Growth must translate into wellbeing, say speakers at research symposium

Staff CorrespondentBangladesh’s economic progress must be judged by its impact on people’s lives, speakers said at the Syed Humayun Kabir Memorial Research Symposium 2026, calling for evidence-based policy, stronger public institutions and greater attention to inequality.Delivering the keynote address virtually, internationally acclaimed economist Professor Kaushik Basu said Bangladesh could take a leading role among emerging economies by strengthening fairness, justice, the rule of law and democratic institutions.“GDP is not the only indicator; the real question is how progress translates into wellbeing,” said Professor Basu, a professor of economics at Cornell University and former Chief Economist of the World Bank.He also warned that the rise of artificial intelligence could create new forms of inequality, making the question of who benefits from progress more urgent.SAJIDA Foundation organised the daylong symposium in partnership with Banglar Pathshala Found...

57% insurance firms failing to pay claims unacceptable: Khosru

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Monday said 57 percent of the country's insurance companies are not paying policyholders' claims, calling the situation "deeply frustrating" for the country's insurance sector."If 57 out of 100 companies cannot settle customers' claims, that is in no way acceptable," he told reporters after visiting the office of the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA).The minister said irregularities, disorder...

Step Footwear launches 56 new products

Staff CorrespondentStep Footwear, one of Bangladesh’s popular homegrown footwear brands, has unveiled 56 new products across four categories, combining contemporary designs, comfort and innovative features.The new ...

DMP arrests 564 across the capital in 24 hours

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested 564 people during routine operations across the capital in the last 24 hours until 8:00am on Friday.A total of 58 cases were filed during the period, said DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media and Public Relations) Md Akhtar Hossain.Of the total arrests, 26 were made in Ramna Division, 40 in Lalbagh, 79 in Wari, 77 in Motijheel, 114 in Tejgaon, 153 in Mirpur, 36 in Gulshan, 35 in Uttara Division and four by the Detective Branch.During the operations, law enforcers recovered 2,194 Yaba tablets, 3.7 kg of cannabis, 62 grams of heroin, six mobile phones, seven pairs of stolen shoes, 200.15 grams of gold jewellery and 1,000 pieces of coloured paper.The DC said further legal action against the arrestees is underway, reports UNB....

Sheikh Hasina ‘World’s Best Actress’: Speaker Hafiz

Asif Nazrul blamed for Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup absence

Former Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul was responsible for Bangladesh’s decision not to participate in the 2026 T20 World Cup, according to a report by a government-appointed investigation committee.The 22-page report was released on Tuesday at a press conference held at the National Sports Council. The three-member committee was formed in March to investigate why Bangladesh did not take part in the tournament.The committee was headed by Dr A K M Oli Ullah, additional secretary of the Administration Wing of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Its other members were Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Faisal Dastagir and former national captain and current chief selector Habibul Bashar.Speaking at the press conference, Dastagir said the committee had reviewed relevant information, spoken to people involved and examined media reports before reaching its conclusion.“Based on what emerged from the investigation and discussions with the relevant people, the person responsible for Bangladesh not travelling to the World Cup was then Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul,” Dastagir said. “The government at the time and he are responsible.”He added that Bangladesh should have participated in the World Cup.The report said the committee interviewed 12 people and included summaries of their statements. Those interviewed included Bangladesh’s T20 captain Litton Das and Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.From the cricket administration, the committee spoke to former national captain and current Bangladesh Cricket Board president Tamim Iqbal Khan, former B...

Turning investment plans into reality: Implementation is the real challenge

The government’s ambitious plans to improve the cost and ease of doing business, attract foreign investment, diversify exports and promote balanced industrialisation across the country are certa...

From letters to logistics: A new role for postal service

The Directorate of Posts deserves appreciation for turning an old public institution into a potentially important player in the country’s logistics sector. Its Speed Post service, which transported around 400 tonnes of goods in just two months,...

KFC's 'Eidi for Angels' Spreads Eid Joy to Underprivileged Kids

To stem the scourge of smoking, follow the science, not the dogma

Benefits of Having an Oven in Your Kitchen