Thinking Aloud: Volume XI, Issue 12: May 1, 2025
The latest issue of Thinking Aloud explores Bangladesh’s post-LDC transition, focusing on private sector empowerment, governance reforms, and new investment opportunities shaping the country’s economic future in 2025. Here’s what’s inside:
First Page: “Empowering Bangladesh’s Private Sector: Three Post-LDC Strategies”
The first article highlights how Bangladesh’s private sector must evolve to sustain growth after LDC graduation. It emphasizes the urgent need to improve access to finance, boost industrial productivity through technology, and build human capital and entrepreneurial skills. Without strategic reforms in these areas, Bangladesh risks falling short of its upper-middle-income aspirations. The article calls for targeted policy actions to create a competitive, future-ready private sector capable of driving innovation, investment, and sustainable development.
Second Page: “A Bird’s Eye View of The Task Force Committee”
The second article reviews Bangladesh’s reform efforts following the political shift of August 2024. It highlights some early successes, such as BRTA improvements and investment facilitation, but notes that many key reforms remain stalled. The article stresses that real progress will require strong political will, institutional strengthening, and learning from past failures to create lasting change.
Third Page: “Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025: Big Promises Amid Fragile Realities”
The third article reflects on the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025, highlighting ambitious promises to attract foreign investment amid political uncertainty. While efforts to improve the business climate were praised, real concerns persist about institutional weaknesses, investor confidence, and the gap between commitments and actual outcomes.
Fourth Page: Recap of March 2025 Events.
Bangladesh stands at a crossroads where bold reforms, stronger institutions, and private sector empowerment are essential to secure sustainable growth after LDC graduation. Thinking Aloud brings you the voices, ideas, and strategies shaping this transformation. Be part of the transformation — explore the May issue today!
