Opinion - Dhaka Tribune

Doing more to revive the golden fibre

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:36:40 +0600

The government’s initiatives to revive closed and struggling state-owned textile and jute mills represent an important step towards restoring productive capacity in Bangladesh. According to the minister’s briefing in Parliament, several mills are being brought back through public-private partnerships, leasing arrangements and industrial development projects. A number of jute mills... Details

Custodial deaths have no place in today’s Bangladesh

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:35:14 +0600

The continuation of custodial deaths in Bangladesh is a deeply troubling reminder that changing governments alone does not automatically change the culture within state institutions. Despite public demands for accountability, justice, and an end to abuse of power, reports of deaths in police and prison custody show that a long-standing pattern remains unresolved. According to human rights... Details

100 million reasons to open a restaurant in Bangladesh

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:32:00 +0600

There is a scene that plays out dozens of times every Friday evening across Dhaka. A table of university students -- phones out, reels running, laughter loud -- crowded around a bucket of fried chicken or a pizza box, capturing the moment for Instagram before anyone takes a bite. This is no longer just eating but performing a lifestyle. And that performance, multiplied across a nation of 170... Details

Access is not enough

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:27:03 +0600

Bangladesh has done something important: It has brought millions of children into school. More girls are in classrooms, enrollment has expanded, and government schools continue to serve children from some of the country’s most under-resourced communities. Are children actually learning? Recent findings from Bangladesh’s Education Sector Analysis 2026 point to persistent learning deficits,... Details

Can zoning end the politics of the footpath?

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:14:53 +0600

Social media was full of criticism, memes, and ridicule directed at city corporations and the ruling BNP-led government over the recent zoning initiative for street vendors. Many rushed to conclude that the government is simply “legalizing street vending.” But this reaction misses a basic reality: Street vending is already a permanent fixture of Dhaka’s urban life, and pretending otherwise... Details

Policy must drive our electric future

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:04:25 +0600

We should be worried about the statements made by industry leaders and experts at a seminar on Saturday noting that Bangladesh’s electric vehicle (EV) expansion has stalled due to a lack of policy support. While it is true that we will not become a nation that is ready to embrace EVs overnight, stalling must be seen as not just a missed opportunity but a failure to prepare for what will be... Details

Creating a skill-based society requires more than inspiration

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 12:01:56 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s encouragement for students to become competent is certainly sound advice, and Bangladesh’s future indeed will depend on a generation that is skilled, adaptable, and prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. None of that can be argued with. With that said, competence or skills cannot be built on words alone. If the next generation... Details

Can the BJP and BNP agree on the Ganges?

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 12:00:05 +0600

Few rivers carry as much weight, literally and otherwise, as the Ganga. It is sacred to over a billion Hindus, the backbone of agriculture and fisheries across one of the most densely populated river basins on Earth, and the freshwater lifeline that keeps the Sundarbans mangrove forest from being swallowed by the Bay of Bengal. For Bangladesh in particular, the river's health is a matter of... Details

Digital payment: Boon or bane?

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:40:17 +0600

To accelerate the transition toward a cashless society, Bangladesh Bank's initiative, ‘Bangla QR,’ was introduced as a unified digital payment solution. However, while tapping a smartphone to pay seems like a seamless tech evolution for consumers, the ground reality for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the country tells a different story. For grassroot merchants, the appeal of cash... Details

Disaster preparedness must not be ignored

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 14:02:24 +0600

The recent fire at a residential building in Dhaka’s Katabon area which claimed two lives is yet another reminder of how vulnerable our urban spaces remain. Residents were forced to flee in panic, exposing once more the inadequacy of fire safety measures, enforcement, and emergency response. Beyond our borders, the devastating earthquake in Venezuela also underscores how quickly... Details

An ally in China

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 14:00:24 +0600

There is no denying the fact that China’s influence and importance for our nation continues to grow. To that end, and in light of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recently concluded trip, Bangladesh and China signing 13 memoranda of understanding (MoUs), signals a renewed commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation. On paper, this is a significant step, covering trade, investment,... Details

Dhaka is not prepared for a major earthquake

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 10:30:44 +0600

Recent earthquake activity around the world has once again reminded us that natural disasters do not wait for preparation; they arrive without warning, leaving behind urgent questions about how ready societies are to protect their people. No country can consider itself completely safe from seismic risks. On June 24, Venezuela experienced two powerful back-to-back... Details

What happens when you subsidize money itself?

