We have the potential to be a globally competitive country politically and economically.
Giordano Korea CEO sees ‘familiar signs of promise’ as he plans a factory in economic zone
World Bank report on Bangladesh's investment prospects should be taken seriously
Since taking oath in January, US President Donald Trump has made raising tariffs on foreign goods a cornerstone of his foreign policy.
Rising prices hurt the poor, forcing cuts to necessities and increasing poverty in Bangladesh.
CPD’s emphasis on macroeconomic stability amid LDC graduation concerns
Bangladesh must implement decisive measures to rectify its structural vulnerabilities, governance deficiencies, and external dependencies.
Bangladesh’s economy exhibited a gradual recovery in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024-25, but it faces substantial hurdles, including inflationary pressures, a shortfall in revenue collection, slow public spending, diminished job opportunities and a sluggish investment climate.
Govt must rein in inflation, adopt more business-friendly policies
This growth was largely supported by a 30 percent year-on-year surge in imports in December 2024.
The finance ministry is likely to project that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) will surpass the $500-billion mark for the first time in the upcoming fiscal year (FY), anticipating an economic rebound in FY 2025-26.
Trade protectionism is not the path to global competitiveness
The Bangladesh economy is bracing for substantial hurdles in the second half of the 2025 fiscal year, with growth projected to decelerate amid inflationary pressures, financial strain and external headwinds.
Bangladesh’s economy grew by 4.22 percent in fiscal 2023-24 fiscal year, the lowest in four years, marking the second consecutive year of deceleration due to weak consumption and exports.
Over the last several years, Ahsan, a rickshaw puller in his 50s, has been eagerly waiting for relief from the high prices of food and other essentials. Days and months have passed, but his pursuit of a better living by escaping the curse of elevated inflation has remained a distant dream.
“Steps taken by the government so far failed to bring down prices of essential commodities,” said CPD Executive Director Fahmida Khatun
Singapore has a responsibility to help Bangladesh retrieve the ill-gotten money that has found its way into the Singaporean shore.
For Bangladesh, it is no longer the question of whether the economy is destined for a hard landing or a glide to a flat state; rather the question now is how deep the descent will be.
The time for action is now.
