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A moderated conversation between Bangladeshi academics from different generations about the possibilities for change, building an inclusive democracy and people’s expectations, based on their own experience of being part of reform process or the July uprising.
Bangladesh went through a bloody uprising in July, that led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule. Led by the youth, and a non-political platform, the uprising witnessed a moment of unprecedented unity. But the transition period has been fraught, and the interim government is dealing with long reform agenda: re-establishing law and order, stabilising the economy and addressing various human rights abuse. People expect a ‘systemic’ change, which prevents a return to / or a reversal back to business as usual. What role can research institutes and academics play at this time of transition?
BIGD has been carrying out phone surveys since 2019- to understand people expectations from the government. The recent surveys provide insights into what people are thinking with respect to political/ electoral reforms, accountability systems, and aspirations for change. They also show a generational and gender gap. We will unpack these expectations, but also discuss processes set up for people’s engagement in producing the white paper. The speakers will reflect on their own experience of being involved in July uprising, reform processes, and the kinds of knowledge they are engaged in generating. They will connect these to wider issues that will be about the possibilities of re-thinking the kind of democratic society we want and the nature of inclusion.
Speakers
- Dr. Imran Matin, Executive Director, BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD), BRAC University, Member White paper committee on economic reform
- Dr. Adnan Fakir, Senior Lecturer, Economics Department, University of Sussex
Moderator: Dr. Sohela Nazneen, Senior Fellow, IDS will moderate the event
Chairs
- Prof. Anu Joshi, Research Director, IDS to introduce the panel and the event
- Dr. Sohela Nazneen, Senior Fellow, IDS will moderate the event
Accessibility
The event will take place in the Convening Space which is on the 1st floor of the IDS building. If you need to use the lift then press floor 1A. If you have any accessibility needs for this event please email: [email protected]
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