CPD-CMI

The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Bangladesh and Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI), Norway are jointly implementing a 3-year research programme focusing on issues of common interest to both the organisations and the countries. The programme is to be implemented during 2010-2012 with support from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). The signing ceremony of the programme took place on 23 June 2010 at the CPD office. Professor Rehman Sobhan, Chairman, CPD was present at the ceremony. HE Ms Ingebjorg Stofring, Ambassador of Norway in Bangladesh at that time signed the tripartite agreement on behalf of the Norwegian MFA. Dr Arne Wiig and Professor Mustafizur Rahman put their respective signatures on behalf of the CMI and CPD.

The broad objective of this programme is to contribute towards improved governance and inclusive growth in Bangladesh. The programme will be implemented under two themes “Inclusive Growth” and “Good Governance” and research will be carried out on the following seven areas:

Inclusive Growth

  • Agricultural Trade with India: Implications for Food Security and Poverty
  • Private Sector Development: The Role of Education and Business Training
  • Governance and Energy in Bangladesh: The Role of FDI

Good Governance

  • The Parliament of Bangladesh
  • The Political Parties of Bangladesh
  • Political Governance in Bangladesh
  • Democracy and Corruption

Along with research, the programme also envisages a number of other activities such as expert consultation, dialogues and workshops (in Bangladesh and also in Norway), training, publications (policy briefs, journal and newspaper articles) and exchange visits.

Lead researchers who will be involved in the above seven projects include, among others:

 

From CPD side

  • Professor Rehman Sobhan, Chairman
  • Professor Mustafizur Rahman, Executive Director
  • Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Distinguished  Fellow
  • Professor Rounaq Jahan, Distinguished  Fellow
  • Dr Fahmida Khatun, Research Director and Head of Research
  • Dr Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Additional Director, Research

 

From CMI side

 

Activities Undertaken

1.1 Research activities

Project 1: Agricultural Trade with India: Implications for Food Security and Poverty in Bangladesh

  • The report titled “Agricultural Trade between Bangladesh and India: An Analysis of Trends, Trading Patterns and Determinants” has been published as CPD-CMI Working Paper 3.
  • The article titled “Agricultural Trade between Bangladesh and India: An Analysis of Trends, Trading Patterns and Determinants” is submitted to Journal of Asian Economics.
  • The report titled “Impact of Indian Policies on Rice Price in Bangladesh” has been published as CPD-CMI Working Paper 4. The report is jointly prepared by S Raihan and T I Khan.
  • A policy brief on “Impact of Indian Policies on Bangladesh Rice Price” has been prepared by T I Khan is now in the process of publication
  • An article titled “Impact of Indian Policies on Rice Price in Bangladesh” has been submitted in the journal World Development.
  • Made a presentation by T. I. Khan on “Impact of Indian Policies on Rice Price” at an in-house discussion meeting at CMI, Bergen on 2 October, 2012.
  • Finalised the report titled “Impact of Indian Policies on Rice Price” incorporating reviewer’s comments. It will be published under the CPD-CMI Working Paper series.
  • Prof. M Rahman and Dr D Bhattacharya attended the “India-Bangladesh Dialogue” organized by Asian Transport Organisation, CPD held in New Delhi on 4-5 October and made a presentation on “Duty Free Market Access Offer of India to Bangladesh: Taking Advantage of the Initiative- The Next Steps”
  • Prof. M. Rahman attended the meeting on “Bangladesh’s Trade Policy Review” as part of official delegate during 14-19 October, 2012.

