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Title: The Inflation-Unemployment Trade-Off in Bangladesh: Empirical Insights for Accelerating Progress towards Zero Poverty (SDG 1)

Abstract: This study empirically investigates the inflation-unemployment trade-off in Bangladesh and assesses its implications for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG 1) of zero poverty. High inflation erodes the real income of the poor, while unemployment directly limits earning capabilities, making the interplay between these variables a central determinant of poverty reduction. Using annual time-series data from 1990 to 2024, we employ an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to test for the existence and stability of a long-run relationship. Our findings confirm a significant short-run trade-off but reveal that this relationship is unstable and weakens in the long run, suggesting that other structural factors dominate. The results indicate that unanticipated inflationary shocks disproportionately harm the poor, and persistent unemployment remains a formidable barrier to inclusive growth. The study concludes that a singular focus on either price stability or employment generation is insufficient for attaining SDG 1. Instead, Bangladesh requires an integrated policy framework that combines prudent monetary policy to control the inflation rate with targeted fiscal measures, investments in human capital, and productive sector diversification to generate new employment opportunities. This holistic approach is essential to effectively manage the trade-off and accelerate progress towards eliminating poverty.

By Shuvongkor Kumar Datta, S.K.S. Yadav, Jubair Ansary, Ariful Islam
In Volume: 14,Issue: 2
Title: Liquidity Crisis in the Banking Sector: Actions, Implementation, and Solutions: Bangladesh Perspective

Abstract: This research report provides an in-depth analysis of the persistent liquidity crisis within Bangladesh's banking sector. Characterized by a severe shortage of available cash to meet obligations, the crisis threatens financial stability and long-term economic growth. The study identifies the multifaceted causes of the crisis, which are predominantly rooted in systemic governance failures rather than external shocks. Key factors include alarming levels of Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) driven by poor credit governance and willful defaults, a declining trend in deposit growth, significant capital flight, and foreign currency mismanagement. The report assesses the profound impacts of this crisis, including constrained credit flow to productive sectors, erosion of public trust, and heightened systemic risk. It evaluates recent regulatory interventions by Bangladesh Bank, such as the unification of weak banks and the introduction of the Bank Resolution Ordinance 2025. Through analytical review, the report concludes that while these are positive steps, their long-term efficacy depends on rigorous implementation. The study recommends a holistic strategy encompassing stringent governance reforms, aggressive NPL resolution through asset reconstruction companies, monetary and fiscal policy coordination, technological integration for transparency, and confidence-building measures to attract deposits. The findings underscore that a sustainable solution requires unwavering political will to address deep-seated institutional corruption and mismanagement.

By Selina Akhter
In Volume: 14,Issue: 2
Title: Redefining Trade Relations: The Effect of Atmanirbhar Bharat on India’s Imports and Exports with China

Abstract: This research explores the impact of India's Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) policy on its trade relations with China, emphasising their role in global supply chains. It analyses changes in trade patterns, import dependency, export results, and sectoral shifts since the policy's 2020 implementation. By combining quantitative data with qualitative evaluations, the study reveals that the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative has introduced strategic measures for import substitution, supply chain diversification, and domestic industry support, focusing on enhancing local manufacturing, technological innovation, and entrepreneurship. The study highlights India's structural trade imbalances with China, driven by its significant demand for intermediate goods and capital equipment crucial for manufacturing. This dependence poses challenges to India's self-reliance and complicates trade relations in a globalised economy. The paper offers policy recommendations to enhance trade resilience and competitiveness against Chinese imports, including investing in infrastructure, promoting research and development, and forming strategic international partnerships to mitigate trade imbalances and support sustainable growth.

