CPD Newsletter, Apr-Jun-2016

In line with the trail of
tradition, this quarter was the busiest
of the year for CPD with a number of
important events that showcased CPD’s rich
array of research and outreach activities.
The hallmark of the quarter was CPD’s national
budget-related activities. CPD released the
Second Reading of the State of the Bangladesh
Economy in FY2015-16 with recommendations for
the then upcoming National Budget FY2017. CPD
presented its immediate reaction to the proposed
national budget through live telecast at a media
briefing; the national dialogue organised to discuss
the fiscal and public expenditure proposals
provided an opportunity to key stakeholder groups
to voice their opinion on budget proposals and
CPD’s suggestions in view of these.
CPD’s budget-related work, in this quarter, also
included a study titled Budget for Education in
Bangladesh: an analysis of trends, gaps and
priorities in partnership with the CAMPE. The
study recommended ensuring allocative efficiency
and effective utilisation of resources towards
raising the quality of education.
The quarter also saw an event which was
organised to commemorate the third anniversary
of the Rana Plaza tragedy. The CPD study,
presented at this event and prepared in
collaboration with the ILO, came up with a number
of suggestions towards institutionalisation and
sustainability of measures being undertaken as
part of the various ongoing plans and
programmes.
A major new CPD study titled New Dynamics in
Bangladesh’s Apparels Enterprises: Perspectives
on Restructuring, Upgradation and Compliance
Assurance was launched in this quarter. This is a
unique research study based on data which aims
to capture the dynamics of multidimensional
restructuring experienced by the RMG industry in
Bangladesh during the post-Rana Plaza phase.
Thus, the study, based on extensive field level
surveys, will capture economic and social
transformation and upgradation taking place in the
industry with a focus on the embedded gender
dimensions. The study will come up with a set of
recommendations to harness the opportunities in
this regard to raise competitiveness of the sector in
the global market.
April-June 2016
Vol XV Issue 2
Quarterly
Centre for
Policy
Dialogue
Bangladesh
the editor's desk
Energising Investment Key to Achieve 7.2% GDP in FY2017
Policymakers, experts and stakeholders discussing Budget FY2017 at a CPD dialogue
Dialogue on National Budget FY2017
A wide range of stakeholders shared their
views on the proposed National Budget
FY2017 at the CPD Budget Dialogue 2016
held at Lakeshore Hotel on 19 June 2016.
The dialogue was organised as part of the
CPD’s flagship programme “Independent
Review of Bangladesh’s Development
(IRBD)”.
According to experts present at the
dialogue, the government should focus on
raising investment in the economy in order to
sustain the macroeconomic stability in
Bangladesh. Stimulating the special
economic zones (SEZs) will attract both
private and foreign investment which will
contribute to the employment generation as
well. To achieve the 7.2 per cent GDP growth
the government should try to increase the
investment to GDP ratio which is lower than
other South Asian countries.
Mr M Syeduzzaman, Member, CPD Board
of Trustees, also Chair of the session, put
emphasis on better use of foreign aid and
more investment in infrastructure
development. Drawing attention to USD 5.7
billion foreign aid in the pipeline, he
suggested for effective planning and
increased efficacy for sustainable use of
foreign aid. He also suggested to increase
budgetary allocation in agricultural research
and innovation.
While presenting the analysis of the
proposed National Budget FY2017, CPD
Executive Director Professor Mustafizur
Rahman identified the low inflationary
pressure; declining interest rates; low global
commodity prices; manageable fiscal deficit;
resilient growth of export earnings;
favourable balance of payments and robust
GDP growth as comfortable zones for
Bangladesh economy in recent years.
Professor Rahman called for establishing
the Public Expenditure Review Commission
and ensuring transparency in government’s
asset acquisition. He also stressed on
promoting greater involvement of
parliamentary standing committees in the
budget implementation process and
introducing a quarterly reporting system on
budget implementation in the parliament. It
will help to establish an effective
result-based monitoring mechanism for
budget implementation, he added.
Mr A H M Mustafa Kamal, MP, Hon’ble
Minister for Planning, as Chief Guest of the
dialogue, mentioned about the government’s
achievements in budget implementation and
strengthening the economy of Bangladesh.
Exemplifying the low investment-GDP ratio
of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam
and the Philippines, Mr Kamal said that the
economic growth of Bangladesh is on the
right track and by 2041 the country will be
one of the elite economies in the world.
Special Guest Mr M A Mannan, MP, Hon’ble
State Minister for Finance and Planning
acknowledged the complicacies in budget
implementation and mentioned that the
government is trying to bring some reforms to
strengthen the implementation process.
Former Commerce Minister Mr Amir Khosru
Mahmud Chowdhury, present as Guest of
Honour, felt the need for rule of law, democratic
freedom and an investment-friendly
environment in the country.
The floor discussion was attended by
experts, bureaucrats, diplomats, political
leaders, trade leaders, economists,
development practitioners, journalists and
students among others.

