Bangladesh received record remittances in 2024. Migrant workers and non-resident Bangladeshis sent a record $26.9 billion in remittances in the past year, providing relief to the country’s dollar reserves, particularly in the face of multiple financial and political challenges, including external payment pressures amid dwindling foreign exchange reserves.

Bangladesh faces a challenge: balancing development with resource limitations. One major issue is the rising infrastructure costs due to land scarcity. Elevated or underground structures are often needed to avoid encroaching on agricultural land and water bodies, which at-grade structures would otherwise have an impact, increasing financial strain. Strategic planning and innovative solutions for real needs are crucial for sustainable growth.

It is perhaps not the best time to discuss Bangladesh’s growth story, which is definitely under severe pressure. The latest World Economic Outlook of the IMF projects that Bangladesh’s economy may grow at 3.8 percent, the lowest rate in decades.

Every year, over 450,000 Bangladeshi patients travel overseas for medical treatment, spending approximately $5.0 billion per annum. These statistics do not include those who travel on tourist visas for treatment.

What have been the most significant trends in Bangladesh’s infrastructure development over the last decades, and how do they reflect the country’s priorities?

Are policies and actions regarding preparing young people for work and livelihood influenced by myths and misperceptions about the problems and their workable solutions?

We are proud to present the fourth instalment of our five-part special supplement series, marking The Daily Star’s 34th anniversary. This segment delves into one of the most pressing questions of our time: how can Bangladesh forge a development path that is both equitable and sustainable? As the country tries to move beyond its previous growth model—one that, despite some progress, left many behind—it must now seek a strategy that serves all its citizens.

Bangladesh, a country with a rich natural heritage, faces significant challenges in balancing development with environmental sustainability.

Agricultural corporates have evolved globally alongside liberalisation policies that have reshaped agricultural production to enhance productivity, profitability, and efficiency on both technical and economic grounds.

How many people genuinely care about the state of Indigenous communities in the “new Bangladesh,” which claims to be free from discrimination? Indigenous students and activists joined the July movement with hope, ambition, and passion.

According to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), the number of internet users in the country is 132.8 million,

What persistent challenges in Bangladesh’s river and water resource management demand immediate reform?

Decentralising development is crucial for achieving balanced and sustainable urban growth in Bangladesh.

In a way, Bangladesh maintains a vertically integrated state monopoly in the power sector.

Bangladesh is now witnessing a new wave of enthusiasm for running. What started as a solo activity has become widespread, reflecting a collective effort to prioritise health and well-being.

Personal fitness trainers had the reputation of being reserved for the elite and the affluent. In recent times, they have quietly slipped into the everyday lives of many Bangladeshis, shedding their once-exclusive reputation.

The aroma of caramelised sugar and boiling milk envelopes you the moment you set foot in a sweets factory in Tangail.

The jewellery market in Bangladesh is experiencing a remarkable transformation. Once synonymous with gold and silver, the country’s fashion scene is now embracing bold innovations and diverse materials, catering to both traditional sensibilities and modern preferences. Whether it’s for grand occasions or everyday wear, gold and silver are no longer the go-to options.

When you think of a motif, what visuals first come to mind? Perhaps, delicate paisley unfurling like budding flowers, reminiscent of the intricate designs in Jamdani sarees. Or, a geometric lattice mimicking the symmetry of a temple carving. Our traditional patterns are unique in their terms, carrying the whispers of a thousand hands that have weaved them.

Frequently referred to as the “land of rivers”, Bangladesh is interwoven by over 700 rivers and produces breath-taking views, as well as an ecology that sustains a thriving biodiversity.