MS Siddiqui | Page-2 | Daily Observer

Proposed US tariff leaves our RMG sector in limbo

MS Siddiqui

The recent decision of US Trump administration to impose a 35% tariff on Bangladesh's exports has sparked concerns regarding its potential effects on the nation's economy. Higher tax shall increase costs of products and shall force US buyers to shift orders to countries with lower tariff burdens. The Bangladeshi economy, which relies heavily on RMG ...

CP becomes so bungling and bureaucratic

MS Siddiqui

The geographic location of Chattogram port (CP) creates the opportunity of easy and cost-effective foreign trade to be carried out through this port with all the South Asian countries as well as other Asian countries.Chittagong port is in a lucrative position in Bay of Bengal that attracted by the landlocked countries Nepal and Bhutan and ...

Bond facilities benefit our RMG industries

MS Siddiqui

Exports are sales beyond borders and cost is a factor in export trade. It is not easy to promote. Exporters continue to suffer from lack of market diversification and policy makers widely talking for diversification of products and markets."Experts" frequently suggest for diversification of products and markets without focusing on obstacle thereof. Our success story RMG ...

Difference between social business and commercial venture

MS Siddiqui

Increasing inequality is a serious issue in developing countries. Both social and economic disparities are growing-while the rich are becoming wealthier, the middle class is shrinking, and the poor are struggling to survive. Free-market capitalism is thriving almost unchallenged across the globe, bringing unprecedented prosperity to many. Yet, half of the world's population still lives ...

An overview of proposed budget 2025-'26

MS Siddiqui

The interim government, led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, has proposed a national budget of Tk 7.90 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2025-26. This budget, presented by Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, is notable as the first in Bangladesh's history to decrease in size, down by 0.9% from the previous year's Tk 7.97 lakh ...

Some proposals for amending the Competition Act

MS Siddiqui

The government of Bangladesh has undertaken an important initiative to amend the Bangladesh Competition Commission Act, 2012. In light of the country's evolving socio-economic context-marked by rapid digitalization, demographic transition, and the upcoming graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in November 2026-it is timely and essential to revisit and modernize this legislation. A good ...

Is pension a social safety net?

MS Siddiqui

The ILO's Social Protection Floors Recommendation, 2012 observed that social protection is a human right. Social protection may impact on the extent of poverty by either preventing individuals from falling into poverty or by assisting them in escaping it. It is a necessity for development, a tool for reducing social exclusion, an investment in workers' ...

Why our income inequality rising significantly

MS Siddiqui

Many factors contribute to today's rising inequality. The gradual decline in completion is the major factor for raising inequality. The powerful lobby has taken over the development project contracts with active support of regulators. The rise of winner-take-all-economies in business, music, sports, film, and many other fields, misrule and above all corruption. Furthermore monopoly, like most forms ...

Bangladesh needs AMC to manage default loans

MS Siddiqui

Despite one of the best loan recovery laws in the world, financial institutes are unable to recover the loan from the borrowers. The banking sector continues to face challenges, including rising non-performing loans (NPLs), which are likely to exceed 30 percent of total outstanding loans by June this year (2025), raising serious concerns according to ...

Reform NBR for tax justice

MS Siddiqui

The Tax to GDP of Bangladesh is one of the lowest in Asia. All the stakeholders have a consensus on the necessity of a comprehensive reform in NBR to meet the growing demand arising from higher expenditure needs and lack of external resources from desired sources. In developing countries, any reform takes time and faces ...