CENTRE FOR POLICY DIALOGUE (CPD)  A CIVIL SOCIETY THINK TANK
CPD Quarterly 2 April - June 2016
Only 46.5% of original ADP was spent
during July-April in FY2016, which is the
lowest since FY2009
Income tax collection was lowest in the
last 14 years with about 50% registered
taxpayers not paying taxes
State of the Bangladesh Economy in FY2016
(Second Reading)
Quality of Budgetary Framework Needs to be
Raised to Ensure Higher & Sustainable Growth
The gaps between fiscal projection and realised outcomes are widening
every year. Between FY2009 and FY2016, the gaps have increased for
almost all major components of the fiscal framework where the net foreign
borrowing is the weakest, followed by Annual Development Programme
(ADP) implementation and revenue mobilisation. A qualitative improvement
of fiscal and budgetary framework is needed to address these gaps for
attaining and sustaining the projected 7.05 per cent economic growth.
CPD made these observations at a media briefing on 17 April 2016 at
CIRDAP Auditorium, Dhaka where Recommendations for the National
Budget FY2016-17 and a report on the State of the Bangladesh Economy in
FY2015-16 (Second Reading) were released. The reports were prepared as
part of CPD’s “Independent Review of Bangladesh’s Development (IRBD)”
programme.
CPD Research Fellow Mr Towfiqul Islam Khan presented the
recommendations for National Budget FY2017 under six broad categories –
fiscal framework, revenue mobilisation, public expenditure, financing of
budget deficit, fiscal measures, and economic reforms and transparency in
the budgetary system. Regarding the persistent gaps in targets and
achievements of various fiscal components, he suggested to prepare the
national budget keeping in view the achievement of targets during the last
fiscal year. He also recommended setting moderately ambitious targets and
putting more effort towards achieving the said targets.
He mentioned that the Public Accounts Committee and the National
Parliament should undertake an in-depth scrutiny of actual implementation
of the national budget. Pointing to the lowest income tax collection in the last
14 years, Mr Khan emphasised on proper implementation of the Financial
Reporting Act and digitisation of the resource mobilisation process by
introducing Advance Income Tax collection system.
Professor Mustafizur Rahman, CPD Executive Director mentioned that
the analysis in the report was prepared keeping in view implications of the
implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), global
economic challenges and recommendations drawn from the CPD
pre-budget dialogue in Bogra on development of small and medium
enterprises (SMEs).
State of the Bangladesh Economy in FY2016
(Third Reading)
Weak Institutional Capacity
A Drag on Higher Growth
While presenting the report CPD Research Fellow Mr Towfiqul Islam Khan
observed that the growth of the Bangladesh economy was strong and
resilient throughout FY2016 against a number of formidable challenges.
Bangladesh will need to undertake the necessary policy reforms and
measures on institutional capacity development if the aspiration for higher
economic growth to be realised in the upcoming FY2017. Along with fiscal
policy reforms the government should concentrate on strengthening the
development administration and supporting institutions in the coming years.
Mr Khan also drew attention to the need for effective measures towards
revenue mobilisation. With regard to the lack of progress in implementing
development projects Mr Khan suggested that the government should
concentrate on ADP implementation in FY2017. The public expenditure
framework should be redesigned, and more allocations should be made in
line with the National Social Security Strategy (NSSS). He called for
effective use of the policy space in the upcoming FY2017 that has been
created on account of lower resource requirement to underwrite agricultural
subsidies. Addressing issues concerning the recent heist at the central
bank, Mr Khan, stressed the need to set up an Independent Financial Sector
Reform Commission to come up with remedial actions.
Emphasising on the need to put in place an integrated online system for
VAT registration, Professor Mustafizur Rahman mentioned that there is a
need to undertake appropriate preparation for introduction of the new VAT
law. He, however, favoured staggered implementation of the VAT law.
Professor Rahman also argued that more emphasis should be put on
mobilisation of direct taxes, including personal taxes.
CPD Distinguished Fellow Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya mentioned that
despite the higher economic growth in FY2016 Bangladesh’s performance
was poor in terms of revenue mobilisation, creation of employment
opportunities, private sector investment, and labour and capital productivity.
Pointing out these poor performances as contradictions to the higher
economic growth Dr Bhattacharya stressed on ensuring the quality of
growth as well.
State of the Bangladesh Economy
CPD researchers at the media briefing
Release of CPD’s “State of the Bangladesh Economy in FY2015-16 (Third
Reading)” at CIRDAP Auditorium on 25 May 2016