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 10:26:00 +0600

Free money is something that doesn't really exist. Sadly. Cheap money, on the other hand, does. For that money to be cheap however, someone else is losing out. But that's their problem. Our reaction should be to say thank you for the cheap money. This is the same as it is for goods or services in trade. Say that someone out there is subsidizing the production of something.... Details

Is this reciprocity?

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 10:20:35 +0600

We know that a garment item manufactured by a factory near Dhaka costs many times higher when sold at a Western retail store. Without this cheaper supply chain connected to Asia, the fast fashion consumers of, say, the United States would have to purchase a shirt for $60-100, instead of paying $15-20 for the same quality product made in Bangladesh. Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra... Details

A welcome step towards better ties

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 15:36:07 +0600

India’s decision to resume tourist visas for Bangladeshi citizens is certainly a positive development. While relations between the two nations have been far from ideal over the last two years, it is a shame how ordinary people have borne the brunt of this strained bilateral relations. Travel restrictions have adversely affected not just Bangladeshis, but also the Indian tourism economy who... Details

The need for better public service delivery

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 15:04:58 +0600

It is truly disheartening how, despite claims of progress and development, citizens continue to endure harassment, bribery, and endless delays in accessing even the most basic public services. To that end, Transparency International Bangladesh’s revelation that passport services top the corruption list is unsurprising. What should be routine, obtaining a passport, has become... Details

Architecture to erase man and world’s divide

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 10:30:37 +0600

The only way humanity could meaningfully claim superiority over other species is if it transcended the very characteristics it shares with them: Mortality, biological need, instinct, and dependence. Intelligence alone is not a universal metric of supremacy, because it is a metric defined and evaluated only by us. A cat does not recognize human intelligence as superiority; therefore,... Details

The health budget paradox

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 06:00:37 +0600

In a welcome departure from years of low public funding for healthcare, the government has proposed a significant increase in the health sector budget. It is a heartening move. One can only hope the proposal receives final vetting as parliament prepares to approve the FY 2026-27 national budget later this week. For too long, citizens in Bangladesh have faced some of the highest out-of-pocket... Details

Improving foreign debt management

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 15:03:10 +0600

The latest figures on Bangladesh’s foreign debt situation highlight an important economic challenge: Foreign debt commitments have declined by more than $1 billion compared to the previous fiscal year, while repayments of principal and interest have crossed the $4 billion mark. What this means is that the country is facing a situation where new foreign financing is slowing down while the... Details

Zero tolerance for attacking journalists

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 15:00:44 +0600

The recent attack on journalist Mahfuzur Rahman Shishir after a political procession is a disgraceful act that has absolutely no place in a society with democratic values. A journalist at the scene was reportedly subjected to physical violence after a dispute during a media briefing escalated, leading to him suffering injuries to his face and being taken to the hospital. That there is nothing... Details

Towards sustainable urban mobility

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:06:53 +0600

Urban mobility in Dhaka has reached a critical juncture. As we grapple with increasing congestion and environmental degradation, the need for a shift in transportation culture -- moving away from private vehicle reliance toward integrated public transit systems -- has never been more urgent. To illustrate this, I conducted a personal comparative analysis of my daily commute between residential... Details

El Niño 2026: What it could mean for Bangladesh and South Asia

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:00:25 +0600

How can an ocean-atmosphere phenomenon originating thousands of kilometres away in the Pacific Ocean affect the lives of Bangladesh's farmers, consumers, traders, and ordinary citizens? El Niño is one of the most striking examples of the interconnected nature of the global climate system. In South Asia, where agriculture, water resources, and livelihoods depend heavily on the monsoon, even... Details

Bangladesh is taxing away its own dollar reserves

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:59:13 +0600

Let me describe a transaction that happens hundreds of times every month in Dhaka. A communications agency completes a campaign for a multinational client headquartered in London. The invoice is in US dollars. The client pays. The money arrives in Bangladesh through a formal banking channel. And then the agency gives back somewhere between 25-30% of it -- in corporate tax, VAT, and advance... Details

Ensuring women in politics become more than just a symbol

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:39:30 +0600

As a nation looking to improve its democratic ideals, two recent policy briefs from Brac Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD) lay bare a truth we have known for some time and yet often ignore: Women are present in politics, but their presence is oftentimes engineered to be ornamental rather than authoritative. Most women in politics are visible, yet powerless. Indeed, this stems from... Details

Taxes for the masses

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:37:09 +0600

While we have already questioned the National Board of Revenue’s (NRB) targets for revenue generation in the next fiscal year in previous editorials, what is also a point of contention is that, as per a recent report in the Dhaka Tribune, lower- and middle-income demographics continue to absorb the bulk of the domestic tax burden, something that is only set to increase as a result of the... Details

What made City Group fall?

