The evolving global order and changing geo-economic landscape present both challenges and opportunities for developing countries, as highlighted by renowned economist Wahiduddin Mahmud. He shared his insights during a public lecture titled “Evolving Global Order and Geo-economics: Implications for Less Developed Countries” at the annual BIDS (Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies) conference in Dhaka. Thailand keen on FTA with Bangladesh as soon as possible The session, moderated by Policy Research Institute Chairman Zaidi Sattar, featured discussions with key figures including Selim Raihan, Executive Director of SANEM (South Asian Network on Economic Modelling), and Dr. Binayak Sen, Director General of BIDS. Mahmud emphasized the significance of strong public support for governments to align political and foreign economic interests effectively. He pointed out that this support is crucial in tackling the exploitation of developing countries by multinational companies. He also noted the distinct nature of the current geopolitical tensions between superpowers, particularly the US and China, compared to the Cold War era. High-level Saudi business delegation in Dhaka to explore investment opportunities here Discussing the economic strategies of Vietnam and China, Mahmud illustrated how government involvement in privatized sectors can yield benefits. Zaidi Sattar reflected on the shift from globalization to economic nationalism, observing that even advocates of globalization are adopting protectionist policies. This, he suggested, requires deep consideration by developing countries in crafting their economic strategies. Selim Raihan commented on Bangladesh's historical non-involvement in geopolitics and its emerging role as a significant player amidst global power conflicts. FBCCI will support steel industry to increase exports to Commonwealth nations Overall, the discussions at the BIDS conference underscored the need for developing countries like Bangladesh to carefully navigate the new global order, balancing internal economic policies with external geopolitical pressures.

Dr Binayak Sen has been appointed as the director general of the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), the state-backed development think-tank. "I took over here officially today. I will serve the institution for the next three years," he told UNB.  He succeeds Khan Ahmed Sayeed Murshid. Earlier, Dr Sen was a Research Director at the institution. He came from Bianibazar of Sylhet.  Also read: BIDS publishes ‘Readings in Bangladesh Development’ "I will try to speed up the activities of BIDS. I hope its reputation would spread across the globe in future," he also said. Dr Binayak joined BIDS in 1986. He has worked with poverty, income disparity and human development for long. He gathered a lot of experience to work in the labour market, social safety net, good governance and political economics etc. Also read: 13pc people lost jobs due Covid-19 pandemic: BIDS Around 70 research reports were published in local and international journals, according to him. Dr Sen worked as senior economist at the World Bank's head office from 2004-2009. He completed his MA in Economics from the Moscow State University and did PhD in Economics from the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) commemorated Bangabandhu’s birth centenary by publishing two volumes of a “Readings in Bangladesh Development” on Wednesday.

The coronavirus outbreak has left around 20,000 workers in Khulna city without a job over the last four months and forced the closure of 20 percent business establishments.

About 13 percent people have become unemployed in the country due to Covid-19 pandemic, according to a survey of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS).