Prominent Bangladeshi economists have voiced significant concerns regarding the country’s trade agreements with the United States, the foreign policy priorities of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), social protection frameworks, tax collection, and overall governance. These observations were shared during a webinar titled “100 Days of the BNP Government,” organised by the Centre for Social Research on Thursday night, 21 May 2026.
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Shifting the Economic Compass Towards Asia
The panel of experts argued that Bangladesh must undergo a fundamental restructuring of its foreign trade and diplomatic policies. They emphasised that such a realignment is essential to account for the current reality of Asia-centric economic growth. The economists suggested that while maintaining global relations is vital, the nation’s strategic focus should pivot more decisively towards the burgeoning markets and manufacturing hubs within the Asian continent to ensure sustainable prosperity.
Key Areas of Concern
During the session, the speakers highlighted several critical pillars of the national economy that require immediate attention:
Foreign Policy and Trade: Evaluating the implications of bilateral agreements with the US and ensuring they do not compromise national interest.
Revenue Generation: Addressing the persistent challenges in tax collection to reduce reliance on external debt.
Governance and Accountability: Strengthening institutional frameworks to ensure transparency within the first 100 days of the administration.
Social Safety Nets: Enhancing social protection programmes to buffer the vulnerable population against global economic volatility.
Participant Contributions
The webinar was moderated by the distinguished economist Dr M.M. Akash. The discussion featured a highly respected panel, including:
Professor Rehman Sobhan: Noted for his extensive work on economic independence and regional cooperation.
Professor Anu Muhammad: A vocal advocate for national resource management and equitable growth.
Professor Mustafizur Rahman: Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), specialising in trade and regional integration.
Dr Selim Raihan: Executive Director of the South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM).
Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir: Professor and current Finance and Planning Adviser to the Prime Minister.
Comparative Economic Priorities
The following table outlines the primary focus areas identified by the experts during the webinar:
| Priority Area | Key Issue Identified | Recommended Strategic Action |
| Foreign Trade | Over-reliance on Western markets. | Diversify trade towards Asian growth centres. |
| Fiscal Policy | Inefficient tax collection mechanisms. | Implement comprehensive tax reforms and digitisation. |
| Social Security | Inadequate coverage for the poor. | Expand social safety nets and ensure transparent delivery. |
| Diplomacy | US trade treaty complexities. | Strengthen negotiation capacity and safeguard sovereignty. |
| Governance | Institutional weakness. | Ensure bureaucratic accountability and judicial independence. |
The consensus among the speakers was that the “100-day” milestone serves as a critical period for the government to demonstrate its commitment to structural reforms. They warned that without a clear, data-driven roadmap that prioritises regional realities and domestic governance, the country faces significant hurdles in maintaining its economic momentum. The webinar concluded with a call for the government to engage more deeply with academic and policy experts to refine its economic strategies.