People will become frontline guardians of democracy: Debapriya

The people of Bangladesh are set to emerge as the principal defenders of democracy, Citizen’s Platform Convener Debapriya Bhattacharya said on Thursday, highlighting the country’s ongoing political and social transformation.

“The people of Bangladesh are far more aware and capable than ever before. In the days ahead, safeguarding democracy will not depend on others; citizens themselves will act as its frontline guardians,” Debapriya said during a press briefing at a city hotel. 

The event, titled “National Election 2026: Citizens’ Recommendations for the Next Government”, was organised by the Citizen’s Platform.

Debapriya emphasized that sustainable development and meaningful change cannot be achieved through policy frameworks alone. 

To address this, the Citizen’s Platform has launched a national programme to monitor the implementation of its policy recommendations. 

This initiative, known as the Reform Tracker, will closely track how these recommendations are executed over time.

“Policy advice alone does not ensure implementation; oversight is essential,” he said. 

The Reform Tracker will cover areas such as education, health, social protection, and broader economic and social policies. 

It will also monitor how political parties fulfill their manifesto commitments related to citizen development after the election, not just the Citizen’s Platform’s proposals.

Debapriya noted that civil society in Bangladesh is now more conscious than ever and stressed that citizens will play a decisive role in the country’s democratic transition. 

With a focus on improving living standards, the Citizen’s Platform has tailored its policy recommendations to address citizens’ needs directly.

During the event, CPD Distinguished Fellow Mustafizur Rahman presented 12 policy recommendations aimed at achieving inclusive development, while CPD Additional Director (Research) Towfiqul Islam Khan outlined a 10-point action plan to implement these recommendations.

SH