Economics Study Center|University of Dhaka

Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) in collaboration with the Department of Economics, University of Dhaka, and the Economics Study Center (ESC), is going to organize a seminar titled:

“Recommendations for the National Budget: FY 2026–27”

🗓 Thursday, 21 May 2026
🕒 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Room 301, Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Dhaka

The seminar will feature a keynote presentation, followed by discussions on Bangladesh’s economic priorities by Dr. Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director of CPD and her team; and an open floor Q&A session.

Students, academics and all interested individuals are cordially invited to attend and take part in this important discussion on the national budget and the future of Bangladesh’s economy.

𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞: 𝟏𝟏:𝟓𝟗 𝐏𝐌, 𝟎𝟕 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

#ClearHerPath University Quiz Competition 2026: Bangladesh Chapter University Quiz Competition 2026: Bangladesh Chapter 20 May 2026, Dhaka 2026/05/20 09:00:00 Women’s economic participation remains one of the most pressing challenges in Bangladesh. From unpaid care work to social norms and limited opportunities, barriers still stand in the way. It.....

On April 7th, 2026 at the 7th Bangladesh Economics Summit (BES) 2026, the Economics Study Center (ESC) hosted a profoundly resonant panel discussion titled "Interventions for improving female labour force participation", a collaborative endeavor with BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD), to address the nuanced complexities of the labor market. This session, held in the Professor Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium, sought to reimagine the role of women in the 7th Bangladesh Economics Summit. The panel, moderated by Semab Rahman (Research Coordinator, BIGD), featured Marzuk A. N Hossain, Senior Research Associate, BIGD; Nuzaira Binte Neaz, Senior Research Associate, BIGD and Aloka Ahmed Oishy, Research Associate, BIGD

Semab Rahman opened the floor by setting the context of the 7th BES theme,"Beyond the Demographic Dividend: Structural Reform for Youth Employment and Sustainable Economic Growth. She added “According to the Labour Force Survey (LFS) of 2024, it is apparently evident that the female participation in the labour market is below 50%”.

Nuzaira Binte Neaz highlighted a stark imbalance in the labor force participation. While over 80% of men are active in the workforce, only 43% of capable women participate. She attributed this to structural barriers which are deeply rooted in social norms and the heavy unpaid burden of domestic care. She offered a provocative critique where she questioned if women are being pushed into traditional, "odd jobs" that are fundamentally incongruent with their need which is a factor that often renders standard skill training ineffective. To bypass these constraints, Ms. Neaz elucidated the digital economy and online freelancing as the ultimate "game-changers," which offers women a portal to the global market from the safety of their homes.She also added “Merely providing skills is not enough but how we utilize those skills is the paramount concern, especially within the context of Bangladesh".Presenting a study conducted with CodersTrust Bangladesh, Ms. Neaz detailed an RCT (Randomized Control Trial) involving 900 women. The 450 who received specialized training in graphic design and digital marketing showed profound resilience with an 18% increase in employment, a 27% increase in work duration and a formidable 38% rise in income.Despite Bangladesh being the world’s second-largest labor market for online work, Ms. Neaz noted that female participation remains disproportionately low. To combat the waning impact of short-term skills, she announced that BIGD is launching a longitudinal, five-year evaluation to ensure these interventions yield enduring success. She concluded by emphasizing that for any mentorship to thrive, the intervention must be deeply context-sensitive.

Aloka Ahmed Oishy’s discussion highlights a critical but often overlooked barrier to women’s empowerment which is the domestic constraint of childcare. While most conversations around gender equality focus on education and workplace pay, World Bank data reveals that over 50% of urban Bangladeshi women are forced to decline jobs because they have no one to care for their children at home. This issue is particularly acute for lower-income urban mothers who cannot afford expensive private daycares and find government facilities insufficient. Consequently, these women often succumb to social norms that use guilt to keep them at home or force them into low-paying, informal work where they can keep their children with them.To address this coordination failure, BRAC and BIGD have developed a home based daycare model currently being researched in Dhaka, Savar, Gazipur, and Tongi. This initiative identifies potential women within neighborhood clusters and trains them to manage professional daycare services from their own homes. This approach effectively creates a dual economic benefit that allows mothers to re-enter the workforce with peace of mind while simultaneously transforming the caregivers into self-sufficient entrepreneurs.The effectiveness of this model was demonstrated through a study of 344 mothers over six months which showed that even those outside the initial sample were eager to join once they verified the safety and quality of the care. The caregivers also expressed a strong desire to maintain their new businesses, proving the model's sustainability. Ultimately, the discussion argues for a fundamental shift in perspective, suggesting that childcare should not be viewed as a charitable welfare service rather as a piece of fundamental infrastructure necessary for any functioning economy.

