Views / Columns

Water conservation is key

Water conservation is key

March 22 (Saturday) was this year's World Water Day and the theme of the day is Glacier Preservation. But what has a tropical country, Bangladesh, to do with glacier, which is a big mass of dense ice very slowly sliding downhill under the pull of gravity over the millennia in the cold parts of the


Understanding what youths want

Understanding what youths want

There is apparently a broad agreement in the country that some of the most insurmountable obstacles to good governance are corruption, political nepotism and cronyism, and deteriorating law and order. This is what the citizen realise in everyday life and feels terribly frustrated about. A recent su

The menace of unabated drug trafficking

The menace of unabated drug trafficking

One of the most alarming and persistent challenges confronting the nation today is the scourge of drug abuse and the illicit trafficking of narcotic substances, threatening public health, law and order, and the very fabric of society. Despite repeated calls for effective action and the observance o

Hilsa scarcity: A wake-up call

Hilsa scarcity: A wake-up call

Hilsa -- our national fish -- is not merely a delicacy or a market commodity; it is deeply embedded in Bangladesh's cultural identity, folklore, festivals, literature, and rural life. A plate of steaming rice with mustard Hilsa curry has long been a symbol of Bengali culinary pride. Yet, today, the

Economy in a new fiscal year

Economy in a new fiscal year

Another fiscal year, 2025-26, to be precise, began on Tuesday with a mix of legacy burdens and achievements in the country's economy.  Moving forward and achieving the desired economic growth and inflation targets by the end of the year will not be easy since there are a number of challenges.

The unbearable cost of living in Dhaka

The unbearable cost of living in Dhaka

The victory of 33-year-old Zohran Mamdani in the Democratic Party primary for the 2025 New York City mayoral election has sent shockwaves through the American political establishment. He was up against a wall of prejudice due to his faith, skin colour and opposition to the slaughter of Palestinians

When low-income people skip meal

When low-income people skip meal

The findings of a survey conducted by the Youth Network Policy (YNP) are highly concerning and should have triggered matching socio-political reactions. But nothing of this order happened. The survey titled "Food Security and VAT for Marginalised Communities" made some chilling revelations. People

Imperative of revitalising logistics sector

Imperative of revitalising logistics sector

It is time to prioritise the development and seamless operation of inland waterways and railways as key components of a balanced and efficient  multimodal logistics network   writes Atiqul Kabir Tuhin   At a recent seminar hosted by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (D

Dengue's return: A public health crisis revisited

Dengue's return: A public health crisis revisited

With the advent of the monsoon, the prevalence of dengue fever in the capital and other regions of the country has once again emerged as an all-too-familiar concern. Regrettably, this recurrence is not merely seasonal -- it is symptomatic of the persistent lack of a systemic and sustainable strateg

Enforced disappearances: Justice must be done

Enforced disappearances: Justice must be done

The darkest chapters in a nation's history are often written not by foreign enemies but by its own ruling forces. In Bangladesh, the scourge of enforced disappearances under the previous Awami League regime has emerged as one such shameful chapter   -- a terrifying manifestation of state-spons

Focusing on export of agro-based products

Focusing on export of agro-based products

Having the requisite amount of foreign currency to meet import bills as well as external debt obligations is a constant challenge being faced by Bangladesh economy.   Aside from export of manpower and service,   commodity export is the standard affair to earn foreign currency. B

What drives BD money into Swiss banks?

What drives BD money into Swiss banks?

The news that Bangladesh-linked money in Swiss banks increased by around 23 per cent last year has drawn attention of various quarters in the country. The significant rise in deposits has triggered widespread discussions, because of the fact that the notable increase did happen during a year when t

What is the purpose of bank merger?

What is the purpose of bank merger?

Hollywood is famous for making thrilling bank heist movies, several of which have earned a place among the best ever made. However, the real-life bank heists that have taken place in Bangladesh are just as astonishing, if not more. Over the past 15 years, hundreds of billions of taka have been siph