Panam Institute launched as new policy think tank, prioritises economic reform

The Panam Institute launched its operations as a new independent policy think tank today, aiming to bridge the gap between academic research and public policymaking through evidence-based analysis and policy advocacy.

The launch event took place in Dhaka alongside a policy discussion on Bangladesh's immediate economic priorities during what the organisers described as a critical geopolitical and post-revolution transition period.

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Positioning itself as a non-partisan organisation, the Panam Institute said it would work closely with policymakers, business leaders, academics, development partners and civil society to develop practical policy recommendations for Bangladesh's long-term economic growth and sustainable development.

The institute will conduct research under five strategic pillars: macroeconomic stability and governance; inclusive development and socio-economic equity; trade, investment and geoeconomics; sustainability and climate finance; and banking and capital markets.

According to the institute, the initiative evolved from an informal network of economists and policy enthusiasts that emerged on social media in the early 2020s to discuss Bangladesh's economic challenges.

Following the 2024 Monsoon Revolution, the group launched the podcast Orthonitir Barota, which sought to popularise policy discussions among a broader audience. The organisers said the strong public response to their Economic Reform Summit in October 2025 underscored the need to establish a formal policy research institution.

A key session at the launch event focused on "The Economic Tests the Government Must Pass in Its First 18 Months", examining the immediate policy reforms and economic priorities required to stabilise the economy during the transition period.

Speaking at the event, Jyoti Rahman, chair of the Panam Institute and a macroeconomist at the International Monetary Fund, discussed the implementation challenges surrounding the national budget and broader economic planning for the coming years.

The Panam Institute said it aims to serve as a platform for informed policy dialogue and provide independent research to support evidence-based decision-making in Bangladesh.