By Arvind Kumar Yadav, Nitin Kumar
In Volume: 14,Issue: 2
Title: Military Presence of United States in Korean Peninsula Conflict and Intensification of Nuclear Development Programme by North Korea

Abstract: In the last decades, the Korean Peninsula has remained a region of constant political conflict and worrisome instability. In recent times, the tension between North and South Koreas has gathered momentum following North Korea’s nuclear development programmes and subsequent display of military prowess by both Koreas in a fashion that is characteristic of arms race of the Cold War era. The United States has wielded into the situation in the Peninsula to the effect of ending the catastrophic nuclearization. This has ballooned the historical conflict between the United States and North Korea. The paper examines Military Presence of United States in Korean Peninsula Conflict and Intensification of Nuclear Development Programme by North Korea, in order to ascertain if the continuous military presence of United States in the Korean Peninsula as sustained by Biden’s Presidency contributes to the intensification of catastrophic nuclear weapons development programme by North Korea. The study adopted the ’Realist Theory’ as its anchor blue-print in a pragmatic effort to explain why the engagement between the two states remain largely hostile. The study adopted content analysis for the purpose of analyzing documented materials generated through secondary sources of data collection as well as the qualitative method of data analysis. The findings show the serial and catastrophic worsening of United States and North Korea conflict with the unabated military presence of United States in Korean Peninsula and how it has intensified nuclear development programme by North Korea. Recommendations were proffered along these findings as follows, the need for reduction in the high military presence of the US in Korean Peninsula which the government of North Korea perceived as a threat to the national security of North Korea. The facts shows that North Korea will continue to feel threatened so long as the US heavy military remain in the Korean Peninsula.

By Fortunetus Izuchukwu Oguwuike
In Volume: 14,Issue: 2
Title: Comparative Analysis of Risk Management Strategies for Non-Performing Assets: A Case Study of SBI and ICICI Bank in India

Abstract: This study examines the differential approach to risk management strategies concerning Non-Performing Assets (NPA) within India's two foremost banks – the Indian Public Sector Bank, State Bank of India (SBI) and the Indian Private Sector Bank, ICICI Bank. While comparing the two banks, using a mixed-method approach, the research combines quantitative analysis of trends in financial indicators (Gross and Net NPA ratios, Provision Coverage Ratio and Return on Assets) and a qualitative analysis of credit appraisal and monitoring and recovery frameworks. Data from 2010-2025 were taken from RBI publications, annual reports and credible academic studies, so there was authenticity and reliability of data. Findings show that SBI's recovery centered reforms such as better provisioning (PCR increase from 70.88% to 75%), restructuring under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and improved post-sanction monitoring have led to a reduction in Gross NPAs by 47% and significant improvement in profitability (ROA increased from 0.48% to 1.1%). On the other hand , ICICI Bank's proactive and technology-driven risk model, with AI-driven early warning systems, digitised credit scoring and stringent underwriting, regularly maintained low NPAs (down from 3.05% to 1.67%) and enhanced profitability (ROA doubling to 2.0%). Correlation study reports we see that there is a very strong inverse relationship between NPAs, provisioning, Net NPA ratio and profitability (r approx –0.9) which means as NPAs and provisioning go up Net NPA ratio and profitability goes down. This is proof that what we put in place for credit assessment, early identification and recovery does in fact directly improve banks’ performance. We found out that what made SBI successful was its recovery and restructurizing which made ICICI’s success was in prevention and technology based monitoring. Also brought to light is the fact that what is key in the Indian banking system is the integration between AI, data analysis and good governance which banks use in risk management and in the end in the maintenance of asset quality in a sustainable way.

By Achintya Kumar Gupta, Narendra Pal Singh
In Volume: 14,Issue: 2
Title: Digital Trade and E-commerce Reshaping Global Trade Architecture in the 21st Century

Abstract: The rapid proliferation of digital technologies has fundamentally transformed the global trade landscape, with e-commerce and digital trade emerging as dominant forces reshaping traditional trade architectures. This paper examines the multifaceted impact of digital trade and e-commerce on global trade structures, analyzing key trends, challenges, and policy implications. Through comprehensive analysis of empirical data and theoretical frameworks, we demonstrate how digital platforms have reduced transaction costs, democratized access to international markets, and created new regulatory challenges. Our findings indicate that digital trade now accounts for a significant portion of global GDP, with cross-border e-commerce growing at unprecedented rates. However, this transformation has also highlighted critical issues including digital divides, data governance concerns, and the need for updated international trade frameworks. This research contributes to understanding how digital trade is reconfiguring global value chains and what policy interventions are necessary to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth in the digital economy.

By Pankaj Yadav
In Volume: 14,Issue: 2