Project 2: Private Sector Development: Role of Education

  • Ivar Kolstad, Arne Wiig and Khondaker Golam Moazzem (2013) “Returns to education among entrepreneurs in Bangladesh” at the poverty dynamics cluster meeting at CMI 4 March 2013
  • Ivar Kolstad and Arne Wiig (2013) on “Returns to education among entrepreneurs in Bangladesh” at 12th Nordic Conference in Development Economics, Bergen, 17 June 2013
  • Submitted an article on “Returns to education among entrepreneurs in Bangladesh by Ivar Kolstad, Arne Wiig and Khondaker Golam Moazzem (2013) in the Journal of Asian Economics.
  • Prepared a draft report on “Entrepreneurship Development in Bangladesh: The Role of Human Capital” by Khondaker Golam Moazzem and Kishore Kumer Basak to be published as CPD-CMI Working Paper
  • Dialogue meetings: Ivar Kolstad, Arne Wiig and Khondaker Golam Moazzem (2013)on “Returns to education among entrepreneurs in Bangladesh” presented at: CPD-CMI Research Colloquium, Dhaka, 11 March 2013
  • Prepared the survey dataset and merged it with the dataset of HIES 2005. Discussed in detail regarding the analytical issues and distribution of work between CPD and CMI.
  • Dr KG Moazzem made a presentation on “Entrepreneurship and Poverty: Methodological Issues and Preliminary Findings” in the International Conference titled “Bangladesh Conference: New Context and New Challenges” at CMI on 19 April, 2012.
  • Made a presentation on “CPD-CMI Survey Data” by K.G. Moazzem at the CMI on 3 October, 2012.
  • Published an article titled “The Challenge for Development of Bangladesh’s Small and Cottage Industries and the Activities of BSCIC: An Analytical Review” By K G Moazzem in the special issue on the 55thAnniversary of the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industry Corporation (BSCIC).
  • Attended the 7th Nordic Conference on Behavioral and Experimental Economics which was held on 29-30 September, 2012.

Project 3: FDI in the Energy Sector and Economic Growth in Bangladesh

  • Prepared a paper by Dr F. Khatun and M.G. Ahamad on “Foreign Direct Investment in the Energy and Power Sector in Bangladesh: How does it contribute to Economic Growth?” to be published as CPD-CMI Working Paper.
  • An article by Dr I Kolstad and Dr A. Wiig on “Digging in the Dirt?: Extractive Industry FDI and Corruption” has been accepted by the Energy Policy.
  • Arne Wiig and Ivar Kolstad (2013) Does corruption deter foreign investment in the energy sector? Draft CMI Brief, 14 August
  • Dr Fahmida Khatun made a presentation on” Economic Growth and Energy Sector Development in Bangladesh: The Role of FDI’ in the CPD-CMI Research Colloquium, Dhaka, 11 March 2013.
  • Made a presentation by Dr F. Khatun on “Development of the Energy Sector in Bangladesh: Role of FDI” in the International Conference titled “Bangladesh Conference: New Context and New Challenges” at CMI on 19 April, 2012.
  • Prepared a draft report by Dr F. Khatun and M.G. Ahamad on “Development of the Energy Sector in Bangladesh: Role of FDI”
  • Prepared a journal article by Dr I Kolstad and Dr A. Wiigon “Digging in the Dirt?: Extractive Industry FDI and Corruption” and submitted to a referred journal. Accepted for resubmission.
  • Prepared a paper by Dr K.G. Moazzem titled “Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Bangladesh (1972-2010): An Exploratory Note from Host Country Perspective” which is submitted for publication as a book chapter.
  • Master thesis completed by K. Rørvik on CSR

Project 4: The Parliament of Bangladesh: Accountability and Control

  • Prof. R Jahan (2013) “The Parliament of Bangladesh: Representation and Accountability” has been accepted by the Journal of Legislative Studies (JLS)
  • Made a presentation by Professor R. Jahan and Dr I Amundsen on “The Role of the Parliament in Bangladesh” in the International Conference titled “Bangladesh Conference: New Context and New Challenges” at CMI on 19 April, 2012.
  • Published CMI Policy Brief titled Parliament of Bangladesh. Boycotts, Business, and Change for the Better which is prepared by Dr I Amundsen(CMI Brief March 2012, Vol. 11, No. 2). in April, 2012.
  • Published CPD-CMI Policy Brief (in English) titled The Parliament of Bangladesh: Challenges and Way Forward which is prepared by Prof. R Jahan. It was published in April, 2012.
  • Published CPD-CMI Policy Brief titled “Bangladesher Jatiya Sangsad: Challenge ebong Shommukhe Egiye Jabar Poth (in Bangla) in July, 2012 which is prepared by Prof. R Jahan.
  • Prepared an article titled ‘The Parliament of Bangladesh: Representation and Responsiveness’ by Prof. R Jahan (and Inge Amundsen) to be submitted in a referred journal.
  • Completed distribution of the CPD-CMI Working Paper 2 titled “The Parliament of Bangladesh: Accountability and Representation” among the MPs and the Parliamentary Committees.
  • Completed distribution of the CPD-CMI Working Paper 2 titled “TheParliament of Bangladesh: Accountability and Representation” among the MPs and the Parliamentary Committees.
  • Prof. Jahan was an invited participant at a roundtable discussion to launch of the First Global Parliamentary Report which was organized by IPU and UNDP, New York on July 19, 2012.
  • Prof. Jahan invited panelist to speak at the launch of the Global Parliamentary Report organized by UNDP, Bangladesh, Dhaka in September 15, 2012.
  • Article published in the Forum, vol. 6, January 2012, titled ‘Keeping Democracy Alive’ based on interview with Professor Jahan.
  • Op-ed by Professor Rounaq Jahan, The Parliament of Bangladesh: Challenges and Way Forward, the Daily Star, June 3, 2012.

