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Zeauddin Ahmed

  • Economist

Former Managing Director of Bangladesh Bank and Former Managing Director of The Security Printing Corporation (Bangladesh) Limited, or Takshal 

If interim government doesn’t set an example in reform, it won't happen again
interim government
State and Politics

If interim government doesn’t set an example in reform, it won't happen again

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the caretaker government, has placed excessive emphasis on reform. He clearly stated, “Not flimsy reform, not superficial reform, but fundamental reform. We will do it in such a way that no one will be able to undo it.” He also remarked, “My only concern is reform. Debate all you want about what the reforms will be, but let’s not hold an election without reform… Don't miss this opportunity.” His words are commendable; however, they are not grounded in the realities of the situation. He dreams, but in trying to realize those dreams, he faces disillusionment. His claim that he will make reform irreversible is rooted more in emotion than in practical reality.

When will Bangladesh overcome the culture of denial?
overcome the culture of denial.
State and Politics

When will Bangladesh overcome the culture of denial?

On April 1, 2025, The New York Times published a report titled “Islamist Hardliners Seize Opportunity to Shape New Bangladesh.” The Press Wing of the interim government’s Chief Advisor termed the report “misleading,” claiming it highlighted selective incidents without considering the broader reality of Bangladesh’s current situation, thereby creating confusion on the global stage.

Attacks on foreign brands have ruined the country's image
Attacks on foreign brands have ruined the country's image
Diplomacy

Attacks on foreign brands have ruined the country's image

Of course, Hamas has driven this violent man crazy. Due to its excessive confidence and belief in its own power, Hamas has suddenly attacked inside Israel and killed, tortured, and taken hostage Israeli civilians. In retaliation, Israeli soldiers are shooting wherever there is movement inside Gaza, silencing it. There is no hesitation in the words of the Israeli soldiers, Hamas fighters killed them in October 2023, now they are killing Palestinians. One soldier said, ‘We came to kill them. We are killing their wives, children, dogs, cats - everything.'

The date of receiving new notes
The date of receiving new notes
Bank

The date of receiving new notes

On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, Bangladesh Bank has suspended the exchange of fresh notes. The reason behind this is that they no longer want to issue notes bearing the portrait of Bangabandhu. While this decision aligns with the spirit of the mass uprising, it has left people without fresh notes this Eid, which contradicts the new spirit of the movement. Relatives and friends are constantly requesting fresh notes, assuming that, as a former employee of Bangladesh Bank, I might be able to procure some despite the restrictions. Even ardent supporters of the uprising desire fresh notes and have no objections to those bearing Bangabandhu’s portrait. The people of Chattogram, in particular, have a high demand for fresh notes; to them, fresh notes are as essential as their traditional Mezban feast. The tradition of giving and receiving Eidi during Eid feels incomplete without fresh notes, as old and worn-out notes are considered unsuitable and unacceptable for this practice. Children, too, may miss out on Eidi this year due to the unavailability of fresh notes. Consequently, Bangladesh Bank’s decision has disrupted the long-standing tradition of fresh note exchanges during the Eid festival.

Fresh notes must be issued even if not for Eid
Fresh notes
Economics

Fresh notes must be issued even if not for Eid

On March 10, 2025, Bangladesh Bank issued a circular instructing all its offices to refrain from distributing fresh notes to the public for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr and to conduct all transactions using recirculated notes. The same directive also applied to transactions among Bangladesh Bank officials and employees. This means that no fresh notes will be issued during the upcoming Eid. However, just a few days earlier, Bangladesh Bank had issued another circular stating that fresh notes would be issued from March 19. The contradiction between these two circulars suggests that Bangladesh Bank was forced to abandon its initial plan.

Irresponsible statements about banks
Irresponsible statements about banks
Economics

Irresponsible statements about banks

The Governor of Bangladesh Bank, Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, made a straightforward statement: despite strong efforts, some banks cannot be saved. Why can’t they be saved? Because in some banks, 87% of the loans were taken by a single family, and this money will never be recovered. This kind of statement is not new. As soon as he took office as Governor, he started declaring that several banks were bankrupt. Panic ensued, and depositors rushed to withdraw their money. Branch managers had to shut their doors to control the chaos. Those with softer hearts tried to calm customers by consoling them.