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 08:35:28 +0600

From edible oil and consumer goods to flour, commodities and manufacturing, the group built a strong reputation through entrepreneurship, market understanding, and execution capability. With annual revenues estimated at around Tk32,000 crore and employment for nearly 25,000 people, City Group became a symbol of local business success. Yet today, the same conglomerate finds itself at the centre... Details

How can Bangladesh make the most of its Argentina fandom?

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 08:39:22 +0600

Bangladesh is soaking in the Messi magic as Argentina sails on in the World Cup 2026. While Brazil fans are not behind, and there exist a small section of fans of Germany, Netherlands, France, and England, in all these scenes, we see oceans of fans wearing jerseys of their favourite teams. Perhaps Bangladesh now has more Argentina and Brazil flags on display than there are in their respective... Details

What Bangladesh must bring home from Malaysia and China

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 08:36:32 +0600

Diplomacy often produces attractive photographs. Leaders shake hands before national flags, joint statements are issued, and promises of cooperation dominate headlines for a few days. Yet citizens rarely judge foreign visits by the elegance of ceremonies. They evaluate them through a much simpler lens. 1. Did the visit create jobs? 2. Did it improve incomes? 3. Did it bring new... Details

Record revenue must inspire realistic target

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:58:36 +0600

The National Board of Revenue’s (NBR) achievement of crossing Tk360,000 crore in revenue collection in the first 11 months of the fiscal year is undoubtedly a positive sign. At a time when Bangladesh faces growing demands for public spending, stronger revenue mobilization is essential for funding development projects, improving public services, and reducing dependence on borrowing. The... Details

A new beginning in relations with Malaysia

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:55:59 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s ongoing visit to Malaysia marks an important moment in strengthening Bangladesh’s ties with a key regional partner, and it is encouraging that discussions between the two countries have focused on areas that directly affect Bangladesh’s future. One of the most significant issues raised during the visit has been that of reopening opportunities... Details

Understanding 18th century geo-political machinations through the Battle of Plassey

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:52:48 +0600

As we have all read in school and seen in films and theatres -- Battle of Plassey or Polashir Juddho marked the end of independence in Bengal, resulted in the death of the courageous young Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula, and the ascension to the Bengal throne of puppet Nawab Mir Zafar, who had betrayed Siraj in the Battle of Plassey by refusing to fight the East India Company. In our common narratives,... Details

We must reduce our dependence on imported edible oil

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:51:19 +0600

Although Bangladesh has achieved remarkable progress in rice production and staple food availability, the edible oil sector continues to expose a deep structural weakness in the agricultural economy. Every year, billions of dollars leave the country to meet domestic demand for vegetable oil, creating a silent but serious burden on foreign currency reserves and national economic stability.... Details

How much does Bangladesh lose annually due to failures in science communication?

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:46:53 +0600

I still remember a day during a field visit to a rural farming area. As someone from an agricultural background, I was naturally curious to talk with local farmers. One farmer told me he had recently tried a new farming method he saw on YouTube. It worked well for that YouTuber, but in his field, the result was cropping loss. At the same time, another farmer nearby was getting better yield... Details

Our fruits deserve to be globally recognized

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 16:37:57 +0600

There is no questioning the fact that when it comes to mangoes, Bangladesh boasts among the most delectable and delicious varieties. Our nation’s fertile land produces some of the finest fruits in the world, with the mango rightfully being king. However, it is truly disheartening how most of the world remains ignorant of just how good Bangladeshi mangoes are, with our export performance... Details

Development rings hollow without equity

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 15:02:12 +0600

That, as per a recent Dhaka Tribune investigation, 684 government primary schools across Bandarban, Rangamati, and Khagrachhari lack electricity and access to safe drinking water is not only shocking and unacceptable, but must also trigger difficult conversations about progress and development. The most salient questions are evident: How can Bangladesh speak of progress when its children are... Details

The Kinokuniya effect

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 03:26:46 +0600

When the glowing red logo of the Japanese bookstore giant, Kinokuniya, lights up the sleek glass facades of Centerpoint Mall in Uttara, an average Bangladeshi booklover experiences two parallel emotions. The first is pure, unadulterated thrill: Books that previously required months of waiting for an Amazon delivery -- or settling for a poorly glued pirated copy from Nilkhet -- are now within... Details

Democracy must listen to its young citizens

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 03:26:08 +0600

For previous generations, the public square was a physical space. Today, for millions of young people, it is digital. In Bangladesh, where the median age is around 26 and more than 77 million people use the internet, social media platforms have become central spaces for civic engagement. Young people use these platforms not only to communicate, but to discuss public issues, organize community... Details

Why is there still a strain in Bangladesh-India relations?