Project 5: Political Parties in Bangladesh

  • Draft Report prepared by Dr Rounaq Jahan on ‘Political Parties in Bangladesh’. To be published as a monograph under CPD-CMI publication.
  • Dr. Inge Amundsen submitted an article titled ‘Democratic Dynasties? Internal Party Democracy in Bangladesh’ to the journal Party Politics, in January 2013
  • The dialogue on this issue is being postponed during the time of tension in pre-election events.
  • As part of initiation of the field work, preparatory works such as identifying respondents, making appointments with the respondents are ongoing. Prof. R. Jahan is in overall charge of these works.
  • Dr. Inge Amundsen submitted an article titled ‘Democratic Dynasties? Internal Party Democracy in Bangladesh’ to the journal Party Politics, in January 2013.
  • Prof. Jahan has completed data analysis and is preparing the draft report titled “Political Parties in Bangladesh” to be published as CPD-CMI Working Paper
  • Prof. R. Jahan made a presentation in the Summit on Women’s Leadership organized by UN-Women, Jaipur, India, October 4, 2012.
  • Prof. Jahan has made a presentation on “Political Parties of Bangladesh” in the Expert Group Meeting organized by CPD on 8 November, 2012.
  • Prof. Jahan made a keynote presentation on ‘Future of Democracy’ at a Roundtable meeting, participated organised by SUJON on March 28, 2012
  • Prof. Jahan made a presentation on political parties at Jahangir Nagar University, Bangladesh, November 10, 2012
  • Prof Jahan published in the Prothom Alo, November 4, 2011 titled‘Vision for Bangladesh: Political Parties’.

Project 6: Strengthening Fiscal Autonomy and Financial Accountability of Local Government in Bangladesh

  • A paper titled “Finance for Local Government in Bangladesh: An Elusive Agenda” by Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Mobasser Monem and Umme Shefa Rezbana is in the process for publication under CPD-CMI Working Paper Series.
  • A draft paper titled “Citizen’s Perceptions on Financial Management and Governance of City Corporations and Pourashavas in Bangladesh” by Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Mobasser Monem, Muhammad Baniamin and Umme Shefa Rezbana Hasan has been prepared.
  • Presentation in the Research Colloquium: Dr Bhattacharya and Dr Monem made a presentation on “Strengthening Fiscal Autonomy and Financial Accountability of Local Government in Bangladesh with Special Reference to Pourashavas/Municipalities (the middle urban tier)” in the CPD-CMI Research Colloquium held in 10-11 March 2013
  • Presentation in the Dialogue: Dr Odd-Helge Fjeldstad will make a presentation on “Fiscal Decentralisation in Developing Countries: Challenges and Prospects” in the dialogue on “Local Government Financing: Global Experience and Local reality” to be held on 5 October, 2013.
  • Presentation in the Dialogue: Dr Arne Wiig will make a presentation on “Devolutionary Delusions? The Effect of Decentralization on Corruption” in the dialogue on “Local Government Financing: Global Experience and Local reality” to be held on 5 October, 2013
  • Presentation in the Dialogue: Dr Bhattacharya will make a presentation on “Citizen’s Perceptions on Financial Management and Governance of City Corporations and Pourashavas in Bangladesh” in the dialogue on “Local Government Financing: Global Experience and Local reality” to be held on 5 October, 2013.
  • Completed the discussion on identification and finalisation of the theme of the proposed study under the revised plan for project 6 during the Second Annual Meeting in April, 2012 at CMI.
  • Prepared the concept note titled “Strengthening Fiscal Autonomy and Financial Accountability of Local Government in Bangladesh with Special Reference to Pourashavas/Municipalities (the middle urban tier)” by Dr D. Bhattacharya and Dr. M. Monem (DU)
  • Finalised the activities to be carried out by CMI. These include one study on cross country analysis on decentralization and corruption; another study on global experience on fiscal issues related to the local government.
  • Expert group meeting on “Strengthening Fiscal Autonomy and Financial Accountability of Local Government in Bangladesh with Special Reference to Pourashavas/Municipalities (the middle urban tier)” to be held on 7 November, 2012.
  • Literature review and a note on the relationship between corruption and decentralization.
  • Field survey was carried out during December, 2012- February, 2013.

