The Inception of daira; A Pioneering Initiative in Political and Policy Discourse
The conceptual origin of the Dacca Institute of Research & Analytics (daira) lies in the aspirations of visionary minds from Dhaka, who envisioned establishing an institution dedicated to locating politicality within the context of the inhabitations around the Bay of Bengal. In pursuit of this vision, the Institute aims to: leverage existing policy discourses while creating new frameworks for prescriptive dialogue and discussion; develop a theoretical and literary foundation for political literacy and awareness to strengthen the political sphere; and bridge the gap between politicality, policymaking, and governance within state mechanisms. It serves as a call to action for collective intellectual engagement and active civic participation.
This vision was realized with the formal inauguration of daira on November 2, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the intellectual and policy-oriented spheres of Bangladesh. The event signaled the beginning of an ambitious effort to foster rigorous political and policy discourses, enhance political literacy, and explore the intersections between political theory, policymaking, and state mechanisms.
The inauguration was attended by a diverse group of intellectuals, media professionals, political activists, and student leaders, reflecting daira’s commitment to interdisciplinarity and inclusivity. The proceedings began with a formal welcome for the distinguished attendees, followed by a comprehensive presentation outlining daira’s vision, mission, and organizational framework. This presentation emphasized the Institute’s dedication to advancing policy discourses inspired by the transformative principles of the July Revolution in Bangladesh. It sparked dynamic exchanges of ideas, with attendees offering constructive feedback and engaging in robust discussions. Many acknowledged the Institute’s potential to foster more inclusive and participatory discursive practices and a pragmatic policy ecosystem in Bangladesh.
The inauguration concluded on an optimistic and determined note as daira formally embarked on its mission to redefine political and policy discourse in Bangladesh. The event underscored the indispensable role of collaborative intellectual efforts in addressing the country’s pressing challenges and reaffirmed the importance of strong institutional frameworks and an engaged citizenry for political transformation.