Allocative Efficiency & Efficacy of Resource Utilisation Key to Quality Education
Reforms & Improved Implementation Capacity Necessary to Realise National Budget FY2017
The government needs to strengthen its institutional
capacity and bring in necessary policy reforms to better
implement the National Budget FY2017. The scope of
investment for private sector needs to be facilitated to
source the envisioned growth in the economy.
These views were shared at the CPD media briefing on
analysis of the proposed National Budget FY2017 at La Vita
Hall, Lakeshore Hotel, Dhaka on 3 June 2016. Following the
presentation of the budget proposal by the Hon’ble Finance
Minister at the National Parliament, CPD prepared a review
overnight as part of CPD’s flagship programme “Independent
Review of Bangladesh’s Development (IRBD)”.
While presenting the analysis, CPD Distinguished Fellow
Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya observed that Budget FY2017
will face implementation challenges if the inability to
mobilise the targeted domestic resources and failure to use
foreign aid persist like previous years. He, however,
appreciated the increased budgetary allocation in
education, gender, and social safety net, but felt that the
allocation for the agriculture sector was quite insufficient.
Dr Bhattacharya also said that the size of the budget does not trigger any
concern, but the financing does. This budget is highly dependent on internal
sources and all the major parameters of fiscal framework will need to
register higher growth rates to attain the targets, he added. In this
connection, he also expressed concern as regards achieving the revenue
target of BDT 1.76 trillion set by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) which
is 30 per cent higher than FY2016.
Responding to a query from journalists, CPD Executive Director Professor
Mustafizur Rahman said that the increased public salary and allowances
significantly contributed to the high economic growth for FY2016. The
government should focus on industrial and agricultural sectors for the next
fiscal year for the growth to be sustained, he added.
The media briefing was telecast live by the event media partner Channel i.
CPD researchers at the analysis of the proposed National Budget FY2017
Dialogue on Education Budget
CPD’s Immediate Reaction to the National Budget FY2017
The present level of budgetary allocation for education in Bangladesh is only
1.9 per cent of GDP which is one of the lowest in the world, ranking 155 out
of 161 countries. It is, therefore, high time for Bangladesh to increase
budgetary allocations for education and concentrate on their proper
utilisation to achieve quality outcomes. Concerted efforts towards
generating resources and enhancing the capacity of local government
bodies to raise revenue mobilisation are needed to increase budgetary
allocation for quality education in the country.
These are some of the observations that emerged from CPD’s national
dialogue on Budget for Education in Bangladesh keeping in view the
upcoming National Budget FY2017. Coinciding with the observance of
Global Action Week on Education (24-30 April) 2016, the event was jointly
organised with the Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) at Lakeshore
Hotel, Dhaka on 25 April 2016.
The keynote presentation was made by CPD
Research Fellow Mr Towfiqul Islam Khan based on a
study titled Budget for Education in Bangladesh: An
analysis of trends, gaps and priorities. His
presentation highlighted the challenges in the
education sector, and identified priorities for
adequate and proper distribution of budgetary
allocation. Mr Khan then put forward a set of
recommendations towards ensuring quality
education in Bangladesh.
Mr M A Mannan, MP, State Minister for Finance
and Planning, and Dr Md Abdur Razzak, MP, as the
Guests of Honour; Dr Manzoor Ahmed, Professor
Emeritus, BRAC University; Professor M M Akash,
Department of Economics, Dhaka University; and
Professor Shamsul Alam, Member, Planning
Commission (GED) also commented on various
aspects of the subject as Distinguished Discussants.
Guests and speakers, in their remarks,
emphasised on coordinated efforts by the
government agencies for quality education. Proper
utilisation of allocations by strengthening government schools, colleges and
other institutions with the necessary infrastructure facilities; alleviating
corruption within the present structure; and more importantly, capacity
development of human resources in the education sector are the major
requirements to enhance the quality of education, speakers stressed.
As the Chair of the session Ms Rasheda K Choudhury, Executive Director,
CAMPE expressed that the government should consider the
recommendations for the upcoming National Budget FY2017 for further
development in the education sector.
As the Special Guest of the event Mr Nurul Islam Nahid, MP, Hon’ble
Minister for Education, however, stated that the quality of education in
Bangladesh has improved, but there is much more to be done. He agreed
with the findings that proper utilisation of allocated resources will improve
the present condition.
(L-R) Professor M M Akash; Dr Manzoor Ahmed; Professor Shamsul Alam; Mr Nurul Islam Nahid, MP;
Ms Rasheda K Choudhury; Advocate Fazle Rabbi Miah, MP; Mr M A Mannan, MP;
Professor Mustafizur Rahman; Dr Md Abdur Razzak, MP and Mr Towfiqul Islam Khan

CPD Launches New Study to Capture Transformation in the Apparels Sector
With an objective to encourage the youth to engage in
macroeconomic policy debates CPD’s special lecture series
this year was organised for students of the University of Liberal
Arts Bangladesh (ULAB). The lecture focused on the state of
the Bangladesh economy and a brief analysis of the recently
proposed National Budget FY2017. The event was organised
in collaboration with ULAB’s Centre for Enterprise and Society
(CES) and Department of Media and Journalism at the ULAB
Auditorium on 6 June 2016.
In his welcome remarks, CPD Executive Director Professor
Mustafizur Rahman mentioned the various achievements of
Bangladesh and pointed out that it is now time for the country
to transform from a factor-driven economy in to an
efficiency-driven one. He also identified some challenges
CPD Research Fellow Mr Towfiqul Islam Khan responds to questions from the audience
Bangladesh is currently facing as it moves towards a middle-income country status.
Professor Imran Rahman, Vice Chancellor of the ULAB; Ms Anisatul Fatema Yousuf,
Director, Dialogue and Communication, CPD; Mr Sajid Amit, Acting Director of CES; and
Dr Jude William Genilo, Head of the Department of Media and Journalism, ULAB were
present at the session along with the teachers and students of the university.
Professor Sabina Alkire, Director, Oxford Poverty & Human
Development Initiative (OPHI), University of Oxford presented the
Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) and its unique features of
allowing better and comprehensive understanding of poverty within
and across countries around the globe at the roundtable on
Measuring Multidimensional Poverty for Policy.
The event was organised by CPD in collaboration with BRAC
Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD) on 19 May 2016.
Professor Alkire noted that, in the context of policy formulation, the
MPI allows poverty to be tracked by area and ethnicity, and
consequently, coordinates different policy actors, targets the
marginalised, and evaluates policy impacts.
The event was chaired by Dr Sultan Hafeez Rahman, Executive
Director, BIGD.
A two-year long study by the CPD titled New Dynamics in Bangladesh’s Apparels
Enterprises: Perspectives on Restructuring, Upgradation and Compliance Assurance
was launched at an event held on 31 May 2016 in the presence of key partners and
stakeholders.
Based on two extensive field-level surveys the study will seek to capture the profound
changes taking place at the enterprise level in the country’s export-oriented readymade
garments (RMG) sector through better compliance and their implications for cost and
competitiveness. The study will come up with a set of recommendations towards future
development of the apparels sector of the country as a
compliant, highly competitive, gender-sensitive,
productivity-driven and decent labour promoting industry.
Additional Research Director of CPD Dr Khondaker Golam
Moazzem will be leading the study team.
The study will be guided by an advisory group chaired by the
Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE),
Government of Bangladesh (GoB). Other members will include
representatives from International Labour Organization (ILO),
trade bodies (BGMEA and BKMEA), experts, activists and other
stakeholder groups.
On behalf of the MoLE, Mr Miah Abdullah Mamun, Additional
Secretary attended the event. Dignitaries present, on behalf of
the partner organisations, were H E Mr Johan Frisell,
Ambassador of Sweden in Bangladesh; Ms Martine van
Hoogstraten, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Development
Cooperation, Royal Netherlands Embassy in Bangladesh; and
Ms Franziska Korn, Resident Representative of the
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Bangladesh Office. Deutsche
Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) was
represented by Dr Jochen Weikert, Programme Coordinator,
Promotion of Social and Environmental Standards in the
Industry (PSES) and Dr Monika Lueke, Programme Coordinator,
Social and Labour Standards in Textile and Garment Sector in
Asia.
Guests at the signing ceremony of the CPD RMG Study
Lecture Series for Students
Roundtable Discussion
CPD’s Special Lecture on National
Budget FY2016-17 for ULAB Students
Professor Alkire at CPD-BIGD Event on Measuring Multidimensional Poverty for Policy
Professor Sabina Alkire presents the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)