Project 7: Democracy and corruption

  • Prepared a working paper on “Impact of Democracy on Economic Growth in Bangladesh: A Cointegrated VAR Approach” by Dr. D. Bhattacharya S. Dasgupta and D J Neethi which is now in the process for publication as CPD-CMI Working Paper.
  • Prepared an article on “Impact of Democracy on Economic Growth in Bangladesh: A Cointegrated VAR Approach” by Dr. D. Bhattacharya S. Dasgupta and D J Neethi which is submitted to a referred journal for publication.
  • Drafted a policy paper on “Does Democracy Reduce Corruption?” Dr I Kolstad and Dr A. Wiig
  • Prepared an article titled “Does Democracy Reduce Corruption?” by Dr I Kolstad and Dr A. Wiig which is submitted to a referred journal.
  • Made a presentation on “Democracy-Corruption Nexus in Bangladesh: An Economic Interpretation” by Dr. D. Bhattacharya in the International Conference titled “Bangladesh Conference: New Context and New Challenges” at CMI on 19 April, 2012.
  • Made a presentation on “Democracy and Corruption” by Dr I. Kolstad in the International Conference titled “Bangladesh Conference: New Context and New Challenges” at CMI on 19 April, 2012.
  • Made a presentation on “Democracy and Corruption” by Dr. I. Kolstad at the  “Nordic Conference in Development Economics, Gothenburg, 19 June 2012.
  • Prepared an article on “Impact of Democracy on Economic Growth in Bangladesh: A Cointegrated VAR Approach” by Dr. D. Bhattacharya and S. Dasgupta for submission in a referred journal.
  • Prepared an article titled “Does Democracy Reduce Corruption?” by Dr I Kolstad and Dr A. Wiig which is submitted to a referred journal.
  • Literature review for the study on “Impact of Corruption on Economics Growth” is ongoing. Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya is leading the study.

Project 8: Capacity building and sustainability

  • A six member team of CMI senor researchers and management officials led by Dr Ottar Mæstad visited CPD during 8-13 May, 2013 which include Ingvild Hestad, Hong Kim Tran, Guri K. Stegali, Arne Wiig and Ivar Kolstad.
  • Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya visited CMI during 5-19 May, 2013 and made several presentations in different meetings in CMI, Bergen and Norad, Oslo. These meetings include presentation on ‘recent developments in the RMG Sector of Bangladesh’ at a CMI lunch meeting, presentation on ‘Local government issues’ in the meeting with CMI Governance cluster and speaking in Oslo at a meeting organised by Norad and MFA.
  • Dr K.G. Moazzem and Mr T.I. Khan visited CMI during 26 September-9 October, 2012.
  • A team of CPD’s senior and mid-level officials of Dialogue, Communication and Accounts Divisions have visited CMI during 10 September, 2012- 20 September, 2012.
  • Prof. M Rahman and Dr D Bhattacharya attended the “India-Bangladesh Dialogue” organized by Asian Institute of Transport Development, New Delhi and CPD which was held in New Delhi on 4-5 October, 2012. Prof. Rahman made a presentation on “Duty Free Market Access Offer of India to Bangladesh: Taking Advantage of the Initiative The Next Steps”
  • Prof. M. Rahman attended the meeting on “Bangladesh’s Trade Policy Review” as a government delegate during 14-19 October, 2012.
  • Prof. M. Rahman and Dr D Bhattacharya attended the WTO Public Forumwhich was held in September, 2012.

