The Department of Economics of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) organized the 5th Economics Lecture Series on December 5, 2024. The lecture, titled “Bangladesh in Transition – Macroeconomic Challenges and Imperatives,” featured Dr. Mahfuz Kabir, Research Director of the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), as the distinguished guest speaker.

Dr. Kabir’s presentation explored critical aspects of Bangladesh’s socio-economic developments, focusing on increased domestic production and remittance inflows while addressing challenges such as global economic pressures, trade wars, inflation, and rising food prices. He emphasized the nation’s anticipated graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category to developing nation status by 2026 and the corresponding implications.

Key insights included the current inflation rate of 10%, the average bank interest rate of 12.55%, and the financial struggles faced by farmers. Dr. Kabir also highlighted the contrasting realities of Bangladesh’s banking sector, with 11 banks facing challenges and 46 others maintaining surplus liquidity. The interim government’s financial reforms were also discussed as a measure to ensure economic stability.

A notable focus was the July-August Revolution, which led to significant socio-economic shifts. The lecture addressed how these changes impact income inequality and broader socioeconomic conditions.

The session concluded with a question-and-answer segment where students actively participated, raising insightful questions about the food price index, banking challenges, and the interplay between socioeconomic factors and inequality.

Dr. Md. Khaled Saifullah, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Economics, delivered the closing remarks. The department recognized Dr. Kabir’s valuable contribution by presenting him with a token of appreciation.

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