A democratic transition has emerged as a prerequisite for an inclusive and sustainable economy, said a noted economist today.

Debapriya Bhattacharya, convener of the Citizen's Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh, made the comments while making a presentation at a book launching event at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in the capital.

The economist said a lack of overall democratic accountability and good governance led to the failure of public institutions and protecting the rights of disadvantaged groups and citizens.

This stemmed from a lack of resources in prioritised sectors and areas, poor implementation of policies and projects, and inconsistency between policy formulation and development planning, he said.

CPD Chairman Prof Rehman Sobhan, former Executive Director of Ain o Salish Kendra and former caretaker government Sultana Kamal, Bangla Academy President Selina Hossain, Theatre Activist Mamunur Rashid and CPD Distinguished Fellow Mustafizur Rahman, also spoke.