The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) today demanded an "investment-friendly atmosphere" to restore business confidence, citing concerns among entrepreneurs due to an unstable law and order situation.
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As the global population steadily climbs toward 9 billion, crop roduction has taken center stage in the fight to ensure food security and economic stability. In Bangladesh and around the world, farmers, scientists, and policymakers are working together to overcome environmental challenges and increase agricultural yields. Crop production—the process of growing food, fiber, and fuel crops—remains the backbone of agriculture. From rice and wheat to maize, potatoes, and oilseeds, these crops form the primary food source for billions. However, rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and soil degradation are making traditional farming methods less effective. Climate Change Threatens Output Over the past decade, changing climate patterns have caused disruptions in planting and harvesting cycles. In many areas, floods and droughts have reduced yield per hectare. According to the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), rice yields have fluctuated by as much as 15% in recent years due to unpredictable weather. "This year alone, over 25% of the Boro paddy fields in northern districts faced water stress due to delayed rains," said Dr. Farzana Rahman, an agricultural scientist at BARI (Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute). "We need to innovate faster than climate changes." Modern Techniques Take Root To combat these challenges, researchers are promoting climate-resilient varieties of crops and introducing precision agriculture technologies. These include the use of drones for field monitoring, satellite data for weather prediction, and automated irrigation systems to conserve water. In southern Bangladesh, for example, saline-resistant rice varieties have helped farmers maintain production levels despite rising sea levels and saline intrusion in the soil. Additionally, vertical farming, hydroponics, and integrated pest management (IPM) are slowly being adopted in peri-urban areas, particularly among younger agri-entrepreneurs. Government Push & Policy Support The government has also stepped in with targeted subsidies, smart card systems for fertilizer distribution, and minimum support prices (MSP) for key crops like rice and wheat."We are committed to ensuring that farmers have access to modern inputs, training, and markets," said Agriculture Minister Dr. Md. Abdul Karim. "Our goal is not just higher production, but sustainable, profitable farming." The National Agriculture Policy 2025 draft focuses heavily on encouraging crop diversification—moving away from rice-only cultivation toward higher-value crops like pulses, oilseeds, and vegetables, which not only improve soil health but also boost farmers' incomes. The Road Ahead Experts warn that without significant investment in agricultural research, extension services, and infrastructure (such as cold storage and rural roads), the gains in crop production may not be sustained. Additionally, smallholder farmers need better access to credit, insurance, and market linkages to remain competitive.Still, the future looks promising. With the integration of science, technology, and farmer-friendly policies, the journey toward a more productive and resilient agricultural sector is underway. Key Facts: Agriculture employs ~40% of Bangladesh's labor force. Rice contributes over 70% of total cereal production in the country. Climate-resilient crop varieties are increasing in adoption, especially in flood-prone and saline zones.
Today’s consumers are not just buying products—they’re buying values. Across the world, people are increasingly choosing to spend their money on brands that align with their beliefs about the environment, ethics, and social impact. As a result, businesses—big and small—are shifting from pure profit models to purpose-driven strategies.From eco-friendly fashion startups in Copenhagen to ethical tech brands in Seoul, the new business trend is clear: sustainability is not just good for the planet—it’s good for business. The Rise of the Ethical Buyer Studies from Nielsen and McKinsey show that 73% of Gen Z and Millennials prefer to support brands that are environmentally responsible and socially aware. They want to know where products come from, how they’re made, and whether workers are treated fairly."Today’s consumer does their research," says Clara Wang, a brand strategist based in Singapore. "They check labels, read reviews, and expect transparency. If your business isn’t ethical, you’ll lose trust." Green is the New Gold Sustainable packaging, carbon-neutral logistics, circular product models, and local sourcing are becoming key selling points. Major corporations like Unilever and Nike have already launched product lines made from recycled or renewable materials, while small businesses are building their entire identity around eco-conscious missions.Tech platforms like EcoCart and Planetly now help businesses track and offset their carbon footprint. Meanwhile, Shopify and Etsy have introduced features to highlight sustainable sellers and eco-friendly shipping."We’ve seen a 40% increase in sales after switching to biodegradable packaging," says Antonio Ruiz, founder of a Spain-based organic skincare line. "Customers appreciate the extra effort." Business with a Human FaceIt’s not just the environment—social justice, fair trade, mental health, and inclusivity have also become central to business branding. Companies are using their platforms to speak up on issues, support communities, and create equitable workplaces.Initiatives like "Buy One, Give One," local donation programs, or employing marginalized workers are making real-world impact and building loyal customer bases."Purpose is now a competitive edge," says Jessica Morgan, an economist at the University of Toronto. "Consumers reward brands that care, and investors increasingly consider ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) performance in funding decisions." Challenges and Accountability While many businesses adopt sustainable practices sincerely, others risk falling into greenwashing—claiming eco-friendliness for marketing without real action. This has led to increased demand for third-party certifications, impact reports, and public accountability.Customers are becoming more critical, pushing businesses to back up their words with real evidence—whether that’s plastic reduction data, ethical sourcing documentation, or fair labor audits. The Future: Business as a Force for Good What began as a niche movement is now mainstream. Conscious consumerism is no longer optional; it’s a business imperative. As global challenges like climate change and inequality intensify, companies that contribute to solutions—rather than problems—will be the ones that survive and thrive."In 2025, success isn’t just about revenue," says Clara. "It’s about relevance, responsibility, and real impact."
