Opinion

The challenge of measuring inflation

Mr Arif, a lower-middle-class citizen, decided to visit his local market to purchase essential goods for his family. To his dismay, he discovered that the prices of almost all necessities had gone up by a staggering 30 to 50 percent. This sudden spike in prices left Mr Arif perplexed and worried about the increasing burden on his already strained budget.

Is voice technology driving Bangladesh's transition from digital to smart?

In the throes of a digital renaissance, Bangladesh, steered by the government's Digital Bangladesh initiative, has achieved a remarkable technological evolution. The nation has seen an uptick in internet connectivity, digital financial services, e-education, and e-commerce, with an entrepreneur-driven surge.

Are we over-communicating to our customers?

In a world that is exceedingly inundated by messages, it is, perhaps, time for businesses to think about whether we are over-communicating with our customers.

Opinion / Government banks and interventions in credit markets

Credit markets are often affected by market failures, which makes them prone to government interventions. While there are many ways in which governments can intervene in financial markets, a common method is through state-owned banks.

Turning fintech into digital bank

Fintech is a buzz word or a disruption or an innovation in this transforming world. We have always seen such debate among different types of experts or colleagues from financial industries at home and abroad. But we can’t ignore its rapid disruption towards financial inclusion and growth.

Challenges and opportunities ahead of South Asian economies

However, rising interest rates and risks in the banking sector in the United States and Europe have increased uncertainties in South Asia’s outlook, given their significant impact on balance of payments, exchange rates, and financial markets.

Women’s challenges in the age of big data

March, and more precisely March 8th, is a time to raise awareness about the remaining path toward equal opportunities for women and men. This is especially challenging in the current days of infoxication where algorithms on the Internet nudge us to jump the discussion from one topic to another day after day. March 8th has passed, yet many gender challenges remain.

In many countries, taxes and transfers make the poor poorer

Most countries, as they emerge from the Covid-19 crisis, are seeking economic growth from weakened fiscal positions. As health and social spending surged to help workers, families, and businesses cope, the economic shock greatly reduced revenues.

Women must be at the forefront of the transition to a low-carbon economy

Can we truly reimagine a path to a low-carbon transition and change the climate narrative? This is hard to envision when we witness the unprecedented damage we are inflicting on the planet.

Volatile commodity prices reduce growth and amplify swings in inflation

Food and energy prices surged to near historic highs in recent years amid the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, which prompted major supply disruptions. This was accompanied by a sharp rise in the volatility of commodity prices as well.

Central banks must enhance transparency to build trust

The Bank of Canada published a detailed summary of its Governing Council deliberations for the first-time last month, joining nearly two dozen other central banks in regularly releasing detailed information on monetary policy decisions.

How pandemic accelerated digital transformation in advanced economies

As the world does its best to move on from the pandemic, one of the lasting legacies for many advanced economies has been greater adoption of digital technologies. Working from home is now common, and many companies have expanded online operations.

Why is it important to de-risk the supply chain?

Businesses face supply chain risk, which can cause delays, increased costs, and loss of revenue. To de-risk the supply chain, businesses should identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies. In a globalised world, businesses depend on suppliers from different countries, making disruptions far-reaching and potentially damaging. Mitigating supply chain risk is especially important for Bangladesh's manufacturing industry to remain competitive and continue its growth. Implementing risk management strategies can help businesses operate more efficiently, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction. Overall, de-risking the supply chain is essential for businesses to thrive and contribute to the growth of the economy.

Response to high food, energy prices should focus on most vulnerable

Governments confront difficult policy choices as they try to shield their people from record food prices and soaring energy costs driven higher by the war in Ukraine.

Countries can’t move forward if half of citizens are held back

If you were to compete in a running race, would you tie, shorten, or burden one of your legs? No, of course not. You would surely lose. Economies will also lose the development race if they don’t allow their women, virtually half their population, have the same rights as men do.