COP 30 in the Amazon: Climate Diplomacy at a Crossroads
The first climate summit held in the world's largest rainforest delivered a verdict as mixed as the ecosystem surrounding it. COP 30 convened in Belém, Brazil, November 10-21, 2025, producing…
Strings vs. Silk Roads: Bangladesh’s Financing Crossroads
“Speed builds assets; patience builds resilience.” Let’s start with a question: How Western conditional lending and China’s Belt and Road financing shape Bangladesh’s economy, sovereignty, and strategic future. Introduction Bangladesh…
What 3% Global Growth Really Means in an Unsteady World
In its latest forecast, the IMF projects global growth to hold steady at around 3% in 2025, the same pace as 2024. At first glance, the number may seem unremarkable.…
Tariff Wars and Geopolitical Conflicts: Impacts on Bangladesh’s Exports
Since 2018, Bangladesh’s economy has faced growing headwinds from global trade tensions and conflicts. For years, the country’s export engine, dominated by ready-made garments (RMG) sold primarily to Western markets,…
S&P again rates BRAC Bank as the best in Bangladesh: Affirms ‘B+’ with a ‘Stable’ outlook
BRAC Bank has once again obtained a ‘B+’ long-term credit rating with a ‘Stable’ outlook, as affirmed by the world’s leading credit rating agency, S&P Global Ratings. This is equivalent…
The New Great Game in the Bay of Bengal: How Bangladesh Became a Geopolitical Pivot
Introduction: A Rising Power in a Strategic Crossroad Bangladesh, once considered a peripheral player in South Asia, has emerged as a pivotal actor in the region’s geopolitical landscape. With a…
Unlocking Bangladesh’s FMCG Potential between paradox and promise
Bangladesh’s growth narrative is among the most compelling in South Asia. With a GDP approaching half a trillion dollars and a steadily expanding middle class, the country has transformed from…
BRAC Bank launches a Platinum Multicurrency Debit Card powered by Mastercard
BRAC Bank has launched a new Platinum Multicurrency debit card on the Mastercard network, offering customers a convenient and secure way to manage both local and international transactions. Officially unveiled…
Pathao Pay: Your YOUniverse, Your Way
In today’s fast-paced Bangladesh, managing money can feel like juggling multiple tasks at once, splitting bills, paying for rides, sending cash to family, or running a small business. Traditional banking…
Floating Exchange Rates, Sinking Confidence: The Debate Over Bangladesh’s Exchange Policy
Introduction In May 2025, Bangladesh embarked on a bold macroeconomic experiment transitioning from a crawling peg system to a floating exchange rate system. This decision, spurred by external pressure and…
Beyond Cost Cuts: Smart Brand Moves in a Tariff-Tight World
The return of tariff pressure is testing the flexibility of global brands once again. From fast fashion to industrial machinery, companies that rely on cross-border manufacturing and distribution are facing…
The 12-Day War That Changed Everything (and Nothing)
On June 23rd, the world woke to an unexpected tweet. Donald Trump, the self-styled dealmaker-in-chief, had declared the end of a war most didn't even realise had truly begun. After…
Tariff Talks with the USA: A New Chapter for Bangladesh Trade
Introduction: Navigating New US-Bangladesh Trade Relations The US is Bangladesh's largest apparel importer, accounting for approximately 19.18% of its total RMG exports, valued at $7.54 billion in FY25. The US…
Bangladesh’s FY2025–26 Budget: A Struggle for Balance
Bangladesh's budget for the 2025-26 financial year comes at a challenging time. The country is grappling with slower economic growth, rising prices, and the upcoming loss of its "Least Developed…
Rebuilding Trust in Insurance: The Path Forward for Policyholders and Regulators
The insurance industry serves as a crucial safety net and financial safeguard, yet it remains significantly underutilised in Bangladesh. According to the latest annual report published by the Insurance Development…