Debapriya Bhattacharya, distinguished fellow at Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), has called on the government and the Election Commission to take responsibility for addressing growing public concerns over the national election.
Speaking at a Citizen’s Platform regional consultation in Barishal on Wednesday, he stressed that the country is at a critical juncture and citizens expect a free, participatory and credible electoral process.
“Public concerns over the upcoming election are evident, and it is the responsibility of both the government and the Election Commission to dispel these fears,” he said.

Debapriya noted that while the chief adviser has shown enthusiasm for reform initiatives, the same commitment has not been visible among advisers and bureaucrats.

He urged civil society to exert pressure to ensure that pending reforms are reflected in party election manifestos.
He also emphasized the need to dismantle systems that allow economic plundering through structural reforms.
The consultation was attended by local political leaders, professionals and community representatives, who discussed ways to strengthen transparency and public trust in the electoral process.