Marzuk A. N. Hossain shared a deep perspective on the rural side's cycle of poverty. The idea of the study is Asset Transfer Program where the rural families are ranked through consultancy with the local community itself.When these families were finally given a chance to stand back, they weren't just given an asset but they were given a choice consisting of six different combinations of different assets like livestock or tools where most families chose the bundle of goods carefully picking the pieces they believed would build a better life.While this led to a 5.1% increase in their earnings.Although the study did not have much pleasing outcomes though it indeed had plenty of insightful observations which opened the eyes of the spectators into reality. Wealth doesn't always open the school door for those households. Even as families earned more, their children's grades and educational levels stayed the same. For many, the heavy chores of the farm and the need for extra hands pull children away from their books, showing that economic survival can take away the opportunity of studying despite having the abilities. It also proved that mortality rate can decrease while morbidity can go upwards, as the women living long had to spend most of the money into healthcare because of poor health. The study had enormous perspectives on rural poverty and the vicious cycle of it.The panel discussion concluded with a resourceful question answer session, where students and the esteemed discussants engaged in an insightful exchange of ideas which reaffirmed their commitment to a future where potential is never overlooked by gender.

The World Bank's Bangladesh Development Update paints a sobering picture of slowing growth, high inflation, a stressed banking sector and weak private investment threatening the economy. The current scenario demands urgent reforms in revenue, finance and the business environment to restore stability and deliver jobs.

Explore ideas on these findings with Dr. Dhruv Sharma, Senior Economist at the World Bank focused on South Asia's macroeconomy, trade and investment. This seminar will feature an engaging discussion on “Bangladesh Development Update: Enabling Business Environment that Delivers Jobs, April 2026”.

We are also honored to be joined by:
▫️Nazmus Sadat Khan, Senior Economist at the World Bank
▫️Sharmin Akhter Jahan, Consultant at the World Bank
▫️Mehrin A. Mahbub, Senior External Affairs Officer at the World Bank.
Together, they will bring diverse perspectives and expert insights to enrich the discussion.

Join us at the seminar jointly hosted by the World Bank and Economics Study Center (ESC), where a Q&A session will follow the presentation to deepen understanding, clarify doubt and exchange ideas on resolving the challenges discussed.

🗓 Date: Tuesday, 5 May 2026
🕐Time: 1:20 PM – 2:30 PM
📍Venue: Room 301, Department of Economics, University of Dhaka

"8 hours for work, 8 hours for rest, and 8 hours for what we will.”

In the late 19th century, this wasn't just a random slogan rather a demand that fueled a revolution. Long before May Day became a date on our calendars, it was a hard-fought battle on the streets of Chicago. A battle for self esteem, a battle for rights.

Today is the day to pay tribute to the "Martyrs of Haymarket" and the millions of workers around the globe without whom the world would get static in no time. Beyond the theories and the data, today is about the people. It’s a reminder that progress is only real when it honors the hands that build it.

From the heart of the Economics Study Centre (ESC), we salute the spirit of resilience and solidarity. Happy International Workers’ Day!

Caption: Nafisa Nawal Ahana
Design: Samiha Jabin Raina
Supervision: Md. Safwan Hossain Dibbo, Lamia Rahman

আজ পহেলা মে। শ্রমের মর্যাদা আর অধিকার আদায়ের রক্তঝরা ইতিহাসের সাক্ষী মে দিবস।
১৮৮৬ সালের শিকাগোর সেই সংগ্রাম আমাদের শিখিয়েছে ন্যায্য অধিকার ভিক্ষা করে নয় বরং আত্মমর্যাদার সাথে লড়াই করে আদায় করে নিতে হয়।

