Ahmad Ahsan

After remarkable progress and growth, especially under elected governments from 1991 to 2015, Bangladesh now faces numerous challenges. Political and macroeconomic instability; troubled public finances and banking systems; poor-quality education and health services; an undiversified economy, stalling private investment, and rising joblessness. These problems all intersect at one location: our failing towns and cities. 

At present, there are four areas of profound challenges that require a more proactive approach.

The country’s future hinges on whether it can overcome autocratic governance, corruption, and crony capitalism.

The failure to tame inflation not only imposes a steep tax on the poor and the middle class, it also erodes economic competitiveness.

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.

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.

The reality is that using only the exchange rates without interest rate action will deepen the crisis.

On November 8, 2022, the United States will be holding its fourth national elections since 2016.