Economics

Inequality and its many discontents

Much recent unrest, such as the “yellow-vest” protests in France and the US “Abolish the Super-Rich” campaign, is not against inequality per se, but reflects perceptions of changing inequalities. Most citizens resent inequalities when it is not only unacceptably high, but also rising.
It is our ‘competitiveness‘ which is holding us back

There are two contrasting contexts as far as the competitiveness of Bangladesh economy is concerned. On the one hand, the economic growth rate in Bangladesh has been increasing since 2013;
How well are we doing?

As Bangladesh braces for take-off from the LDC (Least developed country) status, the need for increasing attention on quality education and healthcare have become even more central than before. Not only are these two areas essential drivers of continued progress, they are also critical components of human development.
Clothing as a commodity: The naked truth

The global apparel industry has a serious overproduction issue and it impacts all sections of the supply chain.
Poverty’s Third Frontier

When Bangladesh gained independence nearly five decades ago, poverty was the default condition for over 80 percent of the population.
What is needed to make the AMC solution work?

The government wants to form a public asset management company (PAMC) to buy distressed loans from banks.
The political economy of the fourth industrial revolution

There have been four waves of industrial revolution so far in the history of mankind. The first industrial revolution (from the mid-seventeenth century to the mid-eighteen century) took place in Europe and the United States. Dr Selim Raihan is Professor, Department of Economics, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Executive Director, South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM). Email: selim.raihan@econdu.ac.bd
Managing Bangladesh’s external account imbalance

Bangladesh has recorded an unprecedented 8.3 percent economic growth in the 2019 fiscal year. An accelerating economic growth coupled with a declining population growth led its per capita GDP to grow from USD 576 to about USD 2,000 in the last decade alone.
Trying times for our RMG sector

These are very challenging times for the Bangladeshi ready-made garment (RMG) industry. Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGMEA) recently announced that since February this year, 46 RMG factories have closed down and 25,000 workers have lost their jobs.
The economic consequence of non-performing loans

Non-performing loans (NPL) have become a worrisome issue for Bangladesh. Due to the ever-increasing volume of non-performing loans, our banking sector and the economy in general have taken a negative turn.
What does the future hold for our apparel industry?

Over recent weeks, as the world celebrated the achievements of Neil Armstrong and the crew of Apollo 11 50 years ago, and with
DIGITAL MARKETING: A two thousand crore taka market!

Digital media undoubtedly has a clear edge over traditional media in wooing customers at lower costs.
GDP growth: Illusions and fallacies

Bangladesh has been experiencing incomparable growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) since the last decade. The latest forecast by the Asian Development Bank ranks Bangladesh at the top among South Asian countries.
Engaging expatriates in our growth journey

The signifi-cance of expatriate engagement in emerging economies has led to substantial attention as evidenced by the growing number of studies, seminars, symposiums and conferences, pilot projects and initiatives funded by various governments and development partners. According to a Forbes article, domestic companies are now thriving and pose a real competition for multinational companies. Naturally, focusing on local markets and local consumers, these domestic companies now seek cooperation from expatriate entrepreneurs to expand their businesses.
Despite progress, young Bangladeshi women are still lagging behind

Bangladeshi women have come a long way in terms of economic and social empowerment. Yet beneath these encouraging statistics, we find some unexpected anomalies that call for serious attention.
The hidden dangers of behavioural economics

Have you ever wondered why stores tend to have big flashing signs with prices presented in fractions like 3.99 instead of just putting a 4? Well, if you did, then congratulations to you! Because, you are one step ahead in the realm of behavioural economics.
The ‘middle-class’ in Bangladesh: Winners or losers?

The expansion of a country’s middle-class is often regarded as a sign of development. In recent years, there has been a phenomenal rise of the middle-class in Bangladesh, resulting largely from economic prosperity.
Addressing our growing inequality using fiscal policy

Economic growth with the reduction in poverty and inequality are important development objectives in the policymaking process in Bangladesh.
No stars will shine for the farmers

It may seem like a scene from a Cold War-era political thriller: A farmer burns his own paddy field, out of frustration. The food minister declares: “This is a conspiracy against the government!” A parliament whip confronts the minister: “You cannot make fun of the farmers.” Enters the agriculture minister, apparently helpless, and offers his one pearl of wisdom: “More rice is being grown than needed. The farmers are not getting a fair price for their production, but nothing can be done about it now.”
Is Bangladesh’s apparel sector ready for industry 4.0?

Bangladesh has achieved an economic miracle over the past three decades, but it cannot afford to rest on its laurels now.
Prioritise investment in human capital

Education and health play key roles in human capital formation. Investment in human capital formation is considered a means of improving the quality of life and sustaining economic growth. Education and health are regarded as critical pathways to economic development as they increase the productivity of individuals and generate skilled labour force.
Union Digital Centre: Prioritising government’s one-stop rural shop

More than 80 countries have introduced one-stop shops—one-door or single-window service delivery outlets, community or citizen information and service centres, e-government web portals—to reduce corruption by simplifying public service delivery processes and making them citizen-friendly.
Making the most of our demographic dividend

Over the last few decades, the decline in fertility and mortality rates in Bangladesh and subsequent increase in number of working-age population (15-59) relative to the dependents (0-14 and 60+) offer the country an opportunity of accelerated economic growth.
RMG sector's tipping point

Offshoring of apparel manufacturing has been a blessing for many developing countries. The readymade garments (RMG) industry, employer of 4 million workers, mostly rural women,
Bangladesh in the post-industrial world

Bangladesh's economic performance over the last decade has garnered praise from the international community. Multilateral
Rethinking tobacco tax and price measures

Tobacco use is a major public health concern in Bangladesh and all over the world. It is regarded as a leading cause of more than 30 fatal diseases in Bangladesh including oral and lung cancer
Building a circle of trust between buyers and suppliers

The dynamics of the global apparel retail industry are changing rapidly, more so than during any time in the past 100 years. We are witnessing a rapid shift to online fashion retail and the closing of traditional brick-and-mortar shopping centres.
Ageing global societies: an opportunity for Bangladesh

Global demographic trends today confirm increasing longevity of populations which is accompanied by a reduction in fertility rates.
The need for the 'correct' politics of development

Despite diverging economic and political trajectories, South Asian countries share commonalities in terms of emerging development challenges in the wake of the new world and regional dynamics.
'Demographic dividend' could turn into a 'demographic disaster'

Bangladesh has a fairly young population with 34 percent aged 15 and younger and just five percent aged 65 and older. At present, more than 65 percent of our population is of working age, between 15 and 64.