Every year, Ekushey February returns with solemn grace. The Shaheed Minar fills with people, flowers pile up in silent tribute, and the nation pauses to remember the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the right to speak their mother tongue. The day symbolises not only linguistic identity but...
Much has been said about VAT reform in Bangladesh, and considerable work has also been undertaken so far. However, the ultimate result is that our tax-to-GDP ratio remains one of the lowest in the world. This demonstrates that the reform measures were not properly aligned. Having worked in...
Bangladesh’s VAT Paradox: A Growing Economy, Shrinking Returns Bangladesh enters a new political chapter after the general elections of 12 February 2026 with a paradox at its core. The economy is larger than ever, consumer spending is rising, services dominate GDP, and digital transactions are...
Working in the VAT management system of Bangladesh for about 30 years since 1995, I had an advantage of coming across many developments. Various measures have been undertaken during this long period of time but ultimately the tax-GDP ratio of Bangladesh continues to be the lowest of the world amply...
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...
