A Year Like No Other - Celebrating Courage and Change!
The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) has been instrumental in advancing knowledge, advocating for the marginalised, and tackling injustices in Bangladesh since its establishment in 1993. On 1 December 2024, CPD celebrated its 30th anniversary with a day-long event titled The CPD Journey: Commemorating Thirty Years of CPD, reflecting on its significant impact on policy and societal change. The celebration also included the launch of two commemorative books.
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With the formation of the Interim Government on 8 August 2024, CPD underscored the urgency of comprehensive reforms. The think tank provided tailored advice to tackle sector-specific challenges and highlighted citizens' perspectives on the reforms they aspire to see. A key recommendation was the eradication of corruption from all sectors of the Government through strict law enforcement, which must be the top priority of the Interim Government.
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Bangladesh's banking sector continues to experience significant challenges due to a lack of governance, leading to high non-performing loan (NPL) rates and weak performance. CPD emphasised the need for comprehensive reforms, which include various steps such as strengthening the Banking Company Act, improving internal monitoring and audits, appointing competent bank directors, and removing the political interference on running banks. CPD has long been advocating for an independent, transparent Banking Commission to tackle systemic problems and improve accountability and stability of the banking sector.
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The floods of 2024 in the eastern districts of Bangladesh affected lives, homes, and livelihoods, leading to long-term economic impacts. Assessing this experience, CPD highlighted the crucial role of local involvement and youth participation in reducing flood damage. Additionally, the think tank stressed the importance of environmental sustainability, pointing out that while there has been significant progress in access to safe water and sanitation, access remains unequal.
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Utilising technology to empower women was the focus of a roundtable discussion, highlighting key challenges. A major issue identified was the lack of training opportunities for women to run micro-businesses, especially those who returned to their villages during COVID-19 to start small ventures. Another challenge was the misuse of digital tools in unproductive sectors of the economy and, at times, for harmful purposes. The discussion stressed the need to make the internet more affordable, enabling women to access resources and effectively utilise technology for empowerment and growth.
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CPD researchers suggested the Artificial Neural Network (ANN)-based model to lower fuel prices in Bangladesh by BDT 10-15 per litre. The researchers pointed out that the model can provide better predictions for future fuel pricing adjustments. They also suggested four strategies to reduce electricity subsidies.
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In 2024, CPD conducted a social audit in Panchagarh, Sunamganj, and Satkhira on government TVET programmes. It identified barriers like poverty, poor infrastructure, a lack of skilled teachers, and limited job opportunities. These findings were presented at a conference, where CPD recommended forming a high-level committee to modernise Bangladesh’s technical education system.
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Digitalising the taxation system could quadruple revenue to USD 167 billion by 2030, improving tax collection and domestic revenue mobilisation. CPD recommended prioritising this transformative initiative to address revenue challenges.
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The business environment in Bangladesh has long faced critical challenges that have hindered its progress. The post-pandemic scenario reflects progress, stagnation, and persistent issues across various sectors. Corruption, excessive bureaucracy, and foreign currency instability continue to pose significant hurdles for businesses. Against this backdrop, the CPD suggested the Interim Government form a Regulatory Reforms Commission to enhance the country’s business competitiveness.
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CPD researchers proposed a minimum wage of BDT 22,776 for tannery workers in 2024, based on food costs, non-food expenses, family size, and income earners. It also reiterated its 2023 proposal for a BDT 17,568 minimum wage for RMG workers to cover living expenses. To address workplace safety, CPD recommended comprehensive training for tannery workers and faster remediation of fire-related issues in RSC factories through improved escalation protocols.
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CPD has advocated for securing GI status for Bangladesh's unique products, highlighted by West Bengal's GI recognition of the Tangail Saree in 2024. CPD proposed a specialised task force for a coordinated approach to GI issues. Additionally, India's GI rights to Sundarbans honey emphasised the need for stronger IP integration into legal frameworks, bilateral agreements with India, and accession to the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement to protect shared geographic products.
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CPD promotes regional cooperation, emphasising its role in addressing shared challenges and fostering sustainable development. This year, CPD researchers explored multi-layered connectivity in the Bay of Bengal, recommending industrial value chain development to position Bangladesh as a regional economic hub.
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As part of its annual activities, CPD successfully executed the Budget Helpdesk 2024 initiative for the third time, playing a crucial role during the FY2024–25 budget session. The Helpdesk provided data and knowledge support to Members of Parliament from May to June 2024, publishing nine policy briefs covering the overall budget and specific sectors like agriculture, health, education, power and energy, roads and transport, women and children affairs, information and communication technology, and local government and rural development.
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In 2024, a Social Insurance Forum was launched in January to support the NSIS action plan, followed by a second forum in November to set priorities for the Interim Government. Additionally, CPD proposed implementing Universal Basic Income (UBI) in Bangladesh to alleviate poverty, empower citizens, and enhance social protection, despite fiscal constraints. The same year saw the release of Fifty Years of Bangladesh: Economy, Politics, Society and Culture, published by Routledge and co-edited by Professor Rounaq Jahan and Professor Rehman Sobhan of CPD.
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In 2024, CPD continued its tradition of fostering celebration throughout the year by organising events to commemorate significant days. These activities promoted a sense of unity within the CPD family, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Celebrations included Pohela Falgun, International Women’s Day, the Annual Iftar Programme, and collective birthday celebrations for CPD employees, all contributing to a festive and memorable year for everyone involved. The CPD Cricket Tournament was also organised to provide enjoyment and foster camaraderie among employees, offering a fun and engaging way to strengthen bonds within the CPD family.
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CPD's SOCIAL MEDIA
Honorary Fellow at Europa Institute, University of Edinburgh, writer, and former Ambassador of European Union
2wGreetings to my many friends in CPD. I first discovered Bangladesh through your work which I have always admired. Best wishes for 2025.