Good Governance and Political Will Must to Combat Illicit Money Outflow
Good governance and necessary regulatory reforms are
critical to curb illicit financial flows from Bangladesh.
Establishing an independent institute with adequate
regulatory capacity is a must to win the fight against money
being siphoned off from the country.
Experts shared their views at the CPD consultation titled
Illicit Financial Flows in the Context of Bangladesh at BRAC
Centre Inn Auditorium, Dhaka on 25 June 2016.
While presenting the keynote on the topic, CPD Research
Fellow Mr Towfiqul Islam Khan mentioned four categories of
illicit financial flows from Bangladesh - market abuse, tax
abuse, corruption or abuse of power, and proceeds of
crime. He said that nearly USD 5,888 million was siphoned
out from Bangladesh during 2004-2013, where the amount
in FY2013 was 3.6 times of the education budget and 8.2
times of the health budget.
According to the CPD study, the government should
concentrate on ensuring capacity enhancement, cooperation and
coordination among government agencies to address the issue. Mr Khan
emphasised on the dynamics of political economy, transparency, awareness
and political will with regard to creating a mechanism to deal with illicit
financial outflow.
Chaired by CPD Distinguished Fellow Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya the
meeting was participated by Dr Mohammed Farashuddin, Former
Governor, Bangladesh Bank; Dr A B Mirza Azizul Islam and Dr Akbar Ali
Khan, Former Advisors to the Caretaker Government as Special Guests. Mr
Abdul Matlub Ahmad, President, FBCCI and Dr Ahsan Habib Mansur,
Executive Director, Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh were present as
Distinguished Discussants.
(L-R) Mr Towfiqul Islam Khan, Dr Ahsan Habib Mansur , Dr A B Mirza Azizul Islam,
Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Dr Mohammed Farashuddin, Dr Akbar Ali Khan,
Mr Abdul Matlub Ahmad and Professor Mustafizur Rahman
Expert Consultation on Illicit Financial Flow
CPD Professionals at National Fora
Mustafizur Rahman, Executive Director
• Was a Panellist at the session titled Financing the Infrastructure Deficit of
the “BIDS Critical Conversations, 2016” organised by Bangladesh Institute
of Development Studies (BIDS) on 24 April 2016.
• Attended the launching event of the World Bank Group report titled
Stitches to Riches?: Apparel Employment, Trade, and Economic
Development in South Asia organised by the World Bank Office, Dhaka
and BIDS on 2 May 2016.
Debapriya Bhattacharya, Distinguished Fellow
• Was the Chief Guest at the event titled Knowledge Festival “Inception 2.0”
organised by St Gregory’s High School, Dhaka on 2 April 2016.
• Chaired a session titled Bangladesh in the Region: India, NE India, Nepal,
Myanmar, China at the “BIDS Critical Conversations, 2016” organised by
BIDS on 23 April 2016.
• Participated at the launching of the ESCAP Economic and Social Survey
of Asia and the Pacific 2016 organised by United Nations Economic and
Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) on 28 April 2016.
• Conducted a session on MDGs and Beyond 2015: SDGs and Vision 2021
at the 109th Advanced Course on Administration and Development
(ACAD) at Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre (BPATC) on
20 June 2016.
Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Additional Research Director
• Was a Panellist at the multilogue titled Rana Plaza Driving RMG Sector:
Critical Reflections organised by ActionAid Bangladesh on 16 April 2016.
• Presented a paper titled Know the Neighbour First: Building Ties between
Bangladesh and Myanmar at the session titled “Economic and Energy
Cooperation – Opportunities and Challenges” in a workshop on
Bangladesh-Myanmar Relations organised by Bangladesh Enterprise
Institute and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, Bangladesh on 10 May 2016.
• Was a Discussant at the seminar titled Emerging Global Migration and
Mobility, Trends and Issues: Swedish Perspective organised by the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh and Ministry of Justice, Sweden
on 11 May 2016.
• Delivered lecture on Market Access Preference for Bangladesh and its
Implications at the training programme on “Duty-Free-Quota-Free Market
Access: Generalised Systems and Schemes of Preferences and the
WTO” organised by Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute on 1 June 2016.
• Participated as Resource Person at the training session on Industry and
Industrialisation organised by the daily Bonik Barta on 23 June 2016.
• Participated at the Launch of the Textiles Sustainability Platform (TSP) and
Discussion on the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the TSP on 26 June 2016.
• Chaired a session of the Social Thematic Working Group at the
consultative meeting on National CSR Guideline organised by the
Planning Commission, Ministry of Planning, GoB on 29 June 2016.
• Participated at the board meeting on International Journal for SME
Development, as the member of the Editorial Board, organised by the
SME Foundation on 30 June 2016.
Towfiqul Islam Khan, Research Fellow
• Was a Discussant at a roundtable titled Social Protection Strategy and
Budget 2016 jointly organised by Prothom Alo, Manusher Jonno
Foundation and DFID on 10 April 2016.
• Was a Discussant in a dialogue on health budget at a conference titled
People’s Budget Assembly 2016, jointly organised by Parliamentary
Caucus on National Planning and Budget, Centre on Budget and Policy,
Dhaka University, Democratic Budget Movement and Naripokkho on 21
May 2016.
• Made a presentation titled Reporting on National Budget at the training
programme for economic reporters, jointly organised by Economic
Reporters’ Forum (ERF) and Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) on 27
May 2016.
Md. Zafar Sadique, Senior Research Associate
• Participated at the 1st Round Multi-stakeholder consultation on GFMD
2016 organised by Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas
Employment (MoEWOE), GoB on 11 May 2016.
• Participated at the multilogue on Mistreated Tax, Untreated Budget
(National Dissemination of Report - “Mistreated”) organised by ActionAid
Bangladesh on 28 May 2016.
Umme Shefa Rezbana, Senior Research Associate
• Participated at the seminar on National Governance Assessment
Framework organised by Governance Innovation Unit of the Prime
Minister’s Office and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Bangladesh on 11-12 April 2016.
• Participated at the consultation meeting on UN Women Bangladesh
Strategic Plan 2017-2020 organised by UN Women Bangladesh on 12
April 2016.

