Thinking Aloud: Volume X, Issue 12: May 1, 2024

The theme of the May 2024 issue of Thinking Aloud is “Contemporary Development Challenges and Opportunities in Bangladesh”. The first page article, “Food insecurity: How concerned should we be?” analyses the persistent high inflationary pressures heightening concerns regarding the erosion of food security in Bangladesh. The article further examines this conundrum through discussing a recent survey conducted by SANEM. In 2018, SANEM executed a nationally representative survey covering 10,500 households across Bangladesh. During October and November 2023, SANEM, in partnership with the Global Development Institute (GDI) at the University of Manchester, embarked on another round of surveys with the same sample uncovering important insights related to the food security situation in the country. Ultimately, the article concludes, a multifaceted approach that integrates economic, environmental, and social strategies will be essential for achieving long-term food security in Bangladesh, fostering a resilient society capable of withstanding future challenges. The second, third, and fourth pages of this issue present three more articles. The second article titled “Economic governance in Bangladesh” argues that implementing appropriate measures in the short to medium term is crucial for enhancing the integrity and functionality of the nation’s economic governance. As Bangladesh strives to align with its long-term development goals and establish a resilient economy, it is imperative to address these issues head-on. The third article titled, “How far along has Bangladesh come in terms of digital commerce?” appraises the digital commerce landscape in Bangladesh. The article remarks that the country’s digital commerce sector has been expanding steadily over the years, yet several hurdles and limitations have been observed in the sector. The fourth article titled, “Startup landscape in Bangladesh: Challenges and way forward” examines the startup sector in Bangladesh. The article contemplates that with the vision to advancing towards ‘Smart Bangladesh’ by embracing digital transformation and innovation, the startup scene in Bangladesh is experiencing a rise. The fourth page showcases the events of April 2024.