The credibility of any nascent political entity will ultimately be determined in the electoral arena against the country’s major political forces, observed Rehman Sobhan, chairman of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), at an economic symposium in Dhaka.
Speaking at the Eighth Annual Economists’ Conference, organised by the South Asian Network on Economic Modelling (SANEM) at BRAC Centre on Saturday (22 February), Sobhan emphasised that a mere nameplate does not constitute a political party.
"A true political party is built on public support. In Bangladesh, the Awami League and BNP have entrenched bases across rural regions, while Jamaat also retains influence in certain areas. Whether or not a party is banned, this remains the reality," he remarked.
Rehman Sobhan criticised the entrenched political culture in which electoral victors consolidate power and are unwilling to relinquish it.
"Winners take all, and the fear of losing financial benefits and even personal security makes them reluctant to step down. Consequently, the judiciary is being weaponised to suppress political adversaries," he stated.
Posing a rhetorical challenge to those aspiring for power, he questioned, "Will they ensure an independent judiciary?"
He further noted that political transitions often result in shifts in economic control, stating, "The business domains once controlled by the Awami League have now been taken over by others. What measures are political reform commissions undertaking to ensure intra-party democracy?"
Highlighting systemic dysfunction, Rehman Sobhan lamented that bureaucratic structures have been rendered ineffective due to political polarisation.
"An efficient and accountable bureaucracy is crucial, yet even interim administrations struggle with its politicised nature," he added.
On the subject of reforms, he raised a pertinent concern: "How will reform proposals be implemented through executive orders? This remains a major question."
Professor Rounaq Jahan, a distinguished fellow at CPD, underscored the formidable challenges in establishing a sustainable political framework through citizen empowerment.
Meanwhile, Dr Ali Riaz, head of the Constitutional Reform Commission, stressed the importance of institutional accountability and power balance.
"Under the parliamentary system, the president cannot act independently without consulting the prime minister, reducing the office to an extension of the Prime Minister’s authority," he noted.
Barrister Sara Hossain advocated for a more inclusive governance structure, factoring in gender, ethnicity, religion, and place of birth to foster equitable state participation.
Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince reiterated public aspirations for peace and dignity.
"People seek basic respect. Before any major decisions are made, they wish for their voices to be heard—through votes and other democratic avenues," he stated.
Among other notable speakers were Dr Asif M Sahan of Dhaka University’s Development Studies Department and Dr Mashrur Riaz, chairman of Policy Exchange Bangladesh.
