CPD organised the launching ceremony of the publication titled Challenging the Injustice of Poverty: Agendas for Inclusive Development in South Asia authored by Professor Rehman Sobhan, Chairman, CPD at the BRAC Centre Inn Auditorium, Dhaka on 31 January 2011. The book was first published in 2010 by SAGE Publications India Pvt. Ltd. The volume addresses the issue of structural injustices underlying the social system that deprives the poor from accessing the productive resources, and thus inhibits the poverty eradication process in South Asian countries. The book suggests some specific policies and institutional measures which may serve to challenge the injustice of poverty in South Asia. The book is dedicated to Nobel Laureate Professor Amartya Sen who, according to Professor Sobhan, has enduring commitment to end poverty.
“Market has economic importance, but at the same time one should not leave everything to the market,” remarked Professor Sen at the launching ceremony which he attended as the Guest of Honour. Citing quality education and health services and people’s purchasing power as examples, he mentioned that market opens up opportunities, but a lot of other things are needed to allow all to enjoy the opportunities. He also stressed the roles of state, non-government organisations and political parties to make these available to the poor. He said that this book written by Professor Sobhan sees poverty as a visage of injustice and then he added, “poverty is not only harmful for some people, it is also a manifestation of injustice from the social viewpoint, that is why we need to ensure the end of it.”
Hon’ble Minister for Finance Mr A M A Muhith, MP was present as the Chief Guest at the ceremony while Mr M Syeduzzaman, Member, CPD Board of Trustees chaired the event. Dr Atiur Rahman, Governor, Bangladesh Bank; Dr Akbar Ali Khan, Former Advisor to the Caretaker Government; Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud, Former Advisor to the Caretaker Government; Dr S R Osmani, Professor, University of Ulster, UK; and Dr Binayak Sen, Research Director, BIDS presented their comments on the book. The book was launched jointly by the Hon’ble Finance Minister and Professor Amartya Sen in a packed auditorium where Members of Parliament, Ambassadors, distinguished economists, academics, members of civil society, editors, business leaders and leading lawmakers of the country were present.