Fahmida Khatun

The recent announcement by the government to introduce a universal pension scheme (UPS) in Bangladesh from the 2022-23 fiscal year is a welcome and timely move.

In the run-up to the budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year (FY), the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has initiated discussions with various professional and business organisations—like the previous years.

The relationship between democracy and development is a much-discussed issue.

The economy of Bangladesh has fared very well despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. From 3.5 percent growth in FY2019-20, the economy recovered fast.

People around the world are grappling with inflationary pressure. Many have lost their jobs or are earning a lower income.

Air pollution is one of the deadliest environmental concerns for human beings. In 2019, it contributed to 6.7 million deaths worldwide. Worryingly, 20 percent of newborn deaths in the world have been due to air pollution. In the State of Global Air Report 2020, it is ranked fourth among global risk factors for mortality, after high blood pressure, tobacco consumption, and poor diet.

Universities are considered to be the highest place for education, learning, research, and innovation.

After a downturn due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Bangladesh’s economy has been trying to get back on track and has succeeded in some cases.

The emergence of the highly transmissible Omicron variant of the coronavirus reminds us how uncertain the world has become.

The Covid-19 situation is now shrouded in uncertainty. Just when we were about to relax over the receding pandemic cases, it is once again time to worry.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence this year, we have highlighted our achievements as a country.

Throughout 2021, we have been celebrating 50 years of Bangladesh’s independence, with a lot of glory and pride.

This year, Bangladesh celebrates its 50th birthday. These 50 years have been marked with several achievements and promises in economic and social areas.

When 197 countries sit together to achieve something, it is almost certain that there will not be full agreement on the issues tabled for negotiation.

Following the conclusion of the high-level 26th Conference of Parties (COP26) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the world is set to observe another international conference at the ministerial level.

The announcement of fuel price hike, made on November 3 by the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, could not have come at a worse time.

While more than seven billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been administered around the world—albeit almost 70 percent in developed countries and only two percent in low-income countries—the global economy is expected to see a strong recovery in 2021.

It is now well-recognised that the impacts of climate change will have significant economic costs in climate vulnerable countries.

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is an opportunity to not only acknowledge the difficulties the poor face worldwide but also to make the concerns on poverty heard by all, particularly the policymakers.

In today’s world, business is not only about profit, employment, income, and growth. Hence, it is not only about economic sustainability—it is also about social and environmental sustainability.