Bangladesh is often mentioned as a development dilemma for its commendable performance in terms of GDP growth and socio-economic indicators on the one hand, that on the other, contrasts strikingly with pervasive corruption and poor performance in nearly every governance indicator.

After liberation in 1971, Bangladesh faced massive economic and humanitarian challenges right from the get-go. The country was born through struggle, but the struggles were nowhere near over as its economy was quite simply in tatters after the war—and even from before.

The issue of women’s contribution to agriculture as well as access to land is a crucial issue but it is not given proper recognition. Women play a huge role in agriculture, be it the cultivation of land or processing of the produce or even in households.

Ten months have passed since COVID-19 was detected in Bangladesh. What challenges have you faced at United Hospital and how have you addressed the needs of your patients, especially cancer patients?

Sukhi, aged 30, lives in Kazipara, Barishal. She is a housewife and her husband is a tailor master in the village. Sukhi’s life was ‘sukhi’ until she figured that she was experiencing mild fever every now and then.

Sharmin, aged 16, lives in Mymensingh and is the only daughter of her farmer father, Abdus Samad.

Firoza Afroj Subarna, 43, a homemaker in Dhaka, had no idea her world would be upturned at the end of 2013 when her seemingly healthy body began to show signs of something sinister.

Former businessman M R Chowdhury has shown tremendous spirit and determination in his battle against cancer. He recalled that the first time he was diagnosed with lung cancer back in May of 2016,

Dhaka University was born out of a struggle by the people of eastern Bengal for asserting their regional identity. It reached its apotheosis through its vanguard role in the struggle for Bangladesh’s nationhood. It was my privilege as a teacher in Dhaka University from 1957 to 1971 to be a part of this struggle.

As it celebrates its first century, Dhaka University can be justifiably proud of its many glorious achievements.

The year 2021 is significant for both Bangladesh and the University of Dhaka as both the entities will turn 50 and 100 respectively.

The University of Dhaka opened its doors on July 1, 1921, with Mr P. J. Hartog as its first Vice-Chancellor.

Mobile Financial Services - Special Issue

During his childhood, Md Mujbur Rahman would see his mother waiting for days to receive money sent by his father through the post office from Adamjee Jute Mills, the then biggest operational jute mill in the world.

In the middle of an ongoing pandemic, the use of cash transactions imposes various risks. I have found it very difficult to switch to completely cashless transactions.

Mobile financial services are already growing at a fast clip in Bangladesh. If interoperability among operators and compliance is ensured, the service’s cost is brought down, and a level-playing field is guaranteed, the industry will reach a new height.

The most defining perk of using Mobile Financial Services (MFS) is being able to use mobile phones to access financial services and execute financial transactions. Put simply, cashless payment makes life easier.

The market was not developed, skill workforce was not in abundance in the country and finance was tight, but Abdul Muktadir was unfazed when he decided to set up a pharmaceutical company two decades ago.

The government is committed to facilitating the growth of business, trade and investment to reach the goal of becoming a developed economy by 2041, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said recently.

Businesses in South Asia face obstacles, so they need to show additional courage, imagination and determination compared to their peers in business-friendly nations to operate and become successful.