সভ্যতার প্রতিটি ইট যে মেহনতি মানুষগুলোর হাতে গাঁথা, তাদের আজও মুখোমুখি হতে হয় মজুরি বৈষম্য, অনিরাপদ কর্মপরিবেশ আর সামাজিক সুরক্ষাহীনতার। রানা প্লাজা ধসের মতো ঘটনাগুলো আমাদের মনে করিয়ে দেয় উন্নয়নের পথ এখনো সবার জন্য নিরাপদ নয়। শ্রমিকদের ন্যায্য অধিকার ও মানবিক মর্যাদা রক্ষায় সোচ্চার হওয়া এখন সময়ের দাবি। বৈষম্যহীন মজুরি ও নিরাপদ কর্মসংস্থানের মধ্য দিয়েই কেবল একটি ন্যায়ভিত্তিক অর্থনীতি গড়ে তোলা সম্ভব।

ইকোনমিকস স্টাডি সেন্টার (ইএসসি)-এর পক্ষ থেকে সবাইকে মহান মে দিবসের শুভেচ্ছা।

লেখা: শোহরাত মাহাপারা পূর্ণতা
অলংকরণ: সামিহা জাবিন রায়না
তত্ত্বাবধানে: মো. সাফওয়ান হোসেন দিব্য, লামিয়া রহমান

On April 7th, 2026, a stimulating panel discussion on " From Job Seekers to Change Makers: Unlocking Women’s Entrepreneurship in Bangladesh" took center stage at the 7th Bangladesh Economics Summit (BES) 2026 , organized by the Economics Study Center (ESC) at the University of Dhaka.

Moderated by Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha, Pro–Vice Chancellor and Professor of Economics, University of Dhaka, the panel featured distinguished experts:
Dr. Shaikh Mohammad Jobayed Hossain, Wing Chief, Youth Wing Joint Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Dr. Rubaiya Murshed, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, University of Dhaka, and Toufiqul Islam Khan, Additional Director (Research), Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).

Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha talked about the disconnect between academic teaching and the skills needed for entrepreneurship. Moreover, she pointed out that “the proportion of female students or workers reduces the higher up in the hierarchy” of the labour market that we can observe. She concluded by saying that issues of information asymmetry in technical training curricula make it difficult for students to use skills they learn there in the modern market.

Dr. Rubaiya Murshed proposed the question of how much of what students learn in schools is carried onto the labour market. She said: “We don’t dream big; we are supposed to do that, we are supposed to ask critical questions. University is supposed to teach you the values of how to contribute to knowledge, how to become a critical thinker, and compete in the global diaspora.” She also mentioned issues regarding the need to learn AI usage, gender inequality, and mental health

Dr. Shaikh Mohammad Jobayed Hossain introduced the problem of Bangladesh’s lack of human capital investment, being less than 1%, and the high proportion of NEETs. He mentioned the challenges in the market as being skill mismatches in entrepreneurial development by the government, an excess demand in the labour market, and gaps in labour policies. Finally, he highlighted that these issues are being considered by the government through technical training across 64 districts and the recent National Youth Entrepreneurship Development Policy 2025, which provides up to 10 lakh in loans at only 4% interest.

Mr. Toufiqul Islam Khan opened with an extremely insightful question: “What do we imagine as our youths when we close our eyes?” In this light, he talked about the structural disadvantages faced by women, especially agricultural workers, who struggle to be recognised for domain land policies. Furthermore, Bangladesh lags behind in digital transformation of the market, marked by a lack of access to PayPal or venture capital, which hinders entrepreneurs. He concluded by saying that: "The training focuses demanded 20 years ago have changed today. However, the government trainers themselves have generally remained stagnant in their skill bases. Could the same person who taught you to cut hair 20 years teach you to use AI today?”

The audience engaged in the panel discussion via questions covering concerns on a lack of information about trade licensing and tax filing among the youth, job circulars barring fresh graduates from applying, and rural students falling behind in the research sphere. Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha and Dr. Shaikh Mohammad Jobayed Hossain responded with policy suggestions for corporate internships and government support.

The panel discussion left the audience with a deeper insight into Bangladesh’s labour market especially for youths and women entrepreneurs, and Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha cemented the message of the discussion in her final comments: “Dream big, dream as you want to dream.”

