Fahmida Khatun

With the central bank agreeing to go for a flexible exchange rate, the IMF will disburse the fourth and fifth instalments in June this year.

Controlling inflation should be a top priority for the interim government.

The Spring Meetings indicate that the IMF and World Bank are at a crossroads.

From the perspective of attracting FDI, the gas price hike poses a significant challenge.

Bangladesh faced a crippling 37 percent tariff on its exports to the US.

The root cause of gender-based violence lies in deeply entrenched power imbalances between men and women.

Climate change efforts often face resistance from political leaders who focus more on issues like job creation, energy independence, and security.

Merely converting colleges that lack high education quality into universities will not resolve issues in the education sector.

The imposition of tariffs by US President Donald Trump is a departure from traditional free trade principles promoted by the World Trade Organization.

Bangladesh must design and implement robust policy measures to encourage increased trade and investment.

While the interim government’s intention to tackle political and economic challenges is commendable, the task appears daunting.

These changes in the middle of the fiscal year are unexpected and unwanted as the economy faces significant challenges.

The budget for FY2025-26 will be challenging.

CPD’s overarching objective is to contribute to good governance by promoting accountability and transparency and ensuring equitable development.

It is expected that the NCQG will establish a comprehensive definition of climate finance, promoting consistency and transparency in climate finance reporting.

There are 12 issues that policymakers should consider for short- and medium-term action on inflation.

Corruption manifests in various forms—such as bribery, favouritism, and embezzlement—and is experienced firsthand by ordinary citizens, entrepreneurs and investors.

The mass movement in July and August 2024 had not only resulted in the tragic death of hundreds and severe injuries to thousands, but also subdued economic activity.

It is too soon to expect any significant economic changes, particularly as the previous government, led by Sheikh Hasina, left behind a fragile economy marked by high inflation, declining foreign exchange reserves, sluggish private investment, a growing debt burden, poor revenue collection, inefficiencies in development project implementation, and weak governance in the financial sector. Repairing the fractures within the economy will require persistent and arduous efforts over an extended period. However, the right strategies and sustained efforts can improve the economy.

Least developed countries (LDCs) and low-income countries face unique challenges in pursuing the SDGs.