The Economy the Next Government Inherits, and What It Must Do Differently
Bangladesh’s economy shows signs of stabilisation as reserves improve and imports ease, but this apparent calm obscures deeper weaknesses. Growth has slowed, inflation remains strikingly stubborn, investor confidence is still delicate, and long‑standing structural problems continue to sit on the economy
The Urban Poverty Paradox: Rising Inequality amid Economic Growth
Bangladesh often draws attention as an example of development success, with extensive literature exploring its poverty dynamics and underlying drivers. The country managed to more than halve its poverty rate and sustain almost consistent year-on-year growth within just half a century since independence
The Illusion of Recovery: Bangladesh’s Economy on the Eve of 2026
Bangladesh’s economy seems to be stabilizing at first blush. Reserve levels have climbed, imports have slowed, and officials are finding some signs of resilience in the aftermath of a tumultuous period. For a country accustomed to absorbing shocks, this narrative of cautious recovery sounds reassuring.
A New Social Contract for Workers in Bangladesh
At dawn in Gazipur, when garment factory lights flicker on, and the streets begin to stir, thousands of workers make their way through narrow lanes with lunch boxes in hand and hope that today will be kinder than yesterday. The workers’ lives are built on effort, resilience, and the quiet expectation that tomorrow
Bangladesh’s Poverty Reversal: Causes and Policy Priorities
Bangladesh’s poverty rate fell from about half the population in the 1990s to one-fifth by 2019. However, this progress proved fragile. COVID-19 and related measures disrupted jobs, enterprises, remittance flows, and supply chains. Estimates show sharp, temporary poverty increases during 2020–21. Recovery
SANEM Roundup | Volume 1, Issue 6
In January, SANEM began its nineteenth year with focused research and policy engagement. Analyses addressed economic fragility, labour reform, and urban poverty, while studies on energy transition, wind and solar technologies, and ESG in the RMG sector advanced evidence-based
SANEM Roundup | Volume 1, Issue 5
In 2025, SANEM significantly deepened its role as a leading policy research and dialogue institution amid a rapidly evolving economic, political, and climate landscape. The year was marked by high-impact research, major national and regional conferences, targeted policy dialogues, and extensive
Development Challenges and Policy Responses in a Changing World
The South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM) is pleased to invite submissions for the 9th SANEM Annual Economists’ Conference (9SAEC) 2026, themed “Development Challenges and Policy Responses in a Changing World”. This prestigious event will take place in BRAC Centre Inn, Dhaka on 9-11 January 2026. Since its inception
