Zahid Hussain

Dr Zahid Hussain is former lead economist of the World Bank’s Dhaka office.

A poverty, inequality, and growth puzzle

The poverty trend emerging from valid comparisons with the previous rounds of HIES may or may not be different.

No policy measure taken to contain high inflation

There has also been very little policy response to help out families at the bottom of the income ladder

Policies and reality checks

The beginning of a new year is not just a moment for resolution. We are in a season that is about both reflecting on the past and looking forward to the future. 

Foggy stance of Bangladesh Bank on exchange rate

A key objective of issuing a monetary policy statement on the eve of the new fiscal year is to provide forward guidance to the public about the likely future course of monetary policy. When credible, individuals and businesses use this information in making decisions about spending and investments.

Real wage decline could push low-income families into poverty

Nominal wage growth at the low skill level overall has fallen behind the headline inflation.

Pressure on foreign exchange market likely to continue

The current inflationary pressures are attributable largely to the rise in international commodity prices and the exchange rate depreciation, albeit to a relatively smaller extent. The latest data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics show there was a spike in domestic consumption demand as well.

Prosperity without clarity

The growth estimate for fiscal 2021-22 appears directionally consistent with the high-frequency growth indicators such as exports, imports, private credit and revenue collections.

May 25, 2023
May 25, 2023
April 16, 2023
April 16, 2023

A poverty, inequality, and growth puzzle

The poverty trend emerging from valid comparisons with the previous rounds of HIES may or may not be different.

March 12, 2023
March 12, 2023

No policy measure taken to contain high inflation

There has also been very little policy response to help out families at the bottom of the income ladder

January 1, 2023
January 1, 2023

Policies and reality checks

The beginning of a new year is not just a moment for resolution. We are in a season that is about both reflecting on the past and looking forward to the future. 

June 30, 2022
June 30, 2022

Foggy stance of Bangladesh Bank on exchange rate

A key objective of issuing a monetary policy statement on the eve of the new fiscal year is to provide forward guidance to the public about the likely future course of monetary policy. When credible, individuals and businesses use this information in making decisions about spending and investments.

June 20, 2022
June 20, 2022

Real wage decline could push low-income families into poverty

Nominal wage growth at the low skill level overall has fallen behind the headline inflation.

May 15, 2022
May 15, 2022

Pressure on foreign exchange market likely to continue

The current inflationary pressures are attributable largely to the rise in international commodity prices and the exchange rate depreciation, albeit to a relatively smaller extent. The latest data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics show there was a spike in domestic consumption demand as well.

May 11, 2022
May 11, 2022

Prosperity without clarity

The growth estimate for fiscal 2021-22 appears directionally consistent with the high-frequency growth indicators such as exports, imports, private credit and revenue collections.

May 1, 2022
May 1, 2022

Tribute to Muhith: Epitome of optimism

Over the last 50 years of Bangladesh’s existence, we have seen many finance ministers. AMA Muhith was among those few who this nation will remember for making the job appear joyful and free from the pains of balancing difficult trade-offs amid resource constraints.

March 22, 2022
March 22, 2022

Inflation: more to come

Inflation is rising in Bangladesh as it is in several advanced and emerging economies. Increased headline inflation in February was driven by a spike in food inflation. The 12-month moving average inflation has been on an upward trend since the November 2019 to October 2020 period.