Debapriya can speak for CPD

The Centre for Policy Dialogue yesterday reacted to Awami League General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam's questioning of Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya's “right to comment” on the budget proposal on behalf of the Dhaka-based think-tank.
Speaking at a discussion on Saturday, the minister said Debapriya had no right to make comment like the one he made under the banner of the CPD.
“Usually, the CPD chief executive makes such remarks after every budget. It's not Debapriya, but Mustafizur Rahman who is the chief executive of the CPD. Debapriya is a former chief executive of the CPD. So, he has no right to make such comments on behalf of the CPD,” Ashraf had said.
A press statement issued by CPD Executive Director Mustafizur Rahman yesterday said, “In view of this [Ashraf's comment], the CPD would like to make it clear that it is the prerogative of the CPD management to decide who will present CPD's analysis on behalf of the team.”
It added Debapriya was a distinguished fellow of the CPD and his presentation at the media briefing held by CPD on June 7 was based on CPD's assessment of the budget, which was prepared by the team of professionals at the organisation.
Presentation and observations made by Bhattacharya reflected the views of the entire team that also included the executive director of the CPD, the statement said.