Debapriya Bhattacharya calls for review of deals signed during interim govt

Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, distinguished fellow at Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), has emphasised the need to carefully examine agreements—both known and unknown—signed with foreign entities during the previous interim government. 

He said that it is important to verify whether these agreements align with the current government’s plans and, if necessary, consider cancelling or revising some of them.

Speaking at a Citizen Platform event in Dhaka on Thursday, Dr Debapriya suggested that the new government could review decisions made by the interim administration, especially in relation to postponing LDC (Least Developed Country) graduation initiatives. 

He proposed forming a separate “transition team” to conduct this review. In fact, a letter has already been sent to the UN Headquarters in New York regarding the delay in LDC graduation.

Dr Debapriya also advised giving the government some breathing room, urging them to decide whether to take a “sprint” or a “marathon” approach.

He cautioned that patience is required before implementing the 180-day plan and noted that it would not be advisable to take major actions in this fiscal year.

He further criticized the previous interim government, saying one of their biggest failures was their inability to present any concrete strategy for economic reforms. At the end of their tenure, the Planning Minister only mentioned preparing a report before leaving office.