Kaiser Kabir

A handful of firms and a fistful of politicians -- this is the widely accepted description of oligarchic economic systems. It is a malevolent alliance that eventually appropriates the national economic pie through skullduggery.

There is an old joke: a man arrives at a seedy motel and is offered two options. The economy room costs $10, while the premium room is $12..“What is the difference?” he asks..“The $12 room comes with a free TV,” replies the receptionist with a smile..The humour lies in the contradiction. The TV is "free" but costs more. As Bangladesh prepares free trade agreements (FTAs) with as many as two dozen countries, the joke is a timely reminder: in global commerce, there is no such thing as a free deal. The large print giveth, while the small print taketh away, as the saying goes.

In late 2014, a cheerful octogenarian in a wheelchair rolled into a pharmaceutical factory in Rajendrapur, Gazipur. As he was escorted from room to room, his demeanour changed markedly. No longer engaging in light conversation, his goggle-eyed expression clearly pointed to a man completely befuddled by his surroundings.