As a think tank committed to contributing towards participatory policy-making, CPD undertakes research and analyses, organises dialogues, brings out publications, enhances outreach of its activities and supports capacity building of relevant stakeholders. The Independent Review of Bangladesh’s Development (IRBD) is CPD’s flagship programme that produces analyses of the macroeconomic performance of the Bangladesh economy as well as analyses and recommendations for the national budget. CPD’s research outputs have contributed to important policy changes and initiatives that were geared in support of good governance, sound economic management and interests of marginalised groups in the society. CPD’s civic activism is operationalised by generating knowledge through its research and analyses, policy appreciation and influencing at national, regional and international levels, and capacity building for policymakers and other important stakeholder groups.

Over the years, CPD has positioned itself as a global think tank. It initiates, leads and participates in programmes and activities on issues of regional and global importance with national interest. It is hosting two global initiatives – Southern Voice on Post-MDG International Development Goals and LDC IV Monitor – in partnership with leading international think tanks. CPD is also engaged with a number of bilateral and multilateral regional initiatives including Asia-Pacific Research and Training Network on Trade (ARTNet), BCIM Forum for Regional Cooperation and South Asia Economic Summit (SAES), to facilitate smooth and effective integration of the South Asian countries.