Thinking Aloud: Volume XII, Issue 6: November 1, 2025

The November issue spotlights Bangladesh’s efforts to revive a slowing economy through a focused two-year recovery agenda, strengthen its manufacturing sector amid technological and trade shifts, and confront persistent gender wage gaps in RMG. Here’s what’s inside:

“Bangladesh Needs a Two-Year Economic Recovery Agenda” by Selim Raihan

This article argues that Bangladesh is facing weakened growth, rising poverty, stubborn inflation, and stalled investment amid political uncertainty and institutional fragility. To prevent further decline, it calls for a focused two-year recovery plan aimed at stabilizing the economy before deeper reforms. Key priorities include macroeconomic stabilization, realistic fiscal reform, restoring investor confidence, banking-sector discipline, and targeted social protection to shield vulnerable citizens. While Bangladesh cannot fix everything immediately, taking practical steps to control inflation and unlock investment can rebuild trust and lay the groundwork for longer-term transformation.

““From Growth to Stagnation: The Shifting Landscape of Bangladesh’s Manufacturing” by Dipa Das

The article explores Bangladesh’s evolving manufacturing sector, highlighting the challenges of jobless growth and gender disparities, particularly in the RMG sector. Automation and labor-saving technologies have reduced employment, especially for women, raising concerns about defeminization and wage gaps. With the LDC transition and external trade challenges ahead, the sector must invest in advanced technologies and skills development while ensuring gender equality for a sustainable future.

“Analyzing the Gender Wage Gap in Bangladesh’s Largest Exporting Sector” by Sheikh Tausif Ahmed

This article observes the persistent gender wage gap in Bangladesh’s RMG sector, where women earn less than men, even after adjusting for factors like education and experience. The gap is more evident at higher income levels, with gender-based discrimination contributing to much of the wage disparity. The article highlights the need for policies to address gender inequality and ensure fair wages for women in the sector.

Bangladesh now faces the urgent task of stabilizing a slowing economy, reinvigorating industry, and ensuring fair wages for those who drive its exports. This issue of Thinking Aloud examines how a focused recovery agenda, targeted industrial reforms, and renewed commitment to gender equity can help rebuild confidence and support shared prosperity. Dive into this insightful issue today!