Renowned economist and CPD Distinguished Fellow Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya has cautioned that credible and participatory elections will remain unattainable unless the government and the Election Commission take decisive and transparent measures to restore public confidence.
Speaking at a pre-election regional consultation meeting in Khulna on Thursday, organised under the Citizen Platform initiative of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Debapriya Bhattacharya highlighted rising public apprehension and uncertainty regarding the upcoming national elections.
He urged authorities to demonstrate their capacity to conduct free, fair, and transparent polls to rebuild voter trust.
He said people still have fear and uncertainty in their minds. Without addressing these concerns, a participatory election is not possible.
“If citizens do not regain trust, elections cannot fully reflect democratic principles. Transparency, integrity, and open dialogue are essential to restore that confidence. While elections are inevitable, the question remains: what kind of election will we have?”
Debapriya also noted a growing awareness among political leaders of the consequences of ignoring public sentiment. “Politicians are realising that failing to listen to the people could once again compel them to abandon the country,” he added.
The consultation, held at the City Inn Hotel conference hall, brought together more than 200 participants from diverse professional backgrounds, including civil society representatives, students, women leaders, and local stakeholders.
Discussions focused on preparing a citizen manifesto to highlight the expectations and needs of marginalised and disadvantaged groups, ensuring their voices are reflected in political parties’ election pledges.
Addressing regional development, Debapriya observed that despite infrastructure milestones such as the Padma Bridge, expected economic progress in Khulna and surrounding areas has largely remained unfulfilled.
While land prices have increased, employment opportunities and fair wages for workers have not improved.
He stressed the importance of region-based industrialisation to attract young workers, highlighting Khulna’s potential in agriculture-based industries, shrimp and fish production, and tourism. “Tourism can expand significantly around the Sundarbans and the region’s cultural heritage,” he said.
He also urged election candidates to include concrete commitments on regional development in their manifestos, noting that civil society and the media would ensure accountability.
Debapriya Bhattacharya stressed the importance of port management, saying that efficient operations are crucial for an export-oriented economy.
He called for transparent, merit-based reforms and investments to ensure benefits reach the people and support long-term sustainability.
Local civil society leaders also highlighted several demands for political parties and candidates, including safer roads, industrial development, banning polythene and plastic waste, strengthening tourism in the Sundarbans, and improving governance.
Participants included BNP nominee Nazrul Islam Manju for Khulna-2 constituency and Jamaat nominee Maulana Mahfuzur Rahman for Khulna-3.
