The lack of equitable development has led to extreme inequality in society as democratic accountability has weakened during this period.
To ensure that accountability includes inclusive, transparent and competitive elections in the country.
Speakers made these comments at a media briefing organized by Citizen Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh, at the Brac Center in the city today, Wednesday.
Four separate reports titled “Citizens’ Agenda for Inclusive Growth and Equality: Education, Health, Climate Change and Social Protection” were presented at the press conference.
CPD distinguished fellow Debapriya Bhattacharya said, “We have to understand how true and accurate is the development story we hear from the ruling party. Along with development, discrimination has also increased. For some time now, the rule of the middle class has diminished. “A group of very wealthy, politically powerful and internationally connected people has emerged.”
He said that true development can be achieved only by ensuring the rights of the deprived sections. This will not be possible without establishing democratic accountability. Elections are the greatest means for citizens to express their rights and accountability can be ensured by inclusive, transparent and competitive elections.
Shaheen Anam, a key member of the Citizen Platform and executive director of the Manusher Jonno Foundation, said the question is whether we have created a society that protects justice and the rights of people. Many people in the country are deprived of justice and basic needs.