BM Report:
The Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) kicked off its annual ABCD conference on Thursday, focusing on the critical themes of development, justice, and freedom. The three-day event, held at the La Vita Hall in the Lakeshore Hotel, Gulshan-2, brings together national and international scholars, policymakers, and development practitioners to engage in crucial discussions surrounding these interconnected concepts.
This year’s conference theme, “Development, Justice, and Freedom,” underscores the complex interplay between these elements. Achieving sustainable development requires not only economic growth but also equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, ensuring social justice, and upholding individual liberties.
The conference features a diverse program, including: Leading scholars will present research findings on a range of topics related to development, justice, and freedom, including poverty reduction, inequality, environmental sustainability, governance, and human rights.
These sessions will delve deeper into specific themes, such as climate change and its impact on development, the role of technology in promoting justice, and the challenges of achieving inclusive economic growth.
Renowned speakers will deliver public lectures on topics of national and global importance, engaging the wider community in the ongoing dialogue about development and its implications.
The inaugural session witnessed distinguished guests, including Professor S. R. Osmani (University of Ulster, UK) as the keynote speaker, M. A. Mannan, MP (Honorable Minister, Ministry of Planning) as the chief guest, and Mashiur Rahman (Former Economic Affairs Adviser to the Honorable Prime Minister) as a special guest.
Speaking at the inauguration, BIDS Director General Dr. Binayak Sen emphasized the importance of the ABCD conference in providing a platform for critical dialogue and collaborative efforts towards achieving equitable and sustainable development in Bangladesh.
“The ABCD conference has become a vital platform for fostering intellectual discourse on development challenges and opportunities in Bangladesh,” Dr. Sen stated. “This year’s theme, focusing on development, justice, and freedom, underscores the interconnectedness of these crucial dimensions in achieving a better future for all.”
The conference is expected to generate valuable insights and recommendations that will inform policymaking and contribute to a more just and equitable society in Bangladesh.
