The 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) finally took place during June 12-16, 2022 after being cancelled twice due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The MC12 was held at a time of unprecedented global economic downturn.

If one looks at the inflationary measures that are proposed in the FY2022-23 budget, there are ample reasons to be frustrated.

Exchange rate management is an important task for the central bank. In Bangladesh, though the central bank follows a floating exchange rate, it manages the foreign exchange market through intervention.

The prices of essentials continue to rise at a fast pace. Bangladesh has been feeling this inflationary pressure since June 2020, which recently became unbearable for the poor and fixed income groups in the country.

Quality education is urgently needed in Bangladesh as the country is progressing at a fast pace.

Right now, Sri Lanka is going through its worst economic crisis since independence in 1948.

The world is facing an unprecedented time as countries desperately try to recover from the fallouts caused by two years of Covid, followed by the newly raised geopolitical tensions due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

Since the war between Russia and Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, the global economy has entered a new terrain of uncertainty.

The struggle of the poor and low-income group that began with the outbreak of Covid-19 in early 2020 is now worsened by the unabated rise in the prices of essentials.

Gender equality is still an elusive term not just in Bangladesh, but all across the world, despite so much economic progress and so many measures taken by policymakers.

The recent announcement by the government to introduce a universal pension scheme (UPS) in Bangladesh from the 2022-23 fiscal year is a welcome and timely move.

In the run-up to the budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year (FY), the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has initiated discussions with various professional and business organisations—like the previous years.

The economy of Bangladesh has fared very well despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. From 3.5 percent growth in FY2019-20, the economy recovered fast.

People around the world are grappling with inflationary pressure. Many have lost their jobs or are earning a lower income.

Air pollution is one of the deadliest environmental concerns for human beings. In 2019, it contributed to 6.7 million deaths worldwide. Worryingly, 20 percent of newborn deaths in the world have been due to air pollution. In the State of Global Air Report 2020, it is ranked fourth among global risk factors for mortality, after high blood pressure, tobacco consumption, and poor diet.

Universities are considered to be the highest place for education, learning, research, and innovation.

After a downturn due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Bangladesh’s economy has been trying to get back on track and has succeeded in some cases.

The emergence of the highly transmissible Omicron variant of the coronavirus reminds us how uncertain the world has become.

The Covid-19 situation is now shrouded in uncertainty. Just when we were about to relax over the receding pandemic cases, it is once again time to worry.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence this year, we have highlighted our achievements as a country.