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 03:17:45 +0600

The more progress that is made in improving relations between Bangladesh and India, the greater the pressure seems to be to push the relationship in the opposite direction. Looking at some recent incidents, and the reactions they have generated, it appears that even taking effective steps to improve ties are faltering. The latest incident revolved around the prime minister’s information,... Details

Father’s day must inspire equality, not patriarchy

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 18:19:58 +0600

While Father’s Day is a day to celebrate the role of fathers and their role in nurturing families and guiding children, it is also a moment to reflect on the broader structures that shape our society. And for a nation such as Bangladesh, it is an unfortunate reality that patriarchy and patriarchal norms remain deeply entrenched, often dictating how families function, how opportunities are... Details

Journalists must be allowed to work without fear

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 14:50:53 +0600

While it is good to see State Minister Shahe Alam expressing regret over the arrest of acting editor Md Rezanur Islam of the Dainik Aagrojatra Protidin involving a report, this should have never happened in the first place. It is truly a shame that despite the years of press suppression during previous regimes, we continue to silence journalists through immediate arrests. Instead, Bangladesh... Details

The changed culture around masculinity

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 11:36:42 +0600

Father’s Day is often associated with commercial entities with little relevance to our own culture. Yet, its emerging popularity tells us a different story about our new generation fathers. Now-a-days children are celebrating their fathers by cutting cakes, making cards, and posting on social media. These celebrated fathers are not only the providers and the protectors but... Details

This tax clearly exists

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 11:31:36 +0600

One of the grand joys of this internet, and social media in particular, is that it enables us all to find out what's going on. This is, of course, why this internet, social media, thing makes us richer. We find out what is going on. It's possible to do this in entirely social terms. We, all of us, have at least the occasional view or opinion that is not shared by those nearest and dearest to... Details

Strengthening ties with Spain

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 09:19:35 +0600

We should be encouraged by Spain’s expressed eagerness to expand investments in Bangladesh, especially at a time when our country is looking to diversify its economy and also attract foreign capital. Indeed, such diplomatic and economic engagement from nations such as Spain signals confidence in Bangladesh’s potential, and also reflects the growing recognition of Bangladesh as a... Details

Refugee crises are a shared responsibility

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 09:17:46 +0600

Every year on World Refugee Day, we are reminded of the millions of people forced to leave their homes because of conflict, persecution, and instability. At a time when the world is witnessing some of the largest displacement crises in modern history, World Refugee Day is more relevant than ever. This day should not only be a reminder of refugee suffering, however, but also a call for shared... Details

Finding support

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 09:15:08 +0600

This World Refugee Day marks nearly nine years since Bangladesh opened its borders in a landmark act of humanity, saving hundreds of thousands of Rohingya forced to flee relentless violence in Myanmar. Over time, it’s easy to assume that the crisis has settled into a “protracted reality.” Yet in Cox's Bazar, we continue to meet families who have only recently crossed the... Details

Finding hope

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 09:12:23 +0600

When I was a young girl, I knew two things for certain. First, I was Rwandan. Second, I would not be a refugee my entire life, even though I had been born as one. My parents had fled from Rwanda to Burundi before I was born, forced to leave their homes, livelihoods, and community behind to seek safety from the violence tearing through their country. I grew up with a refugee card... Details

A prime minister close to the people

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 01:11:29 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s call for the Special Security Force (SSF) to ensure his safety without creating distance from the people is a welcome message. Leadership should not only be about governing from above but rather, being present, approachable, and close to citizens. A prime minister who insists on accessibility demonstrates confidence in the people and a commitment to... Details

India must choose compassion over expulsion

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 01:07:28 +0600

London-based rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) alleging that India is forcibly expelling ethnic Bangali residents, mostly Muslims from West Bengal, into Bangladesh without due process, while simultaneously expressing concern over India's citizenship verification and voter list revision processes, alleging that exclusion from electoral rolls had resulted in detention, deportation... Details

Architecture to erase man and world’s divide

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 14:11:01 +0600

Architecture and design of spaces is insignificant to us in the way the clothes we wear to sleep are. But we think a great deal when we specifically choose our house, the way we do when we choose clothes to go out. The ingrained acceptance of architectural work as simply existing for utility has removed from us the very necessary truth that the spaces we inhabit are intractably linked to the... Details

Beyond the budget outlay: Why Bangladesh agriculture urgently needs a structural review

