Salekeen Ibrahim

A senior banker.

Remittance boom faces an AI test

Considering the core economic indicators of Bangladesh, remittance inflow has become the strongest factor at present, driven by a historic surge. Remittances crossed $30 billion in the last fiscal year 2024-25, helping to stabilise the exchange rate and bolster foreign currency reserves.

5d ago

Why the economy lost its way

Bangladesh has been suffering from a mix of micro and macroeconomic pressures since August 2024. The banking sector, already weakened over many years, is now in trouble, marked by a capital shortfall, soaring non-performing loans (NPLs), and corruption.

1m ago

Slow GDP growth poses serious social consequences

The national economy of Bangladesh is facing one of its toughest tests in decades. The provisional GDP growth for this fiscal year is only 3.97 percent, the lowest in 34 years apart from the pandemic period. It is true that a sluggish growth rate can have different interpretations when compared with previous years, but few can deny the adverse state of many economic indicators even after more than a year of the interim government.

2m ago

The impact of private sector credit slowdown

Private sector credit growth fell to 6.4 percent in June 2025, the lowest in 22 years. This alarming number reflects the immense strain on the national economy, a slump not seen since the early 2000s. But the fading momentum goes beyond statistics. It is a pulse check on our economic strength, and the social cost of falling credit is immense.

4m ago

Taka devaluation and the path ahead

The economy of Bangladesh is currently undergoing several reforms and adjustments. However, in recent times, currency devaluation and rising inflation have shaken households, small businesses and industries, forcing painful changes at every level. Many are asking how this devaluation affects the people, and how stability can be regained.

4m ago

Embedded finance and the promise for CMSMEs

Cottage, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (CMSMEs), although being key contributors to Bangladesh’s national GDP growth, remain stifled by limited access to finance, markets, and digital tools.

5m ago

Market access is the missing link for CMSMEs

In Bangladesh, we cannot think of a holistic economy without attending to the CMSME sector. From rural artisans to urban tech start-ups, CMSMEs are everywhere, creating jobs, generating income, and driving inclusive growth. Over the past decade, it is evident that the Bangladesh Bank, along with private commercial banks, has made significant strides in improving access to finance. This effort continues to evolve.

6m ago

The road from cheap labour to a skilled workforce

Our country has long been recognised for its abundant labour force. In addition, this abundance has often been labelled as “cheap labour”, a term that underscores a missed opportunity for a prospective nation.

7m ago
December 18, 2025
December 18, 2025

Remittance boom faces an AI test

Considering the core economic indicators of Bangladesh, remittance inflow has become the strongest factor at present, driven by a historic surge. Remittances crossed $30 billion in the last fiscal year 2024-25, helping to stabilise the exchange rate and bolster foreign currency reserves.

November 20, 2025
November 20, 2025

Why the economy lost its way

Bangladesh has been suffering from a mix of micro and macroeconomic pressures since August 2024. The banking sector, already weakened over many years, is now in trouble, marked by a capital shortfall, soaring non-performing loans (NPLs), and corruption.

October 2, 2025
October 2, 2025

Slow GDP growth poses serious social consequences

The national economy of Bangladesh is facing one of its toughest tests in decades. The provisional GDP growth for this fiscal year is only 3.97 percent, the lowest in 34 years apart from the pandemic period. It is true that a sluggish growth rate can have different interpretations when compared with previous years, but few can deny the adverse state of many economic indicators even after more than a year of the interim government.

August 25, 2025
August 25, 2025

The impact of private sector credit slowdown

Private sector credit growth fell to 6.4 percent in June 2025, the lowest in 22 years. This alarming number reflects the immense strain on the national economy, a slump not seen since the early 2000s. But the fading momentum goes beyond statistics. It is a pulse check on our economic strength, and the social cost of falling credit is immense.

August 6, 2025
August 6, 2025

Taka devaluation and the path ahead

The economy of Bangladesh is currently undergoing several reforms and adjustments. However, in recent times, currency devaluation and rising inflation have shaken households, small businesses and industries, forcing painful changes at every level. Many are asking how this devaluation affects the people, and how stability can be regained.

July 22, 2025
July 22, 2025

Embedded finance and the promise for CMSMEs

Cottage, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (CMSMEs), although being key contributors to Bangladesh’s national GDP growth, remain stifled by limited access to finance, markets, and digital tools.

June 26, 2025
June 26, 2025

Market access is the missing link for CMSMEs

In Bangladesh, we cannot think of a holistic economy without attending to the CMSME sector. From rural artisans to urban tech start-ups, CMSMEs are everywhere, creating jobs, generating income, and driving inclusive growth. Over the past decade, it is evident that the Bangladesh Bank, along with private commercial banks, has made significant strides in improving access to finance. This effort continues to evolve.

May 13, 2025
May 13, 2025

The road from cheap labour to a skilled workforce

Our country has long been recognised for its abundant labour force. In addition, this abundance has often been labelled as “cheap labour”, a term that underscores a missed opportunity for a prospective nation.

April 8, 2025
April 8, 2025

Navigating pathways post-LDC graduation

Bangladesh is on the verge of graduating from the least developed country (LDC) category in 2026, which will be a significant milestone in the history of its economic journey.

March 4, 2025
March 4, 2025

Closure of weak banks: to be or not to be?

Years of corruption, mismanagement, fragile governance and bank looting have left several banks in distress in Bangladesh.