Exploitation of existing onshore gas reserves
Faced with an acute energy shortage marked by steadily falling domestic gas production (by roughly 150 million cubic feet each year) and severe disruptions in imported Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) due to conflicts in the Middle East, Bangladesh has been carrying out exploratory drilling into deeper, untapped formations and expediting...
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Flying blind on tax policy
Taxation is usually discussed as a matter of rates, exemptions and revenue targets. Rarely is it discussed as a matter of information, of whether the people setting policy are sufficiently informed about the markets they are taxing. Too often they are not. Fiscal pressure, administrative convenience and the influence of...
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Research and public universities
The latest move by the finance ministry to disburse funds to researchers at public universities drew criticism for various reasons. Under the new rule, the University Grants Commission (UGC) will centrally disburse research funds. So far, public universities have received funding from the UGC and have spent it in line...
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Why can't Bangladesh make its own phone?
Bangladesh produces millions of smartphones labelled "Made in Bangladesh," yet the reality behind this achievement is less impressive than it appears. While local factories assemble handsets, almost all key components including processors, display panels, camera sensors, and printed circuit boards are imported. The country has mastered assembly but remains far...
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Managing information responsibly
In today's digital world where surveillance is almost everywhere, managing information ethically is more important than ever. Companies collect vast amounts of data from customers, workers and everyone else, often with little consent or genuine understanding. Yes, data analytics and tracking tools can help. Services become sharper, security tighter, but...
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