Thinking Aloud: Volume XII, Issue 9: February 1, 2026

This special February issue of Thinking Aloud focuses on the economic choices facing Bangladesh’s next government at a moment of heightened uncertainty and expectation. With growth slowing, inflation lingering, investment confidence weakened, and inequality rising, this edition examines the priorities that will determine whether Bangladesh can move beyond crisis management toward inclusive and sustainable recovery. Here’s what’s inside:

“The Economy the Next Government Inherits, and What It Must Do Differently” by Selim Raihan

The article outlines the economic challenges the next government in Bangladesh will inherit, arguing that recent stabilization masks deep structural weaknesses such as slow growth, persistent inflation, weak investment, financial sector fragility, and rising inequality. It stresses that relying solely on tight monetary policy has failed to curb inflation and instead constrained productive investment, calling for a more balanced approach combining supply-side reforms, realistic exchange rate management, and restored investor confidence. The piece highlights urgent priorities including repairing the banking sector, mobilizing domestic revenue, diversifying production and exports ahead of LDC graduation, and placing jobs, skills, and youth employment at the center of policy. It also emphasizes strengthening social protection, improving public services, and embedding climate resilience into development planning. The article concludes that Bangladesh stands at a decisive moment where purposeful reforms not incremental fixes are essential to move from crisis management toward inclusive and sustainable growth.

Bangladesh now stands at a defining political and economic moment, where the choices of the next government will shape growth, equity, and stability for years to come. This special issue of Thinking Aloud highlights the reforms needed to move from short-term firefighting toward long-term transformation and to rebuild trust between the state, markets, and citizens. Explore this thought provoking issue today!