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

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."

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.