(Continued on page 7)
Research Division Report
Promoting Green Industrial Policy in Bangladesh: Opportunities and
Challenges
Bangladesh economy has been going through significant structural
changes over time. It has transformed from a predominantly agricultural to
an industrial and service-oriented economy. However, many industries use
more materials and energy than their production processes require. This
threatens to worsen the negative impacts of climate change which the
country is already faced with. This is due to the use of obsolete and
inefficient technologies and methodologies.
On the other hand, the government as well as the private sector in
Bangladesh are taking initiatives to move towards adopting a green
industrial path. For example, a number of factories, led by the BGMEA, are
working to acquire Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
certification. Gradually, all types of industries will have to move towards a
green path for long-term sustainability. This has to be supported by a policy
framework and necessary incentive structure put forth by the policymakers.
In view of the emerging challenges as regards industrial pollution, CPD, in
partnership with the Asia Foundation, has undertaken a study on “Promoting
Green Industrial Policy in Bangladesh: Opportunities and Challenges”. The
study will identify the status of existing industrial policies and challenges of
private sector investment and recommend the framework of a green
industrial policy based on the current and emerging situation, as well as
regional best practices. Dr Fahmida Khatun, Research Director, CPD and Mr
Md. Masudur Rahman, Research Associate, CPD are working on the
project.
Data Ecosystem Mapping in the context of SDG 16 in Bangladesh
Fulfilling the data requirements for SDGs is a challenge for developing
countries like Bangladesh. Among the 17 goals, none other is as challenging
as SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions. SDG 16 is considered as
one of the soft areas which are rather difficult to measure. The indicators for
SDG 16 are also diversified in nature. Hence, data collection for SDGs will
involve multiple government and non-government sources.
In this context, maintaining data quality will be a critical issue. The broad
objective of the study is to examine the readiness of the key data
stakeholders to monitor SDG 16 of the global 2030 Agenda in the
Bangladesh context. The study seeks to assess the gaps and role of the
national statistical offices as well as other government and non-government
organisations in providing high-quality data to trace the progress of SDG 16
at the national level. The study also aims to identify and leverage synergies
between official and non-official data sources and requirement for capacity
development of both public and private organisations and explore the scope
for using new technologies in the above context. The study is being authored
by Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya and Mr Towfiqul Islam Khan of CPD.
Implications of the 2030 Agenda for IPoA
SDG declaration expressed strong support for implementation of the
Istanbul Programme of Action (IPoA). Many of the SDG targets find
resonance in the priority areas set out in IPoA and also in the envisaged
actions implemented by various actors. It is from this vantage point that the
two global commitments could be mutually reinforcing and complementary.
Lack of progress in terms of implementing IPoA will also mean weak
progress in attaining the SDGs.
On the other hand, IPoA implementation will contribute to advancing the
cause of the SDGs. This study seeks to examine progress in a number of
key common areas in IPoA and the SDGs over the period when IPoA was
being implemented. This will also establish the benchmark for the SDGs.
Furthermore, the study takes a close look at developments concerning ODA
inflow to the LDCs and LDCs’ exports to the world, which are defining factors
in the realisation of both IPoA and the SDGs. As is known, developed
countries have made specific and similar commitments as regards ODA and
exports to support LDCs to attain both IPoA and SDG targets. The analyses
presented in this study are based on 19 selected indicators covering areas
of poverty, health, education, inequality, water and sanitation, investment
opportunity, technology use, economic growth, trade and global
partnership. The study is being authored by Professor Mustafizur Rahman,
Mr Towfiqul Islam Khan and Mr Md. Zafar Sadique of CPD.
CPD Professionals at International Fora
Rehman Sobhan, Chairman
• Was a Speaker at the event titled “Reflections on Bangladesh” to discuss
the book Untranquil Recollections: The Years of Fulfilment organised by
Hudson Institute in Washington DC, USA on 23 June 2016.
Mustafizur Rahman, Executive Director and
• Participated at the Comprehensive High-level Midterm Review of the
Implementation of the IPoA and the Civil Society Forum organised by
United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed
Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing
States (UN-OHRLLS) in Antalya, Turkey on 27-29 May 2016.
Mustafizur Rahman, Executive Director
• Participated at the 1st International Think Tank Forum of 21st-Century
Maritime Silk Road on “Mutual Consultation and Trust, Mutual Assistance
and Win-Win Cooperation” organised by Collaborative Innovation Center
for 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road Studies in Guangdong, China on
10-11 May 2016.
• Participated at the 4th Asia Think Tank Summit titled “Sustainable
Development Goals in the Asian Landscape: Think Tanks as Catalysts for
Policy Analyses and Implementation” jointly organised by IFANS, KNDA,
KDI, KIEP, TTCSP and ADBI in Seoul, Korea on 8-10 June 2016.
• Participated at the Consultation on the 2016 Human Development Report:
Human Development – the Way Ahead organised by United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) in Singapore on 20 June 2016.
• Participated at the launching event of the Global Report of Post-2015 Data
Test at the dialogue titled “Making Every Life Count: A Dialogue on
Unpacking the Data Revolution at the Country Level” organised by United
Nations Foundations (UNF) in New York, USA on 7-8 July 2016.
• Was the Major Speaker at the event titled For the Planet and the Poor
organised by Keough School of Global Affairs, University of Notre Dame
in Indiana, USA on 4-5 April 2016.
• Was a Discussant at the roundtable on the Istanbul Programme of Action
organised by United Nations Foundation (UNF) on 7 April 2016.
• Was a Panellist at the opening and closing sessions at the regional
dialogue titled Starting Strong: The first 1000 days of the SDGs focusing
on Africa organised by Overseas Development Institute (ODI), Southern
Voice, Centre for Poverty Analysis (CEPA), Kenya Institute for Public
Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) and Centro de Pensamiento
Estratégico Internacional (CEPEI) in Nairobi, Kenya on 12-13 April 2016.
• Was a Panellist at the Session IV on The G20’s Contribution to an
Inclusive World Economy of the “Berlin T20 Conference” organised by
Shanghai Institute for International Studies (SIIS), German Development
Institute (DIE) and Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) on 12-13 May 2016.
• Was a Panellist at the opening and closing sessions of the dialogue titled
Starting Strong: The first 1000 days of the SDGs focusing on Asia
organised by ODI, Southern Voice, CEPA, KIPPRA and CEPEI in
Marawila, Sri Lanka on 18-19 May 2016.
• Was a Discussant at the session on Review of the Outcomes of the
Consultation on the MAG Proposals for Indicators of the “MAG Meeting”
organised by Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation
(GPEDC) in France on 4-6 June 2016.
• Participated at the session of the CPPF/DPA Meeting on Bangladesh
organised by the United Nations Department of Political Affairs (DPA) and
the Conflict Prevention and Peace Forum (CPPF) in USA on 10 June
2016.