For the second consecutive day, global stock markets surged, extending a rebound that’s offering investors a much-needed sense of optimism amid a volatile economic landscape. The gains came on the heels of improved economic data, cooling inflation numbers, and rising investor sentiment that central banks could soon begin easing their monetary stance.But what exactly is behind this mini rally? And how long can it last? Here's a breakdown of the key drivers powering the market upswing—and the risks still looming in the background. The S&P 500 climbed 1.3% on Wednesday, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced over 250 points, or 0.7%, closing in the green for the second straight session. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite led the way, soaring 1.9% on the back of a strong performance by tech giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia.European markets mirrored the rally, with the FTSE 100 gaining 1.1% and Germany’s DAX rising 1.6%. Asian indices, including Japan’s Nikkei 225 and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng, also saw notable gains, signaling broad investor confidence. Top Performing Sectors: Technology: Investors returned to high-growth tech names after signs that interest rates may stabilize. Consumer Discretionary: Spending data boosted optimism that consumer demand is still resilient. Financials: Bank shares rose as recession fears eased slightly. One of the biggest tailwinds for this rally is the latest U.S. inflation data. According to the Labor Department, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by just 0.2% in June, lower than the 0.3% expected by analysts. The year-over-year inflation rate dropped to 3.0%, marking the lowest reading in over two years. With the Fed’s July meeting approaching, the softer inflation print could shift expectations toward a more dovish stance—or even a pause in rate hikes altogether. Earnings season is underway, and early results have been encouraging. Several big names, including JPMorgan Chase, PepsiCo, and Delta Airlines, posted stronger-than-expected profits and revenue. PepsiCo raised its full-year guidance after reporting double-digit organic revenue growth. Meanwhile, JPMorgan’s strong loan growth and better-than-expected margins eased fears of a credit crunch in the banking sector. Investor Takeaway: Healthy earnings suggest the corporate sector remains resilient despite macroeconomic headwinds. Forward guidance from companies is also showing cautious optimism, which markets are rewarding. Beijing announced modest stimulus measures to prop up its faltering property sector and consumption. Economic sentiment improved after German industrial production posted a surprise uptick. Crude prices held steady, with Brent trading around $84 per barrel, reflecting both supply concerns and growing expectations of demand recovery. Wall Street analysts are split on whether this rally marks the beginning of a sustained uptrend or just a temporary bounce. Morgan Stanley’s Chief Strategist says the market may be “pricing in a soft landing too early,” warning that corporate earnings might not fully reflect tightening financial conditions. Goldman Sachs, on the other hand, raised its year-end target for the S&P 500, citing “solid labor markets, contained inflation, and stronger-than-expected earnings.” Meanwhile, retail investors have shown renewed interest in equities, with trading volumes on platforms like Robinhood and Fidelity seeing a spike over the past 48 hours. The past two days have given investors something they haven’t had in a while—hope. A combination of cooling inflation, better-than-expected earnings, and easing recession fears has fueled optimism across the board. Yet, as always, the market’s path forward depends on both data and decisions. For now, staying diversified and paying close attention to macro trends remains key. Whether this is the start of a new bull run or just a temporary uptick in a bumpy year, the next few weeks—filled with earnings reports, central bank meetings, and economic data—will provide a clearer picture. Until then, enjoy the rally, but keep your feet on the ground.
