The death of Begum Khaleda Zia yesterday, December 30, is an irreparable loss to the nation at a moment when it is at a critical juncture. In fact, this is no eulogy to her memory to say that Khaleda Zia was the first elected female prime minister of the country or that she was elected prime minist
In a significant move aimed at streamlining administrative efficiency, the interim government has recently unveiled a set of restructuring decisions involving steps towards enhancing transparency, efficiency and accountability across key state institutions. Presided over by the Chief Adviser, the m
The Ministry of Law's refusal to endorse the draft of the Artha Rin Adalat Ain (Money Loan Court Act) and its suggestion, instead, to amend the existing laws renders the whole exercise redundant. An unceremonious rejection, this MoL decision smacks of highhandedness at its best and undue sympathy f
With fewer than one hospital bed available per 1,000 patients and still fewer doctors to attend them, the need for more hospital beds and healthcare professionals in the country has been a long-felt demand. Yet, progress in this important sector has been limited so far. That explains why before the
A quiet technological revolution is taking place in the country's garment industry. The industry's journey from its tentative beginning in the late 1970s to the current number one position in terms of leadership in energy and environment design (LEED)-certified factories is long and arduous. Its tr
Dhaka's kitchen markets are now a visual feast, overflowing with vibrant greens and colourful produce of a winter harvest. To the casual observer, the sheer volume of supply would suggest a season of relief for the city's beleaguered consumers. However, the reality on the ground is starkly differen
Few countries have shaped the global discourse on microfinance as profoundly as Bangladesh has, where the model emerged as a tool for poverty alleviation and social empowerment. Over decades, it has extended credit and basic financial services to millions excluded from conventional banking, attract
The Bangladesh Bank (BB) has reportedly dissolved the boards of five failed Sharia-based banks in the process of merger, appointed new administrators after removing their MDs and has been requested by the Financial Institutions Division to take legal actions against their owners, board members and
There is little room for complacency when assessing Bangladesh's position in the evolving landscape of global digital trade. While some progress has been made in digitising domestic trading processes, the broader adoption of e-commerce across the full spectrum of trade-related activities remains la
Downsizing the annual development programme (ADP) halfway in a fiscal year has been a routine practice in this country. This year is no exception to the rule. The original development budget of Tk 2.30 trillion in the current fiscal year has been pared down to Tk 2.0 trillion. Compared with the imm
