Views / Columns

Eliminating child labour

Eliminating child labour

Despite the existence of a government programme, titled, 'National Plan of Action on Elimination of Child Labour 2021-25',eliminating the scourge of child labour from society does not seem to be as easy as some in the government would have us believe. Consider the recently published reports of the


Why is the media establishment suddenly looking fragile?

Why is the media establishment suddenly looking fragile?

In November 2023, we wrote an article titled, " BD media: Why new entrants in an uncertain era?" where we wondered why there were new investors in the media economy when the global economy was not healthy.  Our conclusion of sorts was, "It's obvious that if investment is coming in, the need fo

Is price surge during Ramadan inevitable?

Is price surge during Ramadan inevitable?

As the holy month of Ramadan commences, it is marked by a price surge and a subsequent rise in inflation. The prices of essentials, which began their upward trend before the start of the month, have now reached a record high. This trend, observed almost every year during Ramadan, underscores a stro

RMG diversification is imperative

RMG diversification is imperative

For quite sometime now experts have been putting forward unambiguous suggestions for diversifying the product portfolio of Bangladesh's apparel industry (RMG). Its rival countries such as China and Vietnam have already taken the effort to seriously diversify their baskets of apparel export, whereas

True essence of Ramadan

True essence of Ramadan

The holy month of Ramadan has begun, which enjoins on Muslims to observe day-long fasting, practice piety, and abstain from all sinful indulgences. Beyond the physical act of fasting from dawn till dusk, Ramadan serves as an opportunity for believers to deepen their connection with Allah Almighty t

Implications of decarbonisation

Implications of decarbonisation

This is indeed a cause for concern that foreign funding is likely to be scarce for non-green projects from the middle of this year. Reports quoting sources including key multinational financiers confirm the changed landscape in project funding in keeping with international treaties related to the m

Is migration changing the nature of the State?

Is migration changing the nature of the State?

Migration is an all-encompassing title and needs to be unpacked into the contingent categories to observe its impact on society and the state. And it is not just the traditional external and internal migration but the elements within them.  Migration has become a change factor beyond the param

Who are behind Ramadan price hike?

Who are behind Ramadan price hike?

The state minister for commerce last week had told the newsmen in Dhaka that any hike in prices of essentials was unlikely, as there would be abundant supply of the same during the holy month of Ramadan. But that assurance has been misplaced. True, there is no supply shortage of any of the Ramadan

Time to estimate core inflation

Time to estimate core inflation

Around five weeks ago, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) released the updated version of the World Economic Outlook (WEO), which showed the global inflation at a declining trend. It projected the global headline inflation to fall to 5.8 per cent in 2024 and to 4.4 per cent in 2025 from an estim

How effective will be the move to replenish food stocks

How effective will be the move to replenish food stocks

That the authorities are serious about doing something tangible to calm retail prices of the edibles less than a week before the holy month is good news. But is it proving to be too little too late? One must wait to see how the month pans out for the consumers. Although the honourable prime ministe

Israel and Biden have no right to redefine genocide

Israel and Biden have no right to redefine genocide

The pictures of emaciated and scrawny newborns and toddlers in Gaza's hospitals, as circulated by the media, are outrageously nightmarish. A disturbing sight of the babies and children in intensive care units (ICUs) or on beds in general wards, it is sure to prove overwhelming for anyone's but some

Time to switch to non-cotton garment

Time to switch to non-cotton garment

After decades of steady growth with cotton-made products, it is high time the Bangladesh readymade garment (RMG) industry shifted its gears and strategically focused on man-made fiber (MMF) to drive further growth. A recent study conducted by Wazir Advisors Pvt Ltd. suggests that the expansion of n