Prices still rising as wage growth lags behind cost of living

It’s been six months since the BNP-led government took office after winning the national election on February 12, right in the middle of high inflation, weak revenue mobilisation, banking sector weaknesses, stagnant private investment, an employment crisis, and a vulnerable energy sector.

Our economy’s overwhelming dependence on garment exports leaves us exposed to global supply chain disruptions, automation threats, trade policy shifts, etc. Tourism offers a useful means of diversification, and it brings foreign currency directly.

Bangladesh remains bound to an analogue collateral regime. Landlessness is not marginal in rural Bangladesh; it is structural.

Time to restore stability as a fundamental economic imperative

"Financial inclusion" has been a buzzword in Bangladesh for many years.

In 2024, Bangladesh announced its first National Logistics Policy, a crucial reform for an economy where logistics costs devour 15-20 percent of GDP—nearly double the global average.

Whoever controls them gains not only industrial advantage but diplomatic and economic influence.

Over the past few years, the economy has been facing tough challenges.

Embedded finance and BaaS can make finance invisible, intuitive, and inclusive.

Still struggling after five decades, Bangladesh has turned into a development paradox.

The golden rule of crony capitalism, in which profits are private but losses are social, has led to blatant injustice, as is generally recognised. The extra-market connections of crony capitalists facilitated transactional benefits while leading to entrenched market power, distorted competition, and depressed productivity growth, all contributing to growing inequalities. Yet, attempts to change the crony business model are facing their own dilemmas.

International Day of Happiness in Bangladesh: A cruel joke? Few find joy amidst daily struggles.

Bangladesh inflation soared (5.86 percent to 11.38 percent in 2022-2024), driven by global shocks and food prices.

What started as a moment of hope—a chance to break free from the chains of authoritarian rule—has increasingly turned into a struggle for meaningful reform.

The Bangladesh economy saw its lowest quarterly growth in three-and-a-half years in the first quarter of the fiscal year on the back of political upheaval and severe flood in August.

Arrival of winter vegetables contributes to the decline 

The central bank governor made this remark while inaugurating the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM) in the city.

Our data shows economic pressures and polycrisis have been growing especially since Covid.

"The imposition of higher tariffs on Chinese goods by the Trump administration could prompt international businesses and investors to turn to Bangladesh," Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, chairman of Pran-RFL Group, said today