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 03:39:15 +0600

The agricultural budget allocation for FY 2026-27 offers little to write home about. While it maintains a steady flow of resources and introduces minor tax adjustments to curb soaring food prices, it largely sticks to the status quo. The usual provisions -- farm subsidies, credit waivers, fresh credit targets, and direct cash assistance via farmer cards -- are all intact. Yet, this... Details

Protecting the future of the RMG industry

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:44:33 +0600

The decline in Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) exports to the European Union is a warning sign that absolutely cannot be ignored. Recent data showing a 19.4% year-on-year fall in RMG exports to the EU during January-April 2026 highlights the growing pressure facing the industry. The country’s largest export sector has long depended on the EU market, making this downturn a... Details

Zero tolerance for hate speech

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:42:52 +0600

Today is International Day for Countering Hate Speech, and the United Nations’ observance of this day highlights the growing global concern over the spread of harmful narratives -- particularly in an age where digital platforms allow misinformation and hostility to travel rapidly. For Bangladesh, a country built on a history of cultural diversity and social coexistence, this is an issue... Details

Pakistan’s move to MENAAP: Why Bangladesh should pay attention

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:40:41 +0600

Earlier this year, the World Bank moved Pakistan out of its South Asia regional grouping and placed it in a new category: Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan, or MENAAP. The change did not come through a major speech or a public announcement. It appeared in the Bank’s data and metadata. South Asia, as a World Bank category, now contains Bangladesh, Bhutan, India,... Details

Planting trees is good

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:29:37 +0600

It is encouraging that the Bangladesh government has launched the ambitious "National Green Mission" to plant 250 million trees over the next five years to combat climate change and environmental degradation. However, as tree-planting efforts intensify, a recent lesson from China offers both encouragement and caution. Across the country, tree planting has become a visible symbol of... Details

Understanding Bangladesh's growing strategic relevance

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:25:27 +0600

Bangladesh's recent request for Russian support in joining Brics and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has reignited debate about the country's place in an evolving global order. Yet focusing solely on membership risks missing the bigger story. The significance of these diplomatic moves lies not in Brics or the SCO themselves, but in what they reveal about Bangladesh's... Details

Acknowledging the corruption within

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:58:25 +0600

The remarks made by independent lawmaker Rumeen Farhana that our politicians and bureaucrats rank among the most corrupt, while sobering, is not surprising. Corruption has long been among Bangladesh’s biggest hurdles to overcome, and for years, citizens have voiced frustration at the pervasive misuse of power, the lack of accountability, and the erosion of trust in public... Details

Compensation is no substitute for reform

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:52:20 +0600

The government’s disbursement of Tk 213.56 crore to victims of road accidents over the past three years is certainly a positive. It is the least that should be done for families who have lost loved ones or suffered injuries due to the chaos on our roads. What must simultaneously be ensured is that these funds are being utilized properly, and reach the people they need to, and are... Details

Thirty five years of a law nobody enforces

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:28:29 +0600

Somewhere in Mirpur tonight, a family is losing their advance deposit to a landlord who will not return their calls. In Mohammadpur, a young woman is being denied a lease because she lives alone. In Chittagong, a tenant just received a rent hike with three days notice and no explanation. None of these people know that a law exists to protect them. And to be brutally honest, knowing about it... Details

Rules and consequences

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 03:34:37 +0600

For decades, the world's most powerful economies have mastered a particular art. They rarely present power as power. Instead, power arrives wrapped in the language of principles. Military interventions become humanitarian missions. Sanctions become instruments of democracy. Trade restrictions become moral obligations. The vocabulary changes, but the underlying reality often remains remarkably... Details

Eliminating inequity in agriculture

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:35:16 +0600

While agriculture remains one of the most important pillars of Bangladesh’s economy, sustaining millions of rural families and playing a crucial role in ensuring food security, recent findings on agricultural subsidy distribution reveal a concerning imbalance that demands attention. A large share of fertilizer subsidies is going to the country’s wealthiest farmers, while smaller... Details

A new name must be accompanied with a new attitude

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:26:47 +0600

The proposed move to rename the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) as the “People’s Protection Force” comes at a time when questions about accountability and institutional reform for the organization remain at the centre of public discussion. This can be a positive step only if it represents a genuine commitment to rebuilding trust between law enforcement agencies and citizens.... Details

Bound for Italy, trapped in Libya

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:25:13 +0600

For three years, Rydwan, 28, from Comilla, did everything by the book. Visa applications for Serbia, Romania, Slovenia, and Belarus -- each rejected. Work permits that never arrived. Consultancy fees swallowed by middlemen. He had watched neighbours return from Saudi Arabia and Malaysia with enough money to build new floors onto old homes. He wanted the same. The legal route, he eventually... Details

