BANGLADESH enjoys a big comparative advantage compared to many other countries in producing and exporting a wide range of agro based products to the world's markets where there is a huge and growing demand for the same.

The global financial and economic crisis started in 2007 as an aftermath of the housing sector bubble coupled with aggressive lending practices in the US sub-prime mortgage market and lax regulation of the financial sector.

On one hand we have the standards set by the sole quality control institute of Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), while on the other we have those laid down by the Pure Food Rules, 1967.

Banking sector is an important component of the financial system that mobilises resources for productive investments in a country which in turn contributes to economic development.

On August 15, India's Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a national mission of financial inclusion. Called the Prime Minister's People's Wealth Programme, it envisions bank accounts for all Indians. In its first phase, ending August 14, 2015, the target is 7.5 crore accounts.

Capital market plays an important role in the economic development of a country. Research studies conducted worldwide indicate that there is a high degree of positive correlation between the size of the capital market measured in terms of market capitalisation and the level of economic development. In case of Bangladesh, the capital market's movement is not only important for economic development but it is also important in the context of maintaining social harmony and ensuring a healthy political atmosphere.

Dhaka stock market started functioning in 1956. Sixty years have passed since then. But the Bangladesh stock market remained immature and failed to be an important force in shaping the economy of the country.

Those who say that the Bangladesh capital market has already had enough reforms and also the policy support, they are mainly outsiders; they did not have any stake in the market directly.

IT is with great pleasure that we present to you a three-part special supplement series beginning today to mark the 24th founding anniversary of The Daily Star.

Following the worldwide pattern of a limited role of government in industrial and commercial activities and divesting of government owned enterprises into private hands; Bangladesh too has been doing this for decades.

Depending on the operation, responsibility and relationship(s) among MFS SolutionProvider and customers mainly two types of mobile financial services (Bank-led and Non-Bank-led) are followed worldwide.

Bangladesh will be a role model for Mobile Financial Services globally if the present trend of growth continues, said Bangladesh Bank Governor Atiur Rahman.

bKash, a subsidiary of BRAC Bank, provides safe, convenient and easy ways to make payments and money transfer services via mobile phones to both the unbanked and the banked people of Bangladesh.

There are a number of systemic challenges in the mobile banking sector in Bangladesh that exist today. In this article, I will enumerate what I think are the top-5 systemic challenges. To be sure, there are more than five systemic challenges in this sector. But, the five challenges I identify here may be considered binding constraints – overcoming these will pave the path forward for addressing many of the other challenges.

Like any fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), two key critical factors can “make or break” your business dream in mobile financial services. First is the Product Development & Marketing and the second but equally important is building a “Quality Distribution/Agent Network”. Today, I'll touch upon building a “Sustainable Quality Agent Network” for effective and compliant mobile financial service delivery.

Bangladesh has garnered attention as one of the most favored destination for investment and economic growth across the world. Numerous economic and financial publications have stated the immense potential of Bangladesh, given the highly adaptive, low-cost and educated workforce the country has to offer.

Bangladesh began its mobile banking journey in 2011. The primary goal of mobile banking, also commonly referred to as mobile financial services (MFS), is financial inclusion – reaching the unbanked population with appropriate financial services.

Mobile Financial Service (MFS) is becoming popular at a faster rate in Bangladesh than many of us could comprehend. At a gradually growing pace, more and more Bangladeshis are coming under the network, and even more are expected to avail the service in the coming days once banks start coming up with better offers.