CPD's research activity is mandated to service two complementary demands: to sustain CPD's dialogue process with research based informed inputs and to undertake research in key areas and on critical issues which are prioritised through the dialogue process. CPD's Research Division is entrusted to implement its various research programmes and works in close collaboration with the Dialogue and Communication Division of CPD.

Research at CPD also focuses on issues of other immediate policy concern. However, the overall goal of CPD is not to undertake research as an end in itself but as a policy tool and as an input to the ongoing public discourse which concerns the interest of stakeholders. As such, the Division's research agendas are designed to influence the national policies with a view to contribute towards improving the quality of governance in Bangladesh.