(from page 6)
International Fora (contd.)
A group of eminent citizens and non-government
organisations of Bangladesh have set up the
“Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh” with the
objective to contribute to the delivery of the SDGs
and enhance accountability in the implementation
process.
The Platform was formally launched at a media
briefing on 18 June 2016 at the CIRDAP
Auditorium, Dhaka. CPD will work as the
Secretariat of the Platform.
The Platform will monitor the overall SDG
implementation process from the national to the
local level, and provide necessary observations to
ensure that the process is on track.
Citizen’s Platform Launched to Contribute to SDG Delivery in Bangladesh
CPD is the Secretariat of the Platform
Core group members at the launching ceremony
Capacity Building for CPD Professionals
Shahida Pervin, Research Associate
• Participated at the round table discussion titled Equal Opportunity for All
Child organised by Prothom Alo on 28 June 2016.
• Participated at the policy dialogue titled Exploring Uncounted Contribution
of Women in Bangladesh: Barriers, implications and opportunities
organised by Socio Economic Infrastructure Division, Planning
Commission, GoB on 29 June 2016.
Estiaque Bari, Research Associate
• Participated at the Stakeholder Consultation Meeting: Strategic Review
on Food Security and Nutrition in Bangladesh organised by General
Economic Division (GED), GoB in collaboration with World Food
Programme (WFP) in Dhaka on 3 April 2016.
• Participated at the seminar titled Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 (BDP2100)
in times of climate change organised by GED, IIED, International Centre
for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) and Independent
University of Bangladesh (IUB) in Dhaka on 4 May 2016.
• Participated at the seminar titled Compact2025: End hunger and
undernutrition by 2025 organised by International Food Policy Research
Institute (IFPRI) in Dhaka on 5 May 2016.
• Participated at the National Committee Meeting on “Bangladesh National
Food Policy Plan of Action (NFPPoA) and Country Investment Plan (CIP)”
organised by Ministry of Food, GoB in Dhaka on 31 May 2016.
• Participated at the Public Hearing on Economic and Social Cost of
Migration organised by Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit
(RMMRU) in Dhaka on 2 June 2016.
Mahtab Uddin Ahmed, Research Associate
• Participated at the meeting titled Multi-stakeholder Consultation to
Prepare a Common Position on CSR towards Social Justice and Workers
Welfare organised by Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies in Dhaka on
2 April 2016.
• Participated at the consultation meeting on relevant stakeholders of CSR
organised by Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies in Dhaka on 4 June
2016.
Ashraful Haque Mahfuze, Research Associate
• Participated at the Workshop on the Adaptation of the 2030 Agenda in
Bangladesh organised by Economic Relations Division (ERD), GoB in
Dhaka on 15-16 June 2016.
Md Sazzad Mahmud Shuvo, Dialogue Associate
• Participated at the dialogue titled Starting Strong: The first 1000 days of
the SDGs focusing on Asia organised by ODI, Southern Voice, CEPA,
KIPPRA and CEPEI in Marawila, Sri Lanka on 18-19 May 2016.
Sherajum Monira Farin, Research Associate
• Participated at the Workshop on Qualitative Research organised by
Centre for Gender and Social Transformation (CGST), BRAC in Dhaka on
16-17 May 2016.
• Was a Discussant at the seminar titled Reimagining development in LDCs:
what role for the SDGs? organised by LDC Independent Expert Group,
International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) and the
ESRC STEPS Centre in UK on 13-14 June 2016.
• Participated at the inception workshop on Decentralisation, Multilevel
Governance, and Corruption organised by ODI in UK on 15-16 June 2016.
• Participated at the Peer Review Meeting of the LDC Report 2016
organised by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
(UNCTAD) in Switzerland on 28-29 June 2016.
Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Additional Research Director
• Participated at the South Asia Regional Workshop on “America’s Role in
Asia” organised by The Asia Foundation in Sri Lanka on 25-27 April 2016.
• Presented paper titled From Minimum Wage to Living Wage: Bangladesh
Garments Sector Perspective at the “Asian Living Wage Conference”
organised by the Government of Pakistan, the Federal Republic of
Germany and the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Islamabad on 25-26 May
2016.
Towfiqul Islam Khan, Research Fellow
• Presented paper titled Data Ecosystem Mapping in the context of SDG 16
in Bangladesh at the “Global Workshop on Data Ecosystems for
Sustainable Development” organised by Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Republic of Korea, ODI and UNDP in New York on 20-21 June 2016.
Umme Shefa Rezbana, Senior Research Associate
• Participated at the seminar titled Decentralisation, Multilevel Governance,
and Corruption organised by ODI in UK on 15-16 June 2016.
Mostafa Amir Sabbih, Research Associate
• Coordinated a session on regional research discussion at a dialogue titled
Starting Strong: The first 1000 days of the SDGs focusing on Asia
organised by ODI, Southern Voice, CEPA, KIPPRA and CEPEI in
Marawila, Sri Lanka on 18-19 May 2016.
Mahtab Uddin Ahmed, Research Associate
• Was a Speaker at the session titled Potential and Scope of Border Special
Development Zones in Eastern South Asia of the policy dialogue on
“Regional Connectivity and Border Special Development Zones in
Eastern South Asia” organised by UNESCAP and the Government of
Meghalaya in Shillong, India on 25-26 April 2016.

