Thinking Aloud: Volume XIII, Issue 6: November 1, 2026 This November issue explores three challenges facing Bangladesh’s economy: weak private investment, the rising cost of ensuring energy security, and higher agricultural production costs. The articles examine how policy uncertainty, dependence on imported energy, and rising fuel prices are affecting businesses, industries, and farmers. Here’s what’s…
Previous Feasibility Study on Social Protection Options for MSMEs and Their Workers in Bangladesh, including Existing Practices and Available Best Practices Collaboration: International Labour Organization (ILO), Bangladesh Starting date: September 15, 2026 Completion date: December 15, 2026 Project description: This project supports ILO’s Advancing Formalization in Bangladesh initiative by assessing which social protection options are…
Previous Estimating the Impact of PKSF’s Interventions on Employment Collaboration: Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) Starting date: July 7, 2026 Completion date: July 07, 2027 Project description: This project estimates how much employment is generated by the loan programmes and enterprise development activities of PKSF, Bangladesh’s apex development organisation. Although PKSF has long aimed to reduce…
Previous Support DataNext Fellowship Cohort II for BBS Officials Collaboration: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh Starting date: October 12, 2026 Completion date: February 09, 2027 Project description: This project provides technical facilitation and quality assurance for the second cohort of the DataNext Fellowship, which strengthens the practical skills of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics officials.…
Previous Technical and Logistical Support for Assessment of Investment Needs for Universal Childcare and Long-term Care Services in Bangladesh Collaboration: International Labour Organization (ILO) Bangladesh Starting date: October 09, 2026 Completion date: February 28, 2027 Project description: This project provides technical and logistical support to the Bangladesh in assessing the investment needed to move towards…
Previous Comprehensive Ecosystem Development at and behind Trade Gateway for Enhancing EXIM Efficiency at Chattogram Port, Bangladesh Collaboration: Asian Development Bank (ADB) Starting date: September 15, 2026 Completion date: February 15, 2027 Project description: This project supports ADB, under the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Program, in assessing and strengthening the ecosystem at and…
Previous Digital Public Infrastructure Inclusivity Measurement Programme Collaboration: Global Development Network (GDN) Starting date: September 01, 2026 Completion date: April 30, 2027 Project description: This project examines who is being left out of Bangladesh’s digital public infrastructure, and why. While the country has made notable progress in digital identity, public service delivery, and digital payments,…
Previous Final Evaluation of Strengthening Women’s Ability for Productive New Opportunities (SWAPNO II) Collaboration: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh Starting date: July 15, 2026 Completion date: November 14, 2026 Project description: This project is an independent final evaluation of SWAPNO II, a poverty graduation initiative implemented by the Local Government Division with UNDP support.…
Thinking Aloud: Volume XIII, Issue 5: October 1, 2026 This October issue looks at three areas where Bangladesh’s next phase of growth depends on domestic reform: trade policy, revenue mobilisation, and investment. As LDC graduation looms, protected markets, preferential access, and low wages are becoming harder to rely on. Lasting competitiveness will need better incentives,…
Policy Paper Series Employment-Centred Poverty Reduction in Bangladesh: Informal Work, Skills, Green Jobs and Social Insurance Citation: Raihan, S. (2026). Employment-Centred Poverty Reduction in Bangladesh: Informal Work, Skills, Green Jobs and Social Insurance. SANEM & Australian High Commission Policy Paper Series. SANEM Publications, Dhaka, Bangladesh. This policy paper argues that Bangladesh’s next phase of poverty…