Dignity in every drop

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:24:09 +0600

The ink is barely dry on the fiscal blueprints of our newly minted democracy. As the financial roadmap for 2026-27 enters the halls of parliament under the banner of a "democratic, humanitarian, and inclusive economy," a profound truth remains: A nation’s conscience is not measured by the clinical geometry of GDP growth or macro-fiscal abstractions. Instead, it is written in the daily,... Details

The perils of 'push-in' diplomacy

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 03:51:31 +0600

Imagine, a group of men, women, and children are somehow captured and forced to cross a hard-to-reach-and-monitor border zone at the dead of night. The civilized world would call this act "human trafficking," right? Such a scene is often being replayed on the porous Indo-Bangladesh border. This is staged not by any non-state criminal syndicate. For journalistic accuracy, should it not be... Details

Nuclear must deliver

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 14:23:02 +0600

That Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant at Rooppur is expected to begin supplying electricity to the national grid by the end of August is extremely encouraging, especially given the challenges our nation continues to face in meeting power demands for the nation. This is certainly a milestone moment for Bangladesh. For years, the project has been touted as a game‑changer and an... Details

A disgraceful act

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 14:20:22 +0600

The shocking assault on Bangladesh national team cricketer Nayeem Hasan by police officers in Chittagong is a disgrace that has rightly sparked outrage. That a citizen - let alone a national athlete - could be beaten without provocation, despite identifying himself, exposes the deep rot in policing culture. Of course, such an incident is not a rare phenomenon. Arbitrary stops,... Details

Educated but excluded

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 10:29:48 +0600

Bangladesh has a success story it rarely questions. Over the past two decades, the country has achieved near gender parity in education, producing a generation of women who are more educated than ever before. Classrooms are full. Degrees are rising. Aspirations are visible. Yet the labour market tells a different story. Female labour force participation still hovers between 37%... Details

Will the Awami League ever return?

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 20:59:05 +0600

Not long ago, on March 15 last year, Hasnat Abdullah, a top leader of the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), made a striking post on Facebook: “The Awami League’s chapter is closed.” A little more than a year has passed since that declaration. Yet with the passage of time, it appears that far from being “closed,” the Awami League has become an open topic.... Details

A tribute to Forrest Cookson

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 17:59:32 +0600

Some individuals leave behind more than a professional legacy. They leave an imprint on the people they encounter, quietly shaping thought, discipline, and perspective. Forrest was one such man. Though born far away, he chose this country, committed to it, and in time, made Bangladesh his home. I came to know him in 2022, though it now feels like I had known him far longer. The introduction... Details

Prioritizing health and education

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 14:50:47 +0600

The FY27 budget has rightly increased allocations for education and health, recognizing that human capital must be the driving force for any future development. While we are certainly encouraged to finally see this recognition, Bangladesh’s challenge has never been about announcing bigger numbers. Instead, the challenge now, much as it often has been, is about ensuring those... Details

Delivering peace at the border

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 14:49:15 +0600

The recent high‑level meeting in Delhi between the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has seen both sides pledge to reduce tensions and strengthen cooperation. This is, of course, welcome. For too long, our border has been marred by push‑ins, arbitrary detentions, and most significantly, the tragic killings of civilians. These incidents have led to an erosion... Details

Who should Bangladesh be trading with?

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 04:15:13 +0600

The first answer is that we've got to stop thinking of it being a “country” that trades. The people within a country, yes. Organizations of companies inside it, yes. But the country itself doesn't trade. Maybe when the government buys aircraft or something. But nearly all trade is between people and organizations that just happen to be inside some lines on the map, not a... Details

The FY2026-27 digital agenda

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 04:10:40 +0600

The national budget for FY 2026-27 signals a bold and aggressive policy shift aimed at completely transforming the digital ecosystem of Bangladesh. Officially elevating the information and communication technology sector into its top 10 strategic national priorities, the government has laid down a monumental challenge to expand the combined technology and telecommunications footprint... Details

No child should be forced into labour

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 10:21:58 +0600

It is extremely disheartening to find that one in 11 Bangladeshi children is now engaged in labour; it is a troubling depiction of the state of children in our society. The latest findings show that child labour has increased significantly in recent years, with poverty, school dropouts, and weak social protection systems pushing more children away from classrooms and into workplaces. This is... Details

Promises to women and children must translate into action

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 10:20:28 +0600

Every successive government recognizes the importance of prioritizing women and children, and makes lofty promises about doing more for them. Yet, it is unfortunate that the numbers often tell a very different story. We can see this on display with the latest budget; despite a record Tk9.38 lakh crore outlay, allocations for women and children have not kept pace, proposing Tk5,196 crore for... Details

Sykes-Picot 2026

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 10:18:12 +0600

Imagine a village near Mosul in 2018. The Islamic State has just been driven out. Children emerge from occupation to do the only thing that makes sense of the world: They play. But they are not playing soldiers. They are re-enacting history. In Francis Alÿs’s film Sandlines, The Story of History, they draw lines in the dust, carving up an invisible empire. They act out British and... Details

Is this a budget for the people?

