Bangladesh at a Crossroads

Shaping the Future of Bangladesh at the Doha Forum

The 22nd edition of the globally acclaimed Doha Forum, themed "The Innovation Imperative", concluded with a compelling session on Bangladesh’s future, co-hosted by the Jagoron
Foundation, a progressive think tank championing democratic governance. This year’s forum, hosted by the Government of Qatar under the banner "Diplomacy, Dialogue, Diversity," saw over 1,000 participants from more than 100 countries gathering at Doha’s Al Dafna conference hall to engage in debates about governance, economic resilience, and multilateral cooperation. Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani inaugurated the forum, while Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani delivered the keynote address, urging nations to collaborate in addressing governance and developmental challenges in an increasingly polarised global order. Among the forum's standout sessions was "Bangladesh at a Crossroads: Governance", hosted by the Jagoron Foundation. This timely session drew attention to the critical juncture Bangladesh finds itself in with the country poised for significant political and economic transition. The panel examined whether this moment offers a genuine opportunity for democratic renewal or risks descending into political instability. Although he could not attend in person, we were delighted to present a special video message at the Doha Forum from H.E.

Dr Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, addressing the forum and sharing his vision for the country's future.

Bangladesh's economy has been growing at an impressive average rate of over 6.5% annually since 2009, driven by the garment industry, which accounts for 84% of its exports and employs 4.4 million workers. However, panellists highlighted that the country’s economic gains have often been overshadowed by concerns over systemic corruption, governance failures, and increasing polarisation. A Transparency International report ranks Bangladesh 147th out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index, a stark reminder of the uphill battle ahead.

Each speaker brought unique insights into the transformative opportunities ahead for Bangladesh, particularly in the realm of governance and democratic reforms. The panellists also stressed the urgency of addressing governance gaps, including:

• The organisation of credible elections under a neutral caretaker government.
• Tackling entrenched corruption that has cost the economy billions annually.
• Reforming the judiciary to restore public trust and independence.
• Strengthening civil society and media to hold the government accountable.
• Empowering youth, who constitute 47% of the population, to take an active role in shaping Bangladesh’s democratic future.
• Guaranteeing free and fair elections.
• Developing anti-corruption frameworks with international oversight.
• Prioritising inclusive governance, particularly youth Voices from the Forum.

The dialogue at the Doha Forum has set the stage for deeper international collaboration and reform, but the responsibility for change lies with Bangladesh’s leaders, civil society, and citizens.

As Bangladesh embarks on this critical journey, Jagoron Foundation remains committed to its mission of promoting governance reform and democratic renewal. The think tank continues to act as a bridge between domestic stakeholders and the global community, ensuring that the country’s transition aligns with the principles of justice, accountability, and equity. For more information about Jagoron Foundation’s work, visit www.jagoron.org