Protecting the gains of the ‘second liberation’
At present, there are four areas of profound challenges that require a more proactive approach.
1m ago
Three key triumphs that define August 5
The country’s future hinges on whether it can overcome autocratic governance, corruption, and crony capitalism.
1m ago
Inflation and not so SMART interest rates
The failure to tame inflation not only imposes a steep tax on the poor and the middle class, it also erodes economic competitiveness.
8m ago
The budget does not inspire confidence
The recent downgrade by Moody's of the credit ratings of Bangladesh’s economy and some private banks is not the only indicator that confidence is declining.
1y ago
A gale-force intellect and a caring man
What is the source of Prof Islam's eminence? This article is not the place to discuss in any depth the broad range of his intellect: one of a pioneering quantitative development economist who, ahead of his time, also rendered important institutions and processes in his work that ranged from international trade, agriculture, rural development, to governance.
1y ago
Is Bangladesh Bank finally ready to tackle the external deficit?
The reality is that using only the exchange rates without interest rate action will deepen the crisis.
1y ago
Is American democracy at risk?
On November 8, 2022, the United States will be holding its fourth national elections since 2016.
2y ago
How decentralisation helped China and Vietnam grow
The achievements of pro-market reforms in these two countries over the past four decades have been stupendous.
2y ago
August 25, 2022
IMF Loan Talks: Here's how we need to prepare
The economy needs firm handling to ensure the situation doesn't turn into a crisis.
August 10, 2022
Soft-Landing Bangladesh’s Economy
Like much of the world, Bangladesh’s economy is facing strong headwinds and turbulence.
December 16, 2020
Our pride and glory: The Mukti Bahini in 1971
Bangladesh belongs to a select group of countries that fought their way to independence. We won our freedom by winning a fierce nine-month Liberation War against a very well trained, well-armed Pakistan Army.
November 8, 2020
Historic 2020 US Election: The pandemic vs the economic
The 2020 US Presidential Election held last Tuesday, November 3, will likely go down as among the most important in United States history—for several reasons.
December 17, 2018
The Liberation War and Bangladesh's Development
In 2007, a legendary Indian civil servant, BN Yugandhar, then a member of the Indian Planning Commission, asked me to explain how Bangladesh was developing so remarkably.
November 12, 2018
US 2018 Midterm Elections: Why are the results so close and mixed?
For most of 2018, the talk was there would be a Blue Democratic wave, sweeping the Democrats into power in both chambers of Congress. President Trump had unusually low approval rates over the last two years on average getting less than 40 percent approval ratings according to Gallup.
November 12, 2018
Battle for the Republic
The US midterm elections on November 6, 2018 have been widely accepted as being among the most consequential in American history.
October 18, 2018
How did Europe dominate the world?
How did a group of a few, small countries of Western Europe come to dominate the world for nearly 300 years? As a recent history book noted (Why Did Europe Conquer the World?, Philip Hoffman), a thousand years ago these countries were “poor, violent, politically chaotic ... hopelessly backward …
October 11, 2018
The spectacular rise of East Asia
When the history of our times is written, the spectacular rise of East Asia will be a towering landmark.
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