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 10:42:41 +0600

Every June, when the finance minister presents the national budget, the fundamental question citizens tend to ask is: What does this mean for me? Today the question is more urgent in Bangladesh where we are facing inflation, youth unemployment, and climate effects. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury presented the country’s biggest budget of Tk 9.38 lakh crore in parliament on... Details

Every budget tells a story

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:19:11 +0600

Every budget reveals not only how a government intends to spend public money, but also what it considers important enough to invest in and protect. For Bangladesh, where climate change, pollution, and environmental degradation increasingly shape everyday life, the national budget has become much more than a financial statement. It is a test of whether development planning is keeping pace... Details

Creating a media commission that matters

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:15:44 +0600

The initiative to establish an independent media commission in Bangladesh has officially entered an active, consultative, policy-making phase. In a notable departure from structural false starts by previous administrations -- including the short-sighted, late-stage attempts by the former transitional government to split regulation into separate print and broadcast bodies -- the current... Details

An ambitious budget that simultaneously demands realism

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:13:47 +0600

Bangladesh has unveiled its largest-ever budget for FY2026–27 -- a staggering Tk 9.38 lakh crore. We do praise the government for making such a bold statement of intent through these ambitious targets, and see them as an effort to signal confidence, resilience, and a determination to steer our economy through the turbulent times it has seen over the past few years. On paper, this all... Details

Cutting red tape

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:02:55 +0600

The reported risk that red tape could prevent the revival of stalled businesses worth around Tk20,000 crore is a stark reminder that administrative delays carry real economic costs. The revival of struggling industries can create jobs, restore production capacity, support supply chains, and contribute to overall economic momentum. But for such initiatives to succeed, the process must be... Details

Creating a safer Bangladesh for women and children

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:00:06 +0600

The continued rise in violence against women and children in Bangladesh is a deeply alarming reflection of the challenges facing our society. According to a recent monitoring report by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), at least 305 women and girls faced violence in May, with reported rape cases increasing to 83 from 68 in April, with a worrying rise in sexual violence and abuse cases... Details

Bangladesh’s revenue system is failing the nation

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:42:24 +0600

Picture a mid-sized garment accessories supplier in Narsingdi. The owner, let’s call her Sultana, runs a compliant business: Maintained accounts, timely VAT filings, and withholding taxes diligently deducted from every transaction. Last fiscal year, her business barely broke even as rising input costs consumed her margins. Yet, despite posting near-zero profit, she received an advance income... Details

A looming crisis?

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:46:07 +0600

Let me start with a classic example of Venezuela, which is a tropical nation and a former Spanish colony that gained its independence in 1821. Over the years, Venezuela has experienced recurring challenges related to water and energy security, many of which have been aggravated by climatic variability and prolonged dry conditions. The question of what causes an energy crisis in a country like... Details

Can we manage bureaucracy?

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:44:55 +0600

Political transitions in developing countries often generate high public expectations for reform, accountability, and efficient governance. However, one of the most complex challenges any new regime faces is managing and reforming the existing bureaucratic structure. In countries like Bangladesh, the bureaucracy is not merely an administrative body but a powerful institutional actor shaped... Details

The World Cup through the years

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:44:25 +0600

The World Cup starts. And the world will be talking, sleeping, and dreaming of football. Even in conflict zones, there will be makeshift camps set up with a TV set to watch what people rightly call the biggest sporting spectacle in the world. For football, life stops, but what we earnestly hope is that in the name of the game and the sporting extravaganza, the killing, maiming, bombing, and... Details

Transparency is the missing link in power generation

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:12:05 +0600

The fact that Bangladesh has announced record levels of power generation, yet citizens, especially in rural areas, continue to suffer daily load‑shedding lasting hours, is a contradiction that is not just frustrating but one that raises serious questions about transparency. The question is very simple: If generation capacity is at historic highs, why are so many households, and indeed... Details

