Fahmida Khatun

Recently, Fitch Ratings observed that Bangladesh’s economic risks have increased, prompting a downgrade of the country’s sovereign outlook from “stable” to “negative.”

Over more than five decades, Bangladesh has progressed reasonably well in socioeconomic terms compared to many of its peers among the least developed and developing countries.

The ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran have again exposed how vulnerable the international energy markets are to conflicts and strategic rivalries.

The 2026 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group took place from April 13 to April 18 amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, persistent inflation, and slowing growth.

Unless the government’s request for deferment is granted, Bangladesh is set to graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category in November this year.

For households, the most effective immediate measure would be to offer income protection to the most vulnerable by reallocating existing budget priorities and, where possible, partly through external aid.

The global energy market is again in turmoil, this time because of the US-Israel war in Iran.

Observed for over a century, the International Women’s Day (IWD) is more than just a celebration; it is about recognising women’s accomplishments and reflecting on progress towards achieving gender equality.