Analysis

Analysis

In recent times, a large urban economy has also grown around Pahela Baishakh. This includes urban fairs, traditional clothing, and cultural events. Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain/TBS

The economics of Pahela Baishakh: Culture as livelihood

Beyond festivity, Pahela Baishakh sustains livelihoods, preserves traditions, and unites communities — making it both a cultural anchor and an economic lifeline in Bangladesh

A mob vandalises a shrine in Kushtia, where a pir was killed during the attack. Photo: COURTESY 

Mob violence returns to the fore: A test of the BNP government’s early promises

The fact that a currency is widely accepted, a role that is played by the US dollar, is crucial for the global economy. Photo: Reuters

How US dollar hegemony is entering a new era of uncertainty

A security guard patrols outside the Aiwan e Sadr (Presidential Palace) ahead of Iran–U.S. talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, 9 April, 2026. Photo: REUTERS/Asim Hafeez

Shadow of Israel looms over US-Iran 'peace talks' in Pakistan

Graphics: TBS

Why wars no longer end conclusively in a unipolar world

India’s indigenous 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor in Tamil Nadu. Photo: Collected

India takes a nuclear leap in fast breeder reactor segment

Wayside shops, as micro units, serve as a bridge between rural and urban economic activities. Photo: TBS

Street vending needs mainstreaming, not eviction

Parliament in session as lawmakers rapidly pass multiple bills, sparking debate over whether proper constitutional procedures were followed in repealing key ordinances. Photo: COURTESY

Repeal of four ordinances: Did Parliament choose the wrong path?

Oil tankers are parked in a compound with oil terminals in the background, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Karachi, Pakistan, March 12, 2026. REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro

Iran war ceasefire pushes energy markets into twilight zone

Graphics: TBS

Missed opportunity: Why vocational training fails in Bangladesh

Representational image. Photo: Collected

As foreign minister begins India visit, trust key to Dhaka-Delhi engagement

Iran’s remote-controlled Shahed drones are cheap and replaceable. Photo: Reuters

Iran war: How long can Tehran’s asymmetric strategy hold?

Fuel crisis hits Dhaka’s gig workers hardest as ride-sharing bikers struggle to survive. Photo: SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

Long queues, empty pockets: Ride-sharing bikers bear the brunt of war-time fuel shortages