Dhaka, June 23 -- Economists often describe development in terms of capital formation, productivity growth, industrialisation, technological innovation, and human resource development. Political scientists emphasise institutions, accountability, and state capacity. Yet beneath these technical concepts lies a more fundamental reality: development is ultimately sustained by trust. Citizens trust that the taxes they pay will be used for public purposes. Investors trust that contracts will be honoured. Businesses trust that regulations will be applied fairly. Workers trust that opportunities will be determined by merit rather than privilege. This foundation of trust constitutes what may be called the moral economy of good governance.

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