Smooth start for floating rate
It is encouraging for the economy that the first week following Bangladesh's transition to a market-driven floating currency rate went by without major instability. The taka traded at 122-123 against the dollar in the banking sector, a rate much in line with pre-transition levels. This indicates that the currency was...
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India weaponising trade against Bangladesh
Despite persistent efforts, bilateral trade does not always take place smoothly as barriers to trade increase or emerge in new forms for various reasons. Geo-political tension casts a shadow on trade relations disrupting trade. The bilateral dispute also makes things bad, leading to restrictions on trade. The cost of trade...
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Free primary education: a false promise?
Article 17 of the Constitution of Bangladesh mandates that the state shall establish a uniform, mass-oriented, and universal system of education, providing free and compulsory education to all children up to a level determined by law. The Primary Education (Compulsory) Act of 1990 makes education up to Class V both...
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A hidden health crisis for river travellers
As a country with many rivers, Bangladesh relies heavily on its waterways for transportation. In many cases, passengers find travelling by launch more comfortable than by bus or train. However, this sense of comfort often comes with a host of irregularities and challenges.While short-distance trips tend to be relatively hassle-free,...
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Greening must be a priority, not a choice
The world today is experiencing the dire consequences of climate change. Each passing year brings record-breaking temperatures, making life increasingly unbearable in cities, villages, fields, and along rivers. This crisis is largely a result of human short-sightedness-- unchecked deforestation, rampant waste of natural resources, and unbalanced urban expansion.One of the...
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