When institutions serve power, not people

In conversation with Adnan Morshed

Bangladesh stands at the brink of a major energy crisis, the consequence of decades of emphasis on power generation without securing a sustainable supply of primary energy.

Following the August 2024 uprising, every peace-loving citizen of the country hoped for radical change at all levels of state governance.

Bangladesh is currently grappling with the severe consequences of unplanned urbanisation. Key metropolitan hubs—including Dhaka, Chattogram, Gazipur, Narayanganj, Mymensingh, and Cumilla—have expanded in a manner that is increasingly unsustainable for both people and the environment.

The typical discussion on maritime resources has long been tailored to exploring the huge potential of Bangladesh in this sector.

The present state of disaster management in Bangladesh reflects both substantial progress and ongoing challenges.

The Daily Star: What should the upcoming government immediately do to make Bangladesh’s communication infrastructure—particularly in Dhaka—functional beyond just building more roads and megaprojects?

In the post-July 2024 situation, Bangladesh has been facing several new strategic realities.

As Bangladesh enters a new political phase ahead of the February parliamentary election, its domestic security outlook is increasingly shaped by divisive historical baggage, competing narratives, and fragmented identity.

The mass uprising that toppled Bangladesh’s authoritarian regime ushered in a profound moment of new hope.

When the foundation of governance of the state is shaky, public services such as education and healthcare also become weak and tottering.

The real issue is ensuring that allocated funds are justifiably spent, which requires good governance.

Every elected government sets certain goals once it comes to power. Most of the time, these stated goals sound impressive.

Bangladesh is on the path to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status on 24 November 2026. In 2018, and again in 2021, the country crossed all the required thresholds set by the United Nations,

Corruption is too insidious a menace to be controlled by ad hoc, pick-and-choose measures, the way chronic cancer cannot be helped by some selected painkillers.

The report emerges from a critical moment in Bangladesh’s history.

As we publish the fifth and final instalment of our anniversary special, The Daily Star marks 35 years of journalism with its gaze firmly set on the future.