Experts Present New Policy Roadmap for a “Better Bangladesh” at Dhaka Seminar
A high-level seminar titled “Vision for a Better Bangladesh” was held today at United International University (UIU) in Dhaka, bringing together academics, policymakers, legal professionals, and former senior officials. The event was jointly organized by The Future Institute (UK) and the Department of Economics at UIU.
The seminar featured the presentation of “Vision for a Better Bangladesh: A policy roadmap for transformational governance”, a major international policy report developed by more than twenty experts from six countries. The report offers a detailed, evidence-based, and non-partisan roadmap aimed at improving governance, strengthening institutions, and supporting Bangladesh’s long-term development.
The keynote presentation was delivered by Raiyan Azmi, Director of The Future Institute, who explained that the report’s central goal is to help build a Bangladesh based on justice, accountability, dignity, and inclusive growth.
The report covers a wide range of national priorities, including governance reform, economic strategy, national security, healthcare, education, climate change, and digital development. It emphasizes that effective governance must rely on clear, long-term planning rather than short-term or reactive decision-making. A key idea presented in the report is the concept of “Seven Sovereignties,” which highlights the need for Bangladesh to strengthen its independence in areas such as politics, the economy, food systems, digital infrastructure, culture, security, and natural resources.
The event featured a distinguished panel of speakers, including Professor Dr. Mohammad Omar Farooq, Chairman of the Department of Economics of United International University, Dr. K M Kabirul Islam, a former Senior Secretary of the Government of Bangladesh, Colonel Ashraf Al Deen (Retired), and Mr. Omar Nasif Abdullah, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Marketing at North South University. The seminar was also attended by a wide range of participants, including legal experts such as Barrister Shyikh Mahdi of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, as well as academics and professionals from different sectors.
Speakers at the seminar discussed the importance of tackling corruption, rebuilding trust in public institutions, and reforming the judiciary and civil service. They also highlighted the need for sustainable economic planning, stronger foreign policy, and inclusive development that benefits all citizens.
The seminar concluded with an interactive discussion session, where participants shared their views on how Bangladesh can move forward through better planning, stronger institutions, and more inclusive policymaking.
Organizers emphasized that the report is intended to be a practical resource for future governments. It is designed to provide clear and actionable policy ideas that can be adapted to meet the country’s needs. They described the publication as a starting point for broader discussion and continued policy development.