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.

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.

Many expected Dr Ahsan H Mansur to complete his full term, till August 2028.

In November last year, Bangladesh confirmed that it continued to meet all three LDC graduation criteria and remained on track for graduation in November 2026 despite economic shocks.

The election came after years of severe distrust in the electoral process, questions over legitimacy, and institutional strain, so the poll’s successful conduct has reinforced trust in the process as well as the principle that governments derive authority from the consent of the governed.

Bangladesh’s GDP in the fiscal year 2025 was $461.63 billion. If the country aims to reach a $1 trillion economy by FY2034, the economy would need to more than double over nine years.

The incoming government will have to make austerity a top priority at the leadership level for fiscal consolidation. Enhancing accountability mechanisms is essential to improving expenditure efficiency. Parliamentary oversight of public funds must be strengthened.

The Ninth National Pay Commission formed by the interim government recently recommended a salary increase for government employees in the range of 100-142 percent.

The Global Risks Report 2026, published by the World Economic Forum (WEF), presents some of the stark realities of the world today. 

The upcoming parliamentary election, scheduled for February 12, is of exceptional political and economic significance for Bangladesh.

Over the 55 years since Bangladesh's independence, the processes of state-building, political transformation, and economic reconstruction have unfolded in deeply interconnected ways.

The outlook for FY2026 indicates a modest recovery, although some risks remain.

The recent wave of violence has revealed a deeply worrying trend in public life.

The erosion of democracy became most pronounced between 2014 and 2024.

Bangladesh's inability to create adequate opportunities for its young population has moved far beyond an economic concern.