Books
Kindornay, S., Bhattacharya, D., and Higgins, K. 2016.
Implementing Agenda 2030: Unpacking the Data
Revolution at Country Level. Dhaka: Centre for Policy
Dialogue (CPD).
Post-2015 Data Test. 2016.
Implementing Agenda 2030:
Unpacking the Data Revolution at
Country Level – Global Highlights
and Country Profiles. Dhaka: Centre for Policy Dialogue
(CPD).
CPD. 2016. Bangladesh Economy in FY2015-16:
Interim Review of Macroeconomic Performance.
Dhaka: Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).
Rahman, M., Khan, T. I., and Sabbih,
M. A. 2016. Education Budget in Bangladesh: an analysis
of trends, gaps and priorities. Dhaka: Campaign for
Popular Education (CAMPE) and Centre for Policy
Dialogue (CPD).
Working Paper

Rahman, M., Sadique, M. Z., Bari, E., and Salma, U. 2016. Advancing the
Interests of Bangladesh’s Migrant Workers: Issues of Financial Inclusion
and Social Protection. CPD Working Paper 112. Dhaka: Centre for Policy
Dialogue (CPD).
Dialogue Reports

Ahmed, M. 2016. f¨vU I GmwW A¨v± 2012: D‡ØM I cÖv‡qvwMK P¨v‡jÄ. CPD
Dialogue Report 113. Dhaka: Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).

Khandker, A. 2016. Re-Emerging from the Rana Plaza Tragedy: An
Account on the Third Anniversary. CPD Dialogue Report 114. Dhaka:
Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).
Journal Article

Bhattacharya, D., Akbar, M. I., Khan, T. I., and Sadique, M. Z. 2016.
Assessing the Economic Implications of the Present Political Shocks: The
Economics of ‘Hartal’ in Bangladesh! Journal of Bangladesh Political
Economy, 31 (1).
International Reports

Rahman, M., Khan, T. I., and Sadique, M. Z. 2016. Implication of the 2030
Agenda for the Istanbul Programme of Action. Achieving the IPoA by 2020:
Tracking Progress, Accelerating Transformations. Chapter 3. London: LDC
IV Monitor and The Commonwealth Secretariat.

