VoxDev Development Economics
S6 Ep8: Bangladesh’s path forward: Leveraging evidence-based policy
Feb 26, 2025
Imran Matin, Executive Director of the BRAC Institute of Governance and Development, shares insights into Bangladesh's tumultuous political landscape following recent upheavals. He discusses the roots of the 2024 protests tied to economic stagnation and governance issues. Matin emphasizes the importance of evidence-based policy reforms and the role of data governance in shaping the country's future. He also explores the Rapid Research Response Initiative, which uses phone surveys to gauge public sentiment, and the urgency for collaborative nation-building efforts.
23:25
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Quick takeaways
- The recent political upheaval in Bangladesh highlights the urgent need for addressing economic dissatisfaction among citizens to prevent further unrest.
- Implementing evidence-based policy reforms through transparency and data-driven initiatives is crucial for the interim government to foster public trust and navigate the socio-economic challenges.
Deep dives
Economic Factors Leading to Unrest
The economic dissatisfaction among the majority of Bangladesh's population has played a crucial role in the recent unrest and political upheaval. A lack of tangible economic progress, particularly in basic livelihoods, fueled public discontent that had been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war. Reports of government denial regarding the economic struggles faced by citizens, along with issues of financial mismanagement, contributed significantly to the protests that led to political change. This combination of stagnant conditions and governmental neglect ultimately sparked a nationwide uprising demanding better governance and justice in economic policies.
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