Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya today spoke at a pre-election regional workshop at Hotel Grand Park in Barishal. Photo : BSS

BARISHAL, Nov 19, 2025 (BSS) - Distinguished Fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya today said he considers the upcoming general polls as an opportunity to continue the trend of ongoing reforms.

“Due to the lack of transparency and accountability, an anti-reform coalition had formed in the country in the past . . .  Businessmen, politicians and bureaucrats have created a trinity of forces creating a huge obstacle to the country’s development process,” said the economist and public policy analyst. 

Speaking at a pre-election regional workshop - ‘Citizen's Manifesto’ - organized by Citizen Platform Bangladesh at Hotel Grand Park in Barishal, the renowned economist said, “The country is presently passing through a period of crisis.”

Dr Debapriya said the three issues - justice, elections and reforms - are now revolving in the country.

In the workshop, more than one hundred representatives from different levels took part in the workshop on the Citizen's Manifesto. 

The workshop highlighted various problems of Barishal and demanded steps for fruitful solutions from the upcoming government.

Distinguished Fellow of CPD Professor Mostafizur Rahman delivered the closing speech in the programme, where citizens of Barishal regions, teachers, researchers, local level representatives of political parties, lawyers, representatives of backward communities, local entrepreneurs, businessmen and various professionals participated in the consultation meeting. 

Barishal Metropolitan Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami Zahir Uddin Mohammad Babar, Manisha Chakraborty of Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (BSD), Barisal District Convener of Nagorik Citizens’ Party (NCP) Abu Sayeed Musa and Professor Shah Sajeda, among others, also spoke on the occasion.