Column
Fixing our banks. Building a more robust banking system
When asked why he robbed banks, the famous American bank robber, Willie Sutton, famously quipped “because that’s where the money is.” It seems that many of our leading business leaders have adopted a similar mindset over the past fifteen years. Regrettably for our nation, they have become alarmingly adept at robbing banks
Quota system: a storm in a teacup
In the last one week, Bangladesh has been in the grip of student unrest over the quota system, rendering discussions over its merits and demerits a household phenomenon. Steering away from political discussions, this assessment attempts to evaluate the socio-economic impact of the quota system on our government's vision of a Smart Bangladesh
Monetary Policy for Jul-Dec 2024 / Not much beyond lip service
Let’s begin with the central question to gauge what more this MPS could have done to increase the potency of monetary policy in restoring macro-financial stability.
Good budget, bad budget
The finance minister on Thursday placed the budget for fiscal year 2024-25, which is 4.6 percent bigger than the ongoing one. The increase is much lower than the average inflation seen in the last few years, reflecting the monetary constraints the government is facing as well as some of the realities of the crisis which commands a certain extent of belt-tightening
How to build a sustainable, ethical, and profitable business
The temptation to prioritise quick profits over long-term sustainability and ethics is predominant.
AMA Muhith: a defining character
Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, the former finance minister of Bangladesh, and more importantly, one of the architects of Bangladesh's economic development, left an undeniable legacy upon his passing, more than two years ago.
Winning over your boss
Pleasing your boss can sometimes feel like the game of Tom & Jerry, where you are Jerry trying desperately to avoid being Tom’s next kill.
Where is the economy heading?
This is exactly the question I came across from the investment community in the US, India, and Singapore in the last one month or so. They asked where the exchange rate may settle down and the local currency borrowing rate may go. If they invest in Bangladesh, will they be able to take back their return on investments timely and easily?
A tribute to Mirza Azizul Islam
Mirza Aziz, a strong figure in Bangladesh’s bureaucracy, has made significant contributions to the nation’s economic development
Manage five basics of personal finance to grow your savings
When inflation is nearly 10 percent but the increase of income is lower than the rate, how a person then will manage his personal finance to save for the future?
MFS faces growing risk of fraud
The mobile financial service (MFS) has enhanced our access to goods and services, diversified payment methods, and expanded commercial opportunities, but the sector still faces challenges.
Understanding Carbon Neutrality & Debt
Comparing our current days with five years back from now we can easily comprehend the fact that temperature is rising and as a result we feel scorching heat every year.
Unprecedented role of artificial intelligence
In the rapidly changing landscape of the financial industry, where accuracy and anticipation are dominant, artificial intelligence (AI) can play a crucial role in the risk management process across institutions.
Ensuring level-playing field for growth of mutual funds
The unequal taxation policy surrounding mutual funds in the capital market of Bangladesh raises concerns regarding the fairness for mutual fund investors. Specifically, the issue lies in the taxation of cash dividends from open-end funds, creating an imbalance between individual’s listed securities investments and mutual fund investments.
Addressing supply chain gaps in Bangladesh
In recent times, the escalation of prices in essential commodities has presented a formidable challenge for individuals with lower incomes in Bangladesh.
Conscious capitalism transforming the way we do business
Oxford dictionary defines capitalism as “an economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit.”
Driving long-pending reform agenda
For years now, a plethora of reforms have been suggested by relevant stakeholders. As reactionary measures in a lot of instances, the government has explored some of these reforms and is taking steps in the right direction. However, considering where the economy stands right now and comparing with relevant countries, Bangladesh has significant ground to cover.
Target the tuna to hit the shark
As a sequel to my column last week, I can’t emphasise enough the importance of focusing on a smaller catch with an eye on a bigger target as an effective strategy for turning around a business