Border disputes need definitive solution

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:08:35 +0600

The recent incident at Thakurgaon, where the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) had left 11 people at the Bangladesh border before later taking them back, is yet another reminder of the unresolved tensions that continue to plague our borders. In recent years, there has been a troubling pattern of “push‑ins,” arbitrary detentions, and border killings. Not only are such... Details

Building a skill-based Bangladesh

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:06:47 +0600

It is encouraging to see Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent call for skill-based and job-oriented education, and is one that Bangladesh would do well to heed. For far too long, our education system has been geared primarily towards examinations, grades, and certificates, often at the expense of practical skills and real-world preparedness. While academic achievement is undeniably... Details

The need for inflation control

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:04:34 +0600

The latest inflation figures from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, driven largely by rising food costs, are a sobering reminder that for millions of Bangladeshis, economic recovery remains an abstract concept. While headline economic indicators often dominate policy discussions, it is the price of daily essentials that most directly determines the quality of life for ordinary citizens.... Details

In defense of effective policing

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 02:12:01 +0600

A curious paradox is unfolding in our country today. For years, citizens complained that the police were too powerful. Today, many complain that the police are too weak. The irony is difficult to ignore. A society that once feared the police now increasingly fears the consequences of ineffective policing. This paradox lies at the centre of Bangladesh's contemporary law and order... Details

The Teesta Agreement: Do India and Bangladesh need each other?

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 02:09:39 +0600

Few issues in India-Bangladesh relations evoke as much emotion as the Teesta River. For Bangladesh, the Teesta is a lifeline for millions of farmers in the northern districts. For India, particularly the state of West Bengal and the Himalayan region of Sikkim, the river is equally vital for agriculture, livelihoods and development. This is precisely why the Teesta should not be... Details

How can Bangladesh become a welfare state?

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 02:07:49 +0600

The FY 27 budget is penned to be Bangladesh's largest since independence and it is built on an ambitious promise: A welfare state. The uncomfortable reality is that without the fiscal and institutional foundations to support it, that promise could leave the poor worse off than before. Bangladesh is experiencing increasing inequality and is simultaneously going through economic... Details

A pathway for renewable energy development

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 13:06:45 +0600

Bangladesh is entering a decisive phase in its energy transition. To meet some of the ambitious targets - including generating 40% of electricity from renewable sources by 2041 - the government has recently announced sweeping reforms aimed at accelerating solar energy deployment. These initiatives include a target of 10,000 MW of solar power generation by 2030, mandatory rooftop solar... Details

Beyond the reach of the poor

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 04:05:54 +0600

Although the Constitution guarantees equality before the law and the right to healthcare, millions of ordinary citizens still struggle to obtain legal protection and medical treatment. Legal experts and former judges have repeatedly observed that the justice system often remains inaccessible for the poor because of high legal expenses, lengthy procedures, corruption, and social inequality. ... Details

Who will step in?

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 03:57:35 +0600

A recent Dhaka Tribune report titled “Health Sector Crisis Deepens in Bangladesh: Who Will Step In?” raises a question that policy-makers, healthcare professionals, and citizens can no longer afford to ignore. The report highlights persistent challenges facing the country's health sector, including workforce shortages, governance gaps, inadequate resource utilization, and growing inequities... Details

The journalist who asked Modi a question

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 03:57:14 +0600

When I met Helle Lyng Svendsen in Oslo this Monday, she was writing about the proposed upgrade of Norway’s busiest train station. “They want to build the station all over again, as a tall tower,” she explained. “And many don’t like the idea.” In her current job at the Norwegian newspaper Dagsavisen, Svendsen covers “labour markets and regular people’s lives”. But the 28-year-old journalist has... Details

Leather industry needs policy support

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 20:27:38 +0600

Over the years, there have been repeated calls for our export basket to be diversified. Among the numerous sectors that have been named, there is no doubt that our leather industries have long been hailed as the next potential export powerhouse to help reduce our over-dependence on the RMG sector. To that end, it is disappointing how this sector continues to flounder. While leather is the... Details

Climate finance must integrate health

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 20:24:58 +0600

By now, Bangladesh’s reality as one of the most climate‑vulnerable nations in the world is well known. It is also known that the climate crisis is one caused by the developed nations of the world, with countries like Bangladesh suffering disproportionately as a result of their industrialization. With that said, while the developed world has an obligation to assist nations such as ours in... Details

Water for me and none for thee

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 12:13:48 +0600

Whether an Indian ruling party MP's allegation of harming his country's farmers for sharing of waters of common rivers with Bangladesh reflects the tacit position of New Delhi is a matter that should be dealt with by the office bearers of Bangladesh's water resources and foreign affairs ministries. However, the way the Lok Sabha member of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Nishikant Dubey has... Details