In the history of Bangladesh’s development, microfinance has been far more than a financial initiative; it has embodied social trust, humanitarian accountability, and a long-standing relationship with marginalized communities. For rural women, landless farmers, and small entrepreneurs,...
Bangladeshi coastal fishermen rely almost entirely on the sea for their livelihood. Fishing in the Bay of Bengal is more than just a source of income—it is the lifeline for thousands of families along the southern coast. Yet, the sea, once a symbol of sustenance, has increasingly become a stage...
Microfinance banks in countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Spain have long been promoted as tools to empower the poor. However, recent observations suggest that, despite creating income opportunities, these institutions are increasingly adding to the financial strain of their borrowers....
1. Context and Purpose Over the past two decades, digital technologies have reshaped governance systems, economies, human rights, and the architecture of social inclusion. At the center of this transformation lies digital governance—not merely as a matter of technical management, but as an...
Bangladesh’s NGO sector was born out of the struggle for rights, dignity, and social justice. Today, under the banner of “reform,” that legacy is at risk of being dismantled. For decades, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Bangladesh have stood where the state could not. In the absence...
COAST Foundation has raised serious concerns over the government’s draft Microfinance Bank law, warning that it could undermine the unique features and flexibility of microfinance institutions (MFIs), putting Bangladesh’s most vulnerable at risk. For decades, MFIs have provided affordable...
