Volume 3, Issue 4, contains 9 articles. Its lead article, written by Ghulam Rabbani, a freedom fighter, reflects on the legacies of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, a foremost July revolutionary who was recently slain in a targeted shooting in broad daylight in the capital. Hadi’s rapid rise in popularity driven by his deep emotional connection with the people speaks volumes. His vision resonates directly with the long-standing grievances of a population that has endured systemic injustice for 54 years since independence. Hadi was certainly a threat to the establishment, and no wonder he was targeted for annihilation. However, death of one Hadi has produced million Hadis who refuge to let Hadi’s political ideology and demand for justice (insaf) extinguish
A notable feature of this issue is the contributions of the young generation reflecting on the industrial transformation of Bangladesh. Five articles, written by students of East West University, focus on successful stories of industrialization led by the modernised agri-business sector, the beverage industry, the pharmaceutical industry, the leather industry, and the shipbuilding industry.
In their article “From soil to sustainability: ACI PLC strengthens Bangladesh’s agriculture,” Marufa Alam Raha, Mahanaz Azra Sinthia, and Sanjana Taranum Samia highlight the remarkable increase in agricultural output, the mechanisation of agriculture led by many enterprises, especially the Advanced Chemical Industries (ACI) Limited.
The food and beverage industry has become one of the fastest -growing industries in Bangladesh. Nazifa Anjum Nitu, Israt Jahan Eshita and Rifah Tasnia Ahona in their article “Bangladesh’s beverage industry: Growth through the lens of Akij” narrate the growth of the beverage industry since independence. They highlight the contributions of leading enterprises, especially the Akij Food and Beverage Ltd. (AFBL) in the beverage sector.
The pharmaceutical industry exemplifies another successful story of Bangladesh among non-traditional industries, with increasing exports and global market access. Sabiha Sajidul, Haque Binta Siraj and Israt Jahan Labonno in their article “Success in Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry: A study of Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd.,” illuminate the growth of this industry with a focus on the Healthcare Pharmaceutical Ltd. (HPL) company.
In the post-independence period, Bangladesh has managed to transmute itself from an exporter of raw leather to an exporter of value-added leather products and footwear. In the article Bangladesh’s leather industry: A vanguard role of Apex Footwear Limited,” Nijhum Sardar, Anindo Muntasir Slogan and Ahmed Fairuz Sabiha illustrate the evolution and growth of the leather industry. The article presents a profile of the Apex company and highlights its commitment to corporate social responsibility.
The shipbuilding industry has emerged as a significant contributor to the economy of Bangladesh, catering to not only the domestic market but also to foreign markets. Fariza Khan Aishy, Guljar Ahmed Siam and Rakib Chowdhury, in their article “Built on rivers, aiming for seas: Bangladesh’s emerging shipbuilding frontier,” describe the evolution and growth of the shipbuilding industry of Bangladesh. The article notes the comparative advantage of Bangladesh in small-and medium-size vessels.
One notable feature of all these successful enterprises is their commitment to corporate social responsibility, especially workers welfare and environmental sustainability. This shows that looking after workers and the environment is good economics.
During the recent decades, rural Bangladesh has been undergoing profound transformations driven by improved road communications, electricity, digital connectivity, and expansive markets. Physical transformations have also been associated with changes in social and cultural values and institutions. Tanvir Shatil in his article “Entangled transformations: Reading the Changing Village in Bangladesh,” depicts the changing rural landscape of Bangladesh based on an ethnographic study of several villages.
Gombhira songs are a unique form of folk music and performance, popular in Chapai Nawabganj and neighbouring areas. Gombhira songs typically feature dialogues that use song, dance, and satire to describe social issues, entertain, and inform audiences. Mazharul Islam Islam Toru in his article narrates the evolution of Gombhira songs and highlights the notable persons associated with Gombhira songs.
Finally, Mohammad Zaman and Habiba Zaman in their article “The Rhine River Odyssey: Cruising Europe’s Vibrant Heart,” provide a vivid account of their experiences based on a Rhine River Cruise with Avalon Waterways, travelling from Zurich to Amsterdam.
Note: The deadline for submitting articles for Volume 4, Issue 1 is 15 March, 2026