The Opening and Publication Launch Ceremony of 7th Bangladesh Economics Summit (BES) 2026 was held on 7th April 2026 at the Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Dhaka.

Professor Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam, Vice Chancellor & Professor of the University of Dhaka; Professor Saima Haque Bidisha, Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Dhaka and Dr. Selim Raihan, Moderator of the Economics Study Center (ESC), Executive Director of South Asian Network on Economic Modelling (SANEM) and Professor Taiabur Rahman, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences of University of Dhaka were present as distinguished guests during the event.

The welcoming speech was delivered by Anirban Ghosh, the President of ESC. He thanked everyone involved with the event and hoped for the success of the summit.

The Chief Guest, Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam appreciated the publications, saying “People usually think of publishing a journal after completing their master’s degree but you, the young minds, showed great tenacity by publishing the journal beforehand”. He also stated that, attending such events will surely take the students out of institutional monotony and create a road for applying their knowledge on various fields, honing their skills for a better future. He appreciated the endeavor and hoped to see more like this in the future.

The special guest, Professor Saima Haque Bidisha hoped for a bright future for Bangladesh. She stated that our young enthusiasts consist of 34 percent of the total population and they have a bright future ahead addressing various obstructions in their journey. Even though they have great potential, still we have not tapped their utmost potential to the fullest. So, it's important that we address such challenges, obstructions and stretch our hand forward to provide them a proper trajectory to reach the acme of success.

Another special guest, the Dean of University of Dhaka, Taiabur Rahman, congratulated the students for the publication. He stated that the event combined three things. At first, academic knowledge and institution, then formation of the precious bonding of teachers and students and at last but not least, theory and research.

"মুছে যাক গ্লানি, ঘুচে যাক জরা,
অগ্নিস্নানে শুচি হোক ধরা।"

ক্যাম্পাসের চেনা রাস্তাগুলো যখন লাল-সাদার ভিড়ে নতুন করে সাজে, তখন কার সাধ্য আছে ক্লাসরুমের চার দেয়ালে নিজেকে আটকে রাখার? বৈশাখের এই ঝোড়ো হাওয়া আমাদের সবার মনে নিয়ে আসুক নতুন প্রাণ!

মুঘল সম্রাট আকবরের সময়কালে ফসল কাটার মৌসুম আর খাজনা আদায়ের সুবিধার্থে যে বঙ্গাব্দের সূচনা হয়েছিল, তা সময়ের সাথে সাথে আমাদের প্রাণের উৎসবে পরিণত হয়েছে। সেই ‘হালখাতা’র ঐতিহ্য থেকে আজ আমরা পৌঁছেছি পান্তা-ইলিশ আর মঙ্গল শোভাযাত্রার সার্বজনীনতায়। প্রজন্মের পর প্রজন্ম ধরে বদলে যাওয়া এই উদযাপনে যা বদলায়নি, তা হলো আমাদের প্রাণের স্পন্দন ও অসাম্প্রদায়িক চেতনা।

পহেলা বৈশাখ জাতি-ধর্ম-বর্ণ নির্বিশেষে প্রতিটি বাংলাদেশির উৎসব। এই আনন্দ শুধু সমতলেই সীমাবদ্ধ নয়, বরং পাহাড়ের বৈচিত্র্যময় সংস্কৃতিতেও মিশে আছে।আদিবাসীদের বিজু, সাংগ্রাই, বৈসু, বিষু, চাংক্রান- সব কটি উৎসবের সম্মিলিত রঙিন আভাস আমাদের এই নববর্ষকে পূর্ণতা দেয়। পাহাড়ি ঝরনা আর সমতলের ঢোলের বাদ্যে একাকার হয়ে একীভূত হয় পুরো বাংলাদেশ। তাই সব ব্যস্ততা দূরে সরিয়ে আজকের দিনটা না হয় তোলা থাক শুধুই আড্ডা আর প্রাণের উৎসবে মেতে ওঠার জন্য। ইকোনমিকস স্টাডি সেন্টার (ESC)-এর পক্ষ থেকে সবাইকে জানাই নতুন বছরের অনেক অনেক শুভেচ্ছা।
শুভ নববর্ষ ১৪৩৩!

ডিজাইন : লামিয়া রহমান
ক্যাপশন : নাফিসা নাওয়াল অহনা