TBD Town Hall VI on “For Sustained Peace and Democracy: Future of Reform in Bangladesh”
The Bangladesh Dialogue (TBD) successfully hosted Town Hall VI roundtable discussion titled “Peace, Democracy and the Future of Reform in Bangladesh,” today at the Azimur Rahman Conference Hall of The Daily Star Centre in Dhaka.
The roundtable convened a diverse group of policymakers, journalists, diplomats, economists, academics, researchers, business leaders, development practitioners, and civil society representatives to discuss expectations, priorities, and policy recommendations for advancing sustained peace, democratic governance, and future reform in Bangladesh.
The event featured distinguished participants from various sectors, including Aslam Beg Sayem, General Secretary of The Bangladesh Dialogue Foundation; Sara Hossain, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh; Kazi Jesin, Journalist; David Bergman, Journalist, Researcher and Columnist; Dr. Mubashar Hasan, Adjunct Research Fellow, Humanitarian and Development Research Initiative (HADRI), Western Sydney University; S M Saif Kader Rubab, Executive Director, The Bangladesh Dialogue; Aaqib Md. Shatil, Special Correspondent, Netra News; Kazi Rakib Hossain, Chief Operations Officer, The Bangladesh Dialogue; Redwan Ahmed, Journalist, Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia and University Scholar at the University of Southern California; Golam Iftekhar Mahmud, Editor and Publisher, Dhaka Stream; Harry Thompson, First Secretary, Australian High Commission in Bangladesh; Dr. Shafi Md. Mostofa, Associate Professor, Department of World Religions and Culture, University of Dhaka; Jyoti Rahman, Economist; Colonel (Retd.) Md. Sohel Rana, Bangladesh Army; Shafiqul Alam, Editor-in-Chief, Daily Waadaa; Nabila Idris, Former Member, Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearance; Nazmul Ahasan, Executive Editor, Netra News; Zina Tasreen, Journalist, The Daily Star; Kamal Ahmed, Consulting Editor, The Bangladesh Dialogue; Akbar Hossain, Former Press Minister, Bangladesh High Commission in London; and Alauddin Mohammad, Secretary, Diaspora Cell and Co-Lead, International Cell, National Citizen Party (NCP); Anonno Afroz, Writer and Researcher.
The discussion focused on the urgent need for comprehensive institutional reforms to ensure sustained peace, democratic governance, and accountability in Bangladesh. Participants emphasized strengthening democratic institutions, reforming the police and judicial systems, and ensuring merit-based recruitment, transparency, and accountability across state institutions. They also highlighted the importance of reviewing politically motivated cases, fostering democratic values among citizens, and preventing reform initiatives from becoming political tools.
Speakers underscored the need for a free, independent, and responsible media, alongside greater accountability of social media platforms in safeguarding democratic discourse. The discussion also stressed rebuilding public trust in state institutions, promoting ethical standards within law enforcement agencies, and introducing stronger parliamentary oversight through institutional reforms and a code of conduct for Members of Parliament.
Participants further noted that sustainable democratic transition requires continuous dialogue among political parties, policymakers, civil society, the media, and citizens. They called for a renewed social contract between the state and its people, where justice, accountability, and inclusive governance remain at the center of the reform process. The roundtable concluded with a shared commitment to advancing evidence-based policy recommendations and fostering collaborative dialogue to support Bangladesh’s democratic future.
The discussion focused on identifying practical pathways to strengthen democratic institutions, promote inclusive governance, and ensure long-term political stability through evidence-based policy reforms and constructive dialogue among stakeholders.
The roundtable discussion, organized by The Bangladesh Dialogue, was chaired by Aslam Beg Sayem, General Secretary, The Bangladesh Dialogue; moderated by Dr. Mubashar Hasan and Concept Presented by Aaqib Md. Shatil.
The Bangladesh Dialogue reaffirmed its commitment to creating inclusive platforms that bring together experts, policymakers, media professionals, and young leaders to foster constructive dialogue on Bangladesh’s democratic future. The organization believes that sustained engagement among diverse stakeholders is essential for building a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Bangladesh.