Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya has called on the government, the administration and the Election Commission to take stronger and more transparent measures to ensure a free, fair and participatory national election, stressing that public confidence must be restored ahead of the polls.

Speaking at a regional consultation meeting in Khulna on Wednesday, organised under the pre-election initiative of the Citizen’s Platform, Dr Bhattacharya said lingering fear and apprehension among citizens could undermine meaningful voter participation. 

Unless the authorities can remove the anxiety and fear that still prevail in people’s minds, a participatory election will not be possible,” he said.

The consultation, held at noon and attended by more than 200 participants including local public representatives, civil society members, students, women leaders and professionals, was conducted by Dr Bhattacharya.

He said the Citizen’s Platform has launched the process of drafting a citizen’s manifesto to highlight the needs and expectations of marginalised and underserved communities, ensuring their voices are reflected in national discussions on reforms, justice and electoral processes. 

The manifesto will later be placed before political parties contesting the upcoming national election for inclusion in their respective party manifestos.

The country is becoming election-oriented and polls are inevitable. But the question remains: what kind of election will we have?” he remarked, adding that an election without public trust cannot attain a democratic character. He emphasised that restoring trust through open discussion, transparency and integrity is now essential.

Turning to regional development concerns, Dr Bhattacharya noted that despite long-discussed prospects for growth in Khulna and the south-western region, real progress remains limited. Even after the opening of the Padma Bridge, the expected economic gains have not materialised. 

Land prices have increased, but employment opportunities and fair wages for workers have not improved,” he said, reflecting citizens’ concerns raised at the meeting.

Debapriya highlighted the need for region-based industrialisation to attract new-generation workers, noting significant potential in agriculture-based industries, shrimp and fish production, tourism centred on the Sundarbans, and the region’s cultural heritage.

For this reason, he called for a comprehensive regional development plan for Khulna, urging that it be included in the election manifestos of candidates contesting from the area. 

Those who will contest the election must clearly include commitments on regional development in their manifestos. Later, civil society and the media will ensure accountability for its implementation,” he added.

Addressing port management reforms, he said an efficient port system is essential for an export-oriented economy. While foreign investment is necessary for required reforms, he stressed that the process must be transparent. He cautioned that “good initiatives may suffer” if reforms are carried out hurriedly or without proper transparency.

Reforms are needed, investment is needed; but they must be based on merit, open discussion and transparent processes. Only then will the reforms be sustainable,” he said.

During the consultation, citizen leaders presented various local and national demands, including safer roads, industrial development, elimination of polythene and plastic waste, advancement of tourism centred on the Sundarbans, and the establishment of good governance.

The session concluded with remarks from CPD Fellow Professor Dr Mostafizur Rahman.

Political leaders present at the meeting included BNP’s former central organising secretary and ex-MP Nazrul Islam Manju; Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Khulna Metropolitan Ameer Professor Mahfuzur Rahman and Secretary Advocate Sheikh Jahangir Hossain Helal; Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s acting Khulna Metropolitan President Sheikh Md Nasir Uddin; and NCP’s Dr Abdullah Chowdhury, among others.