Project 9: Project monitoring and dissemination

  • CPD organised a two-day CPD-CMI Research Colloquium during 10-11 March 2013. Researchers from CPD and CMI made presentation on the studies have been carried out in three different sessions including Finance for Local Government: An Elusive Agenda; Economic Growth and Energy Sector Development in Bangladesh: The Role of FDI; and Entrepreneurship Development in Bangladesh: Role of Human Capital.
  • A research conference was held at CMI 19th and 20th of April 2012 where international experts were invited for commenting papers prepared by some of the CPD/CMI researchers involved in the project. The conference has been streamed in order to disseminate our findings to a wider audience.
  • CPD/CMI researchers provided presentations at the Bangladesh Frontier Forum 17 April.
  • A new Bangladesh WEB site has been created at CMI. It gives information about the programme and provides links to important institutions dealing with Bangladesh, CPD in particular.  A novel feature of the homepage is that it provides information about newly internationally published/forthcoming articles within the programme field (poverty and governance). In addition, it provides Bangladesh news.
  • The communication and accounting units at the two institutions have had several meetings at CMI (see project 8 above). Based on these meetings, the communication department at CMI has prepared a note on common communication strategies.

 

1.2 Exchange visits

  • Dr K.G. Moazzem and Mr T.I. Khan visited CMI during 26 September-9 October, 2012. Both made presentations at CMI.
  • A team of CPD senior and mid-level officials of Dialogue, Communication and Accounts divisions have visited CMI during 10 September, 2012- 20 September, 2012. Ms A. F. Yousuf made a presentation on “-Role of Civil Society in Civic Activism: CPD’s Experience” on 13 September, 2012, CMI, Bergen.
  • As part of exchange programme under the Programme, six senior researchers of CPD visited CMI during 15-23 April, 2012. The team comprised:
  1. Professor Rehman Sobhan, Chairman, CPD
  2. Professor Mustafizur Rahman, Executive Director, CPD
  3. Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Distinguished Fellow, CPD
  4. Professor Rounaq Jahan, Distinguished Fellow, CPD
  5. Dr Fahmida Khatun, Head, Research Division, CPD
  6. Dr Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Senior Research Fellow, CPD and Programme Coordinator, CPD-CMI Programme

The team attended a number of programmes organised by the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Dhaka; Christen Michelsen Institute (CMI), Bergen and Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Dhaka.

 

1.3 Dialogue/Conference/Training

  • Brainstorming session with MPs, academics, and civil society representatives to discuss the studies on “Parliament of Bangladesh: Accountability and Control” and “The Political Parties of Bangladesh”. The session was organised by CPD on 22 September 2010.
  • CMI organised a seminar in Bergen, Norway where Dr K A S Murshid made a presentation on “Agrarian Market Institutions in South Asia: Dynamics and Change in the Bangladesh Rice Market” on 7 December 2010.
  • In view of strengthening the research capacity of junior, mid and senior researchers of CPD, an in-house training workshop has been organised on “Input-Out Analysis, Social Accounting Matrix and CGE Modelling”. Two CGE experts namely Mr Rob Davies Research Fellow, Trade and Industry Policy Strategies (TIPS), South Africa and Mr Dirk van Seventer, Principal Information Analyst, Department of Labour, New Zealand gave the training on CGE modelling. The workshop was held on 5-15 April, 2011. A follow up study has been initiated.

 

1.4 Visits

  • CMI officials visited CPD for Project Review Meetings in October 2010 and March 2011.
  • Dr. KAS Murshid of BIDS visited CMI during 16 November, 2010 – 12 December, 2010. As part of this visit, Dr Murshid presented his draft paper in the Conference “Halvdag seminar” in Bergen, Norway on 7th December 2010.
  • Dr Eirik G Jansen, visited CPD on 3 March, 2011 and made a presentation on “Some Impressions from a Revisit to a Village in Bangladesh after 30 years”. A number of renowned economists of Bangladesh attended the session.
  • Ms Kristin Rorvik, a Masters’ student at CMI visited CPD during 25 January, 2011 to 9 March, 2011.
  • Professor Rounaq Jahan and Professor Rehman Sobhan visited CMI, Bergen during June, 2011. As part of this visit, Professor Jahan presented a paper on “Parliament of Bangladesh, Accountability and Representation” in a seminar that was arranged by the CMI.