Khatun, F. 2016. ICT & Financial Inclusion. ICT & SDGs: How Information
and Communications Technology can Accelerate Action on the
Sustainable Development Goals. New York: The Earth Institute, Columbia
University and Ericsson.
Newspaper Articles and Op-eds

Sobhan, R. 2016. A Tribute to a Champion of the Deprived. The Daily Star.
26 April.

Khan, T. I. 2016. Bangladesh could not fully utilise the opportunity emerged
from lower international oil prices. Ice Business Times. 1 May.

Bhattacharya, D. 2016. wek¦ A_©bxwZ‡Z evsjv‡`‡ki Ae¯’vb `„p n‡”Q. Samakal. 31
May.

Khan, T. I. 2016. Propositions for the Next Fiscal Year. Ice Business Times.
1 June.

Rahman, M. 2016. ev‡R‡U m¤ú` e¨env‡i bRi`vwi Riæwi. Bangladesh Pratidin. 2
June.

Basak, K. K., and Kamal, S. S. 2016. Will the FY2016-17 Budget boost
private investment? The Financial Express. 12 June.

Rahman, M. 2016. Time to Walk the Talk. The Daily Star. 14 June.

Khatun, F. 2016. Making the Budget Work. The Daily Star. 21 June.

Khatun, F. 2016. Brexit: Rise of Neo-nationalism and protectionism? The
Daily Star. 27 June.
Newspaper Interviews

Bhattacharya, D. 2016. Kv‡R bv jvM‡j Ávb wK †f‡R Lve? Kaler Kantho. 10 June.

Moazzem, K. G. 2016. Gev‡ii ev‡RU wewb‡qvM cwi‡ek m„wó‡Z miKv‡ii Rb¨ GKwU
†U÷ †Km. Kaler Kantho. 12 June.

Moazzem, K. G. 2016. From Minimum Wage to Living Wage. The Daily
Star. 19 June.

Khatun, F. 2016. m¤c` mÂvj‡b `¶Zv evov‡Z n‡e. Bonik Barta. 26 June.
Southern Voice Occasional Paper Series

Bhattacharya, D., Rashmin, R., and Mahfuze, A. H. 2016. Strengthening
Accountability in Development Cooperation: Role of GPEDC Monitoring
Indicators in the context of Agenda 2030 and AAAA. Southern Voice
Occasional Paper No. 29. Dhaka: Southern Voice on Post-MDG
International Development Goals.
Publications by CPD Professionals
Dialogue on RMG Industry
Published by Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD)
House - 6/2 (7th & 8th floors), Block - F, Kazi Nazrul Islam Road, Lalmatia Housing Estate, Dhaka - 1207, Bangladesh
Telephone: (+88 02) 9141703, 9143326; Fax: (+88 02) 8130951; E-mail: info@cpd.org.bd; Website: www.cpd.org.bd
A CPD dialogue titled Re-emerging
from the Rana Plaza Tragedy: An
Account on the Third Anniversary
organised as part of CPD’s
programme “Post-Rana Plaza
Monitoring: A Civil Society Initiative”
was held at BRAC Centre Inn on 23
April 2016.
Additional Research Director of
CPD, Dr Khondaker Golam
Moazzem presented the CPD-ILO
study titled Post-Rana Plaza
Developments in Bangladesh: Towards Building a Responsible Supply
Chain in the Apparels Sector. He mentioned that remediation of factories,
freedom of association, strengthening the organisations and changes in
governance in the global apparel value chain are some of the unaddressed
issues of Bangladesh’s RMG sector. As the Chair of the event Professor
Rehman Sobhan, Chairman of the CPD, identified three key factors behind
such tragedies - weaknesses in the governmental agencies, a poor mindset
of the industry towards workers, and the dynamics of the global market. He
questioned the process of globalisation which allows for a product of USD 5
in Bangladesh to be sold at USD 25 by Walmart.
The Chief Guest Mr Mikail
Shipar, Secretary, Ministry of
Labour and Employment, GoB
observed that lack of trained human
resources is an obstacle to
accelerate the remediation
process. He acknowledged the
need for effective coordination
among the factory-owners, workers
and trade union leaders.
Mr Srinivas Reddy, Country
Director of the ILO Bangladesh
Office, present at the dialogue as the Guest of Honour, stressed that each
and every garment factory in Bangladesh should undergo inspection and
remediation.
Mr Arshad Jamal Dipu, Former Director of BGMEA stated that for the
corrective measures to be effective the government should be in the driving
seat for factory inspection rather than the Accord and the Alliance.
Ambassadors of the United States, Switzerland, Netherlands, France and
Spain also shared their views. Moderated by CPD Distinguished Fellow Dr
Debapriya Bhattacharya, the discussion was attended by garment workers,
development practitioners, economists and non-government organisations.
Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD)
Bangladesh Economy
in FY2015-16
June 2016
Interim Review of
Macroeconomic Performance
Prepared under CPD’s programme on
Coordinated & Institutionalised Efforts Required to Avoid Repetition of Rana Plaza Tragedy
Guests at the dialogue

CPD Newsletter, Apr-Jun-2016

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