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Title: Best Practices in Microcredit Governance: Lessons from Bangladesh

Abstract: The performance of two prominent microcredit providers—Grameen Bank and BRAC NGO—is examined in this paper, with particular attention paid to their different organizational structures and governance frameworks. As a borrower-owned cooperative, Grameen Bank promotes member involvement in decision-making, which, through group lending, encourages ownership and peer support but may also lead to social pressure. BRAC NGO, on the other hand, employs a centralized governance model and offers a thorough approach to micro credit that is in line with its larger social development initiatives. Although this strategy provides comprehensive assistance, it may not be as flexible to meet the needs of each borrower. Although borrower choices and economic conditions have an impact on their effectiveness, both groups aim to increase loan attachment and reduce poverty. While BRAC depends on a combination of donor money and revenue-generating operations, Grameen Bank places a higher priority on self-sufficiency. The impact and sustainability of microcredit systems might be improved by fusing the advantages of both models—BRAC's integrated approach and Grameen Bank's borrower ownership.

By Tahmina Akhter, Shanzida Hassan
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1
Title: Electric Mobility Integration in Indian Urban Planning: Challenges, Opportunities, and Policy Implications

Abstract: India’s urban transport system is facing unprecedented challenges due to rapid population growth, vehicular congestion, and escalating pollution levels. Against this backdrop, the transition toward electric mobility (e-mobility) offers a promising pathway for sustainable urban development. This study investigates the extent to which electric mobility is being integrated into urban planning in Indian cities. It explores critical challenges such as inadequate charging infrastructure, limited policy coordination, and citizen hesitancy. Drawing upon both primary data collected through surveys in five urban centres—and secondary sources from government and institutional reports, the research applies statistical methods, including factor analysis and regression modelling, to examine the drivers of electric vehicle (EV) adoption. The findings reveal that infrastructure readiness and public policy awareness are strong predictors of urban EV acceptance. The study concludes by offering practical policy recommendations, such as zoning reforms and enhanced fiscal incentives, aimed at creating EV-supportive urban environments aligned with national climate goals.

By Shantam Babbar, Rajesh Kumar Raju, Monika Kumari
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1
Title: The Impact of Pawnbroking on Local Communities with special reference to Bangladesh

Abstract: This study examines pawnbroking's impact on social entrepreneurship and its implications for social development. It posits that Pawnbroking aids vulnerable entrepreneurs, often excluded from formal credit, in accessing quick financial resources, thereby enhancing social entrepreneurship. Through a meta-analysis and literature review, including three case studies from Bangladesh, the findings indicate that, despite exploitative practices, pawnshops are vital for providing the impoverished with financial access and supporting social welfare. However, risks such as asset loss, debt cycles, and exploitation of desperate borrowers are also highlighted. The study emphasizes the need for regulatory oversight and more accessible financial systems that protect borrowers while maintaining accessibility. Overall, pawnbroking offers both advantages and challenges for local communities in Bangladesh, necessitating a balance between quick cash access and consumer protections to promote healthier community dynamics.

By José G. Vargas-Hernández, Amina Khatun, Csongor Czipf, Absalón J. Salmerón-Zapata
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1
Title: Best Practices in Microcredit Governance: Lessons from Bangladesh

Abstract: The performance of two prominent microcredit providers—Grameen Bank and BRAC NGO—is examined in this paper, with particular attention paid to their different organizational structures and governance frameworks. As a borrower-owned cooperative, Grameen Bank promotes member involvement in decision-making, which, through group lending, encourages ownership and peer support but may also lead to social pressure. BRAC NGO, on the other hand, employs a centralized governance model and offers a thorough approach to micro credit that is in line with its larger social development initiatives. Although this strategy provides comprehensive assistance, it may not be as flexible to meet the needs of each borrower. Although borrower choices and economic conditions have an impact on their effectiveness, both groups aim to increase loan attachment and reduce poverty. While BRAC depends on a combination of donor money and revenue-generating operations, Grameen Bank places a higher priority on self-sufficiency. The impact and sustainability of microcredit systems might be improved by fusing the advantages of both models—BRAC's integrated approach and Grameen Bank's borrower ownership.

By Tahmina Akhter, Shanzida Hassan
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1
Title: Gender Dimension and Safety Issue of Female Workforce of the Garment Industries in Bangladesh

Abstract: Bangladesh is one of the most prominent developing country in the world, the RMG sector is one of the prime earning sources of Bangladesh. Now Bangladesh is listed one of the gigantic garment exporters of the world. The garment industry is around Eighty four percent of total exports zone of Bangladesh. In Bangladesh more than four million people are worked in this garments industry. Around eighty percent (that is, 3.2 million workers) of the garment workers are female in Bangladesh. According to Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), the female garments workers are victim of high prevalence of violence and injustice in the work place. The violence and injustice the female garments workers are faced are adversely affect their physical and mental state. This research paper discusses the complication of gender dimension, fitness, well being and protection matters and hurdle of female garment workers of Bangladesh. Here the author used regression analysis, chi-square test, pearson R test, independent T test in order to explain the factors affect safety issue of female garments workers and the injustice towards them.

By Samira- Binte- Saif
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1
Title: The Shock of Corruption on GDP Per Capita: A Panel Data Postmortem on the South Asian Region

Abstract: Corruption is characterized as the exploitation of entrusted authority for personal advantage, often taking the form of illegal acts, deceit, or bribery, and is broadly regarded as harmful to economic progress. Although some research indicates that corruption might enhance certain economic activities, it is primarily perceived as a major obstacle to sustainable development on a global scale. The research question of this study is: What is the effect of corruption on GDP per capita in South Asian nations between 1995 and 2016? This investigation examines the link between corruption, as assessed by the Corruption Perception Index (CPI), and GDP per capita in South Asia. By employing a Generalized Least Squares (GLS) model, the study seeks to analyze the impact of corruption on GDP per capita. The results reveal a significant negative association between corruption and GDP per capita, indicating that corruption hinders economic growth in the region. Therefore, it is crucial for the governments of these nations to adopt effective strategies to address corruption and foster sustainable economic development.

By Md. Mahmudul Hassan, Tareq Imam Zahid
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1