Read between the two pieces of news---one concerning the fall of 7.8 million more people into poverty over the past couple of years and the other savouring the formation of a committee for payment of dearness allowance for government employees---the instant reaction ought to be one of dismay. This
In the present context, nothing is more important than a stable socio-political environment for sustainable development of the country. The liberation of the country more than half a century ago unlocked the potential for Bangladesh to become a politically stable and economically advanced country.
The trend of phenomenal growth of wealth of the superrich shows no sign of relenting. Under the existing archaic, exploitative and free-market economic system, anything different can hardly be expected. In its report "Takers Not Makers", the Oxfam International presents a bleak picture of the world
The coastal region of Bangladesh makes up about one-third of the country's total land area, of which approximately 439,000 hectares (almost 1.1 million acres) remains fallow during the dry season due to increased salinity and inadequate irrigation facilities. Aman rice is the only crop cultivated t
In today's business landscape, where stakeholders demand transparency and accountability on sustainable practices, social audits are proving increasingly crucial. They help businesses to demonstrate ethical business practices in their own operations and their supply chains. However, it is being rep
The quality of education in Bangladesh has long been a topic of concern. Despite the oft-repeated phrase that "education is the backbone of the nation," successive governments have failed to implement policies ensuring a robust and quality education system. Among the myriad challenges facing the se
The fact that Dhaka's air is among the most polluted in the world does not shock its citizens any more, as it is regularly reported in the media. Whenever something, however dangerous, happens repeatedly, it becomes normal to the public. But becoming normal in public perception does not make someth
In a determined effort to combat the high rate of inflation, the interim government has taken a significant step by increasing the rate of profits on various savings certificates from the beginning of the current year. This move, in line with the central bank's tight monetary stance and rate hike,
Dhaka city's infamy for its chaotic public transportation system is known but now it makes news for the dwindling of the fleet of buses. The bus service system in the town is steadily losing its share of passengers for a lack of popularity and under the pressure of rising non-motorised transports (
Price slump at its lowest for some winter vegetables has raised the old question of troubles and travails farmers often undergo. Oversupply of perishable fruits and vegetables compared to demand has ever remained a problem in this country. If a kilogram of radish fetches only Tk1.0 and a full-size
Since its establishment in 1972, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has been tasked with the dual responsibility of formulating revenue policy and enforcing its implementation. This inherent conflict of interest has led to various limitations, distortions, and shortcomings in revenue administratio
The rising cost of drugs, including life-saving medicines, has become an alarming issue -- one that appears to operate beyond the scope of effective state intervention. While there are occasional governmental initiatives to curb the price hikes of everyday consumer goods, the pharmaceutical sector
Are the Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) losing appeal to countries worldwide? Since 2021, when the total number of RTAs that came into force in a year reached a record level of 44, there has been a decline in RTAs both in terms of notification and enforcement. Seven RTAs came into force last year
