Dr Rehman Sobhan, Chairman of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), expressed concern over the rise of crony capitalism, which he said has fostered undemocratic tendencies in governance.He also highlighted significant progress in Bangladesh’s social indicators, including enhanced sanitation, reduced maternal mortality, and improved child health Speaking at the annual international research conference of the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) on Saturday (December 7), Dr Sobhan delivered a keynote titled "Agenda for Economic and Social Reform" during the second session, chaired by BIDS Director General Dr Binayak Sen. The four-day conference commenced with an inaugural ceremony at a Dhaka hotel.Dr Sobhan noted that during past governments, a significant number of businesspersons were elected to the Jatiya Sangsad, allowing them to influence policymaking. This, he said, led to the institutionalisation of crony capitalism, which extended from the parliamentary level to districts, upazilas, and unions, entrenching undemocratic practices within the system.
He stressed that structural issues in governance impede sustainable development and called for urgent institutional reforms.
"Our export sector cannot remain confined to the garment industry. Diversification is critical," he said, adding that state intervention is often necessary in sectors like construction and ceramics, though the state itself struggles to act effectively.
On the issue of inequality, Dr Sobhan lamented the lack of significant progress in combating discrimination.
Sharing a personal anecdote, he contrasted the simplicity of past Planning Commission operations with the current preference for luxury, saying, “During my time, I had to push a broken-down car to attend a function. Today, members of the Planning Commission use air-conditioned, branded cars worth crores.”
He also pointed out stark regional inequalities, with areas like Rangpur suffering from severe disparities, whereas regions like Dhaka and Chattogram experience much less inequality.