CPD Convenes Conference on Economic Reforms Taskforce Recommendations
A two-day conference on the “Recommendations of the Taskforce on Economic Restructuring” began on Monday at BRAC Centre in Dhaka, organized by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD). The event will review the 17 sections of the reform report submitted by the taskforce to the Chief Adviser on January 13, discussing them over multiple sessions.
The opening session was moderated by CPD Executive Director Fahmida Khatun and chaired by K.A.S. Murshid, former Director General of the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) and Chairman of the Taskforce on Economic Restructuring.
Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin attended as the chief guest. Other notable speakers included CPD Chairman Professor Rehman Sobhan, BNP Standing Committee Member and former Commerce Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, CPD Distinguished Fellow Dr. Mostafizur Rahman, Deputy Managing Director of bKash Amrita Islam, and Fahim Mashroor, CEO of Bdjobs.com.
In his speech, Sheikh Bashiruddin criticized past economic mismanagement, stating, “The economy has suffered significantly due to unnecessary projects and rampant capital flight.” He highlighted corruption in the banking sector and infrastructure development, calling for diversified exports and enhanced labor skills. “Most of our raw materials are imported. We must focus on increasing labor productivity and agricultural output,” he added.
Taskforce Chairman K.A.S. Murshid emphasized the importance of technology in agriculture, stating, “We now have access to remarkable technologies that must be integrated into agriculture. These tech-driven devices can elevate the sector to the next level.” He also stressed the significance of developing a digital economy and ensuring good governance. “Expanding digital infrastructure and reducing the digital divide could offer strong solutions to many challenges. We need a large platform that encourages active youth participation,” he remarked.
Former Commerce Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury argued against increasing taxes and tariffs, saying, “No economy thrives by burdening its citizens with higher taxes. We must pursue trade liberalization and a free-market economy to stimulate business growth.”
Several other distinguished experts participated in the event, including former Secretary and Taskforce Member Kausar Ahmed, BUET Professor Dr. Shamsul Haque, researcher Dr. Manzoor Hossain, Dhaka University Professor Dr. Rumana Haque, former World Bank Private Sector Specialist Akhtar Mahmud, former President of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Nasim Manzur, Yale University Professor Dr. Ahmed Mushfiq Mobarak, SANEM Executive Director Dr. Selim Raihan, and Chairman of Research and Policy Integration for Development Dr. Abdur Razzaq. Retired Major General Md. Emdad Ul Bari, Chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, was also present.
