Second, social protection systems must be politically neutral and universal. Transparency in selecting beneficiaries and digital monitoring must be ensured.

Third, controlling corruption and governance failure is now of utmost urgency. In the past decade, sudden corruption and crony capitalism have accelerated inequality in Bangladesh. Nepotism in public procurement, bank loans, and project allocation has eroded public trust. Corruption must be seen not merely as a moral issue but as a structural engine of inequality. Anti-corruption commissions, regulatory bodies, and financial oversight institutions must be freed from political interference.

Fourth, institutional reform is essential. Institutions like the central bank, election commission, media, and local government must be given the opportunity to function independently. Justice-based development is no possible without strong institutions.

Fifth, political inclusion and accountability must be ensured. Active participation of citizens, youth, women, and workers is necessary in policymaking. Democratic structures must be reconstructed so that the centres of power return to the people.

#Selim Raihan is a professor at the Department of Economics, University of Dhaka.