Webinar: Bangladesh at a Crossroads: Unpacking the Challenges of Governance and Economic Crisis

Ambassador Serajul Islam with distinguished panelists Dr. Rashid-uz-Zaman, , Ambassador Iftikharul Karim, Dr. Dilara Chowdhury, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, and Ambassador Shahed Akhter, at the "Bangladesh at a Crossroads" webinar, engaging in a critical discussion on Bangladesh's political future.

On January 7, The Dhaka Forum (TDF) brought together experts, scholars, and policymakers in a timely webinar titled “Bangladesh at a Crossroads.” Led by TDF’s President, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, and a keynote by Ambassador Serajul Islam, the session examined the converging political, economic, and social challenges facing Bangladesh and explored actionable policy recommendations for the path forward.

Webinar Overview:

The tone of the discussion was set by the panel who each provided important perspectives for addressing the country’s current political situation. Ambassador Islam provided a compelling analysis of how institutional decay and restrictive policies have impacted governance and threatened Bangladesh’s democratic foundation. This insightful session emphasized that Bangladesh now stands at a critical juncture, where national reforms and collaborative diplomacy are needed to address underlying issues of economic strain, public unrest, and political polarization.

Key Points and Insights from Ambassador Islam:

• Erosion of Democratic Institutions: Ambassador Islam outlined how the ruling party’s longstanding influence over government agencies and electoral processes has weakened Bangladesh’s democratic institutions. He drew parallels between today’s challenges and the historical context of one-party rule, cautioning against a return to governance that sacrifices public interests for political gain.

• Impact of Global Pressures: Addressing the international dimension, Ambassador Islam explained how global geopolitical shifts, such as the end of the U.S.-led "war on terror" and the prioritization of democracy and human rights by the Biden administration, have influenced Bangladesh's internal affairs. He emphasized the need for Bangladesh to align with democratic values amid pressure from global actors, especially as Western nations increasingly advocate for free and fair elections.

• Economic Strain from External Shocks: The session explored the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on Bangladesh’s economy, with soaring prices affecting essentials and putting immense pressure on citizens. Ambassador Islam explained how this crisis has united the opposition and citizens, leading to renewed calls for economic relief and transparent governance.

• Opposition’s Role and Public Sentiment: Ambassador Islam highlighted the significance of the BNP’s rallies, noting how public frustration with economic hardship has galvanized support for the opposition’s movement. The discussion also touched on the role of civil society and media, which have been constrained under restrictive laws, in shaping a democratic dialogue.

A Distinguished Panel of Experts:

An esteemed composition of panelists brought their expertise and perspectives to the discussion:

• Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed: Economist, Former Governor of Bangladesh Bank, and President of The Dhaka Forum, outlined critical economic implications of recent policies.

• Dr. Rashid-uz-Zaman: International Relations scholar, contributing insights on Bangladesh’s strategic positioning.

• Ambassador Iftikharul Karim: Diplomacy expert, discussing historical and current international relationships.

• Ambassador Shahed Akhter: Provided analysis on governance challenges and their social impacts.

• Dr. Dilara Chowdhury: Political science professor, who spoke on civil liberties and democratic engagement.Looking Ahead: Strategic Recommendations

The webinar concluded with a call for urgent policy reform. Ambassador Islam and other speakers recommended building a national consensus, reducing political partisanship, and prioritizing the interests of the people. They urged the government to ensure fair electoral processes and respect for civil liberties to pave the way for sustainable governance.