In officialdom, a microphone malfunction is usually seen as a sign of disorder. Yet in April 2025, at the Hotel InterContinental, Ashik Chowdhury transformed this familiar frustration into a piece of calculated theatre.

Bangladesh has mostly failed to achieve its targeted level of foreign direct investments (FDIs), with investment inflow amounting to only 0.75 percent of GDP in 2023, according to UNCTAD.

Bangladesh faces a critical decision: recalibrate its economy towards inclusivity and sustainability.