The recent deaths caused by a landslide in Sylhet highlight the dangers posed by illegal hill cutting, a practice that continues unabated. Environmentalists warn that this unsustainable activity increases the risk of landslides during monsoons, threatening the lives of thousands residing on Sylhet’s hillsides. While the Department of Environment (DoE) acknowledges taking action against violators, critics allege a lack of enforcement and potential collusion with perpetrators. The urgency of the situation demands stricter measures to curb illegal hill cutting and...
Bangladesh is in the throes of a crippling gas crisis, affecting homes, industries and vehicles that run on compressed natural gas. This two-week ordeal began when a vital Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal in Cox’s Bazar was shut down due to Cyclone Remal. The impact is undeniable – residents struggle to cook meals, long queues clog CNG stations, disrupting commutes for auto-rickshaw drivers, and factories face closures due to gas shortages. Businesses, already grappling with rising inflation, are now forced...
Badrul Huda Sohel : Among many, two recent reports on banking arena published in different media have deepened our concern...
Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2026 is a cause for celebration. Yet, beneath the confetti lurks a hidden threat – billions in lost exports due to eroded trade preferences. The government’s proposed duty reductions on 282 products are a welcome first step, but they resemble a Band-Aid on a gaping wound. The real issue lies with Bangladesh’s sky-high customs duties compared to the global average. This discourages major trading partners from signing the free-trade agreements (FTAs)...
Dr Matiur Rahman : Erik Olin Wright, a distinguished sociologist renowned for analysing class structures, has provided a framework that...
Dhaka WASA authorities have decided to raise the water tariff by 10 percent from 1 July. According to the decision, they have set Tk 16.70 per 1,000 litres from Tk 15.18 per 1,000 litres for residential customers and for commercial customers; it will be Tk 46.20 per 1,000 litres from the existing price of Tk 42 per 1,000 litres. Questions have been raised over the logic behind the water price hike. As per the circular, the revised price will also...
Alaul Alam : In recent years the country has reaped the benefits of rapid digitalization and promises to continue with...
The newly unveiled budget for Bangladesh’s fiscal year 2024-25 has sparked mixed reactions from the business community. While the Foreign Investors’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) lauds the government’s efforts towards a comprehensive fiscal plan, the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) raises concerns about implementation challenges. The MCCI highlights the potential for a widening budget deficit due to ongoing tax reforms mandated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). These reforms aim to increase the tax-GDP ratio by...
Dr. Forqan Uddin Ahmed : Every year the budget comes, the budget goes. Budget should speak to the good of...
The Bangladesh government’s recent decision to allow the “whitening” of black money through a 15% tax payment has ignited a firestorm of criticism from economists and anti-corruption watchdogs. This move contradicts the Awami League’s pre-election promise to crack down on undeclared wealth and corruption. Proponents, including the government, argue that the scheme will increase cash flow into the economy. However, past efforts have yielded meagre results. Critics like Prof. Mustafizur Rahman of the Centre for Policy Dialogue condemned the policy...
Dr. Forqan Uddin Ahmed : Every year budget comes, budget goes. Budget should speak the good of the common people....
Enayetullah Khan : The Shangri-La Dialogue that was just held in Singapore provides a sense of the direction in which...