The Daily Star.
Our Universities Face a Crisis Bigger than Graduate Employability
During my inaugural public lecture of the Education Reform Initiative (ERI) last month, I argued that the education system was failing to convert years of schooling into learning, skills, employment, and productivity—a broken chain that remains central to our graduate unemployment crisis. An exchange during the same event, however, pointed to another, less visible failure. […]
We Must Never Forget What Led to the July Mass Uprising
2 years of July Uprising
DU Must Trade Nostalgia for Measurable Excellence
The University of Dhaka (DU) observes its 105th anniversary on July 1, 2026. The celebrations are anchored to a deeply resonant theme: “Restoration of Democracy and Dhaka University in Higher Education"
Five Ideas to Turn PM’s Malaysia Visit into a Strategic Reset in Ties
Moving beyond traditional low-wage labor export, Bangladesh must pivot toward high-tech, skill-based economic alignment with Malaysia—leveraging engineering talent, semiconductor training, and academic reforms to build a modern strategic partnership.
The Economics of Todbir
Lobbying fills the gaps left by these weak institutions, providing protection where enforcement is arbitrary and speed where formal systems stall.
Will Turning Korail Into a High-Rise Solve the Problem? Not So Fast
Promising to replace Korail slum with modern high-rises overlooks complex realities like ambiguous land ownership and extreme density demands.
Why Seaport Reforms Must Begin at the Customs House
Bangladesh need a fully automated customs authority backed by a responsive governance system that ensures technology facilitates trade rather than obstructing it.
India Must Atone for Bangladesh’s Lost Decade
Bangladesh’s fight for democracy has been long and arduous. Having emerged from the shadows of dictatorship, the nation now seeks a partner, not a patron. For India, this is an opportunity to build a relationship rooted in equality, respect and shared aspirations.
Beyond the Formula: Why Inheritance Reform Must Be Gender-Just
The argument that men should receive more because they have responsibilities is not credible. Unequal inheritance becomes an unearned advantage.
Price Hike by Business Syndicate: Myth or Reality?
In recent weeks, the prices of vegetables have doubled or even tripled, sparking the usual chorus of complaints about price manipulation by so-called "syndicates." However, the real story behind this