http://bangladesh.foreignpolicyblogs.com A Study of a Fragile Democracy in Transition Sat, 20 Mar 2010 03:02:31 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Though the second largest economy in Asia, next to Japan, China is the largest investor in teh Bangladeshi economy.  Since 2003 it has far outstripped any other country's investment. The Bangladeshi delegation in China needs to pay attention to that fact and maintain that relationship through gentle coaxing and courting, though ... http://bangladesh.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2010/03/19/arguing-the-bangladesh-china-summit-china-is-an-important-market-for-investment/ There are two ways to look at Bangladesh's approach to friendlier relations on equal terms with China.  One is to look at the terms of the relationship and say that friendlier relations is hardly in the cards; rather the relationship is one of mere exploitation at the cost of solid ... http://bangladesh.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2010/03/19/arguing-the-bangladesh-chinese-summit-bangladeshs-pm-strikes-beseeching-notes-to-chinese-premier/ Bangladesh has been buying stuff from China and China has been happy selling stuff to Bangladesh, without much concern for doing some shopping of its own. That is now about to change. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina currently in the middle of a five day visit to China carried with her great ... http://bangladesh.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2010/03/18/bangladesh-inches-closer-to-china/ The sitting government is making swift and sound moves to shore up the country's infrastructure.   It now seems like the government has been able to attract private foreign investment to help pay for the infrastructure construction. The Communications Minister, Syed Abul Hossain has communicated to his fellow parliamentarians that up ... http://bangladesh.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2010/03/16/bangladesh-attracts-foreign-investment-in-infrastructure/ Image: Shahidul Alam, NY Times Lens Blog Bangladesh has the disreputable distinction of being a democracy that supports a killing squad.  The Rapid Action Battalion, an "anti-crime" paramilitary group that  has killed more that 550 people, under circumstances that are, at best, suspicious.  The smarter bet is that this group has ... http://bangladesh.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2010/03/16/rapid-action-battallion-state-sanctioned-killing-squad-or-anti-crime-police-force/ Given the milestones that have marked the recent history of the overwhelmingly successful microfinance institution (MFI) business model, it is only appropriate that there be some consideration of retrenching and maintaining some sustainability in the MFI market.  Surely none of us are so secure in the obvious beneficences of micro-finance ... http://bangladesh.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2010/03/15/regulating-microfinance-in-bangladesh/ Border skirmishes around Jaintapur and Padua threaten to destabilize the hard won amity that Bangladesh now shares with India. The Daily Star reports: "Indian Border Security Force dug 25 bunkers following an overnight intrusion into Bangladesh territory through Padua-Protappur border in Gowainghat upazila of Sylhet and retreated yesterday afternoon after 19 hours." "The ... http://bangladesh.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2010/03/13/border-skirmishes-could-threaten-indo-bangladeshi-rapprochment/ There are two new Economist articles that highlight the impact and consequence of micro-credit, or more generally micro finance institutions, that in Bangladesh moved millions of families away from the gaping jaws of extreme poverty, toward  a vision of more sustainable, capability oriented lives.  The first article deals with innovations that ... http://bangladesh.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2010/03/12/microfinance-and-empowerment-in-bangladesh/ Bangladeshi entrepreneurs are ahead of the curve again.  This time its innovations in agricultural development and production.  The good news at issue is: using 40% less nitrogen fertiizer, farmers have increased rice yield by 20%. And why is this a significant achievement?  The NY Times blog Green Inc has some answers: "Chemical ... http://bangladesh.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2010/03/11/ngo-develops-new-nitrogen-fertilizer-and-increases-crop-yields-by-20/ The High Court in Dhaka quashed all the corruption charges brought against sitting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her involvement in purchasing Russian MIG-29 planes during her previous term in office.   The charges, brought by a group that was associated with the BNP-led coalition were dropped declared the Court ... http://bangladesh.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2010/03/11/the-recent-news-on-bangladesh-defense-purchases-charges-dismissed-against-prime-minister-new-purchase-plan-declared/