BIGD organized a seminar on China's Belt and Road Initiative: A Game Changer at the conference room of BIGD on February 14, 2018. Mr. Shamir Shehab, Yenching Scholar at Peking University presented his paper at the seminar where he shared his work with the researchers of BIGD on the social, economic, geopolitical as well as environmental implications that China's initiative will have for Bangladesh and the South Asia region.
The Belt and Road Initiative is China’s ambitious infrastructure investment in countries along the old Silk Road linking it with Europe. The speaker noted that while the multi-billion dollar project involving some 68 countries would bring them opportunities for infrastructure, greater connectivity and trade, there will be economic risk in the form of huge capital overlay, and higher cross-border bribery in transportation and construction sectors. China’s presence in the Eurasia would also pose geopolitical risks arising out of fears of unilateralism and potential military objectives.
Researcher Other Activities
- Ms. Maheen Sultan, Acting Head and Visiting Fellow of CGST, BIGD delivered a lecture on Innovative Qualitative Methods for the Master in Public Policy Program of BRAC James P. Grant School of Public Health on February 27, 2018. She also attended and spoke about unpaid care work at the Policy dialogue titled “Equality through Dignity” organized by Manusher Jonno Foundation on February 20, 2018 at BRAC Centre. She also
- Ms. Lopita Huq, Research Fellow of BIGD attended the BRAC Family RMG Meeting on February 7, 2018 at BRAC office where seven different departments in the BRAC family that are currently implementing programming related to the garment sector introduced themselves, shared their activities and discussed on existing opportunities for collaboration.
- Ms. Sumaiya Kabir Talukder, Research Associate of BIGD attended the Knowledge Sharing and Thanksgiving Event of Katalyst on February 14, 2018 where the project has shared its experience of engaging with small and medium sized private sector service provider and public sector institution in market system development.