

The discussion was moderated by NTV's Head of News, Zahirul Alam.

Dr Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, special assistant to chief adviser; Abdul Moyeen Khan, member of standing committee of Bangladesh Nationalist Party; Abdur Rahman Khan, NBR chairman; Mohammad Hatem, president of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA); and Dr Muhammad Abdul Mazid, former NBR chairman, also spoke at the programme.

Bangladesh / Top News

Debapriya Bhattacharya / Economy / Bangladesh / transparency

Comments

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.

Top Stories

  • Inflation, exchange rate shocks to intensify fiscal pressure in FY26
    Inflation, exchange rate shocks to intensify fiscal pressure in FY26
  • File photo of jamaat leader ATM Azharul Islam
    ATM Azharul Islam set free after acquittal in war crimes case
  • Google Pay. Photo: Collected
    Google Pay likely coming to Bangladesh soon

MOST VIEWED

  • Selim RF Hussain. Sketch: TBS
    BRAC Bank MD Selim RF Hussain resigns
  • Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur. TBS Sketch
    Depositors need not worry as govt will take over banks before merger: BB governor
  • Graphics: TBS
    Suspicious banking activities surge by 56% since July: Cenbank
  • Photo: Collected
    DU student assaulted for protesting eve-teasing at Chadni Chowk
  • Illustration: TBS
    Bangladesh sees highest-ever per capita income of $2,820 in FY25, BBS provisional data shows
  • Officials protest inside the Secretariat on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, over a government ordinance amending the Public Service Act, 2018. Photo: Rajib Dhar
    Protest at Secretariat suspended as govt assures decision on ordinance tomorrow

Related News

  • Inflation, exchange rate shocks to intensify fiscal pressure in FY26
  • Four, including top criminal 'Excel Babu', arrested in Mohammadpur
  • Apparel leaders, global buyers, regulators discuss overlapping audit challenges, compliance requirements in high-level meeting
  • Govt may reduce newsprint import duty
  • Reform is more difficult in times of economic crisis: Anisuzzaman

Features

In recent years, the Gor-e-Shaheed Eidgah has emerged as a strong contender for the crown of the biggest Eid congregation in the country, having hosted 600,000 worshippers in 2017. Photo: TBS

Gor-e-Shaheed Boro Maath: The heart of Dinajpur

1d | Panorama
The Hili Land Port, officially opened in 1997 but with trade roots stretching back to before Partition, has grown into a cornerstone of bilateral commerce.

Dhaka-Delhi tensions ripple across Hili’s markets and livelihoods

2d | Panorama
Photo: Collected

Desk goals: Affordable ways to elevate your study setup

2d | Brands
Built on a diamond-type frame, the Hornet 2.0 is agile but grounded. PHOTO: Asif Chowdhury

Honda Hornet 2.0: Same spirit, upgraded sting

2d | Wheels

More Videos from TBS

Jamaat leader ATM Azhar released from prison after 11 years

Jamaat leader ATM Azhar released from prison after 11 years

7m | TBS Today
Trump delays 50% tariffs on EU goods

Trump delays 50% tariffs on EU goods

10h | Others
Eid may be celebrated in Bangladesh on June 7

Eid may be celebrated in Bangladesh on June 7

11h | TBS Today
Livestock passion made successful farmer

Livestock passion made successful farmer

1h | TBS Stories
EMAIL US
contact@tbsnews.net
FOLLOW US
WHATSAPP
+880 1847416158
The Business Standard
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Advertisement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Comment Policy
Copyright © 2025
The Business Standard All rights reserved
Technical Partner: RSI Lab

Contact Us

The Business Standard

Main Office -4/A, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka- 1000

Phone: +8801847 416158 - 59

Send Opinion articles to - oped.tbs@gmail.com

For advertisement- sales@tbsnews.net