Abstract: Bangladesh's rich textile heritage offers powerful, yet distinct, models for sustainable development. This study conducts a comparative analysis of two premier handloom sectors: the intricate Jamdani weaving of Tangail and the symbolic Khadi fabric of Cumilla. Framed within green economy principles, the research examines their socio-economic viability, environmental footprint, and potential as engines for pollution-free community development. Employing a mixed-methods approach (July-December 2025), the analysis incorporates surveys, environmental impact assessment, and case studies of both a "GI Gold" Jamdani export initiative and a revived Khadi business plan. Key comparative findings reveal: (1) Both sectors possess underutilized Geographical Indication (GI) status, but face different market challenges—Jamdani contends with high-skill imitation, while Khadi battles generic, low-cost substitutes; (2) their production paradigms, though both low-pollution, differ fundamentally, with Jamdani emphasizing artistic virtuosity and Khadi embodying philosophical self-reliance; and (3) their developmental contexts vary, with Tangail's model being craft-cluster centric and Cumilla's requiring synergistic infrastructure (e.g., airport revival) for growth. The study concludes that while both heritage textiles are potent vehicles for sustainable development, tailored, integrated strategies—recognizing their unique cultural, economic, and infrastructural ecosystems—are essential to unlock their full potential for artisan well-being, cultural preservation, and green economic growth in their respective regions.
Abstract: Rural credit plays a crucial role in promoting agricultural growth and improving the livelihoods of rural households in developing economies, particularly in India. This research paper evaluates the impact of various rural credit mechanisms, including institutional finance, cooperative credit, microfinance, and government-sponsored schemes, on agricultural productivity and livelihood enhancement. Using secondary data from national surveys, published research, and policy documents, the study highlights how access to affordable and timely credit facilitates technological adoption, crop diversification, employment generation, income growth, and poverty reduction. The findings indicate that institutional credit significantly contributes to agricultural productivity and livelihood security. However, challenges such as regional imbalances, procedural complexities, and rising indebtedness remain. The study concludes with policy recommendations to strengthen rural credit delivery systems and ensure sustainable and inclusive rural development.
Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between national income and tourism expenditure, framed within the context of the Engel curve, for six South Asian nations with significant potential for Halal tourism: Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Utilizing a Generalized Least Squares (GLS) model on panel data from 2000 to 2024, we analyze the impact of GDP per capita on outbound tourism expenditure. Our findings indicate a positive and elastic income elasticity of tourism demand (0.989), signifying that tourism is a luxury good and that financial outlay on travel increases more than proportionally with income. The results underscore the critical opportunity for these countries to develop their Halal tourism sectors to capture a share of this elastic expenditure, thereby fostering economic diversification and employment generation. The study concludes with targeted policy recommendations aimed at leveraging this income-elastic demand for sustainable economic development.
Abstract: Digital evolution of payment services has been a crucial and evolving trend that has been witnessed in the Indian financial market. Technological advancement, government support, and a rise in smartphone devices have encouraged people to opt for more digital means of transferring money and changing the structure of financial and money markets. This paper attempts to provide an empirical analysis of how consumer behavior is shaped by the evolving nature of digital payment services, especially in Meerut districts of Meerut, a Tier-2 city that constitutes a mix of both urban and semi-urban class consumer crowd. This paper attempts to provide an empirical analysis of how consumer behavior is shaped through a structured questionnaire covering a sample size of 100 people and employed statistical methods for hypothesis testing and analysis. Findings show that demographic characteristics are not a significant factor in changes in consumer expenditure behavior and shape and are shaped by aspects such as trust, ease of convenience, and perceived usefulness of services. Additionally, it was found that ease of services of digital payment further contributes to an improvement in consumer satisfaction levels.
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.
Abstract: In the last decades, the Korean Peninsula has remained a region of constant political conflict and worrisome instability. In recent times, the tension between North and South Koreas has gathered momentum following North Korea’s nuclear development programmes and subsequent display of military prowess by both Koreas in a fashion that is characteristic of arms race of the Cold War era. The United States has wielded into the situation in the Peninsula to the effect of ending the catastrophic nuclearization. This has ballooned the historical conflict between the United States and North Korea. The paper examines Military Presence of United States in Korean Peninsula Conflict and Intensification of Nuclear Development Programme by North Korea, in order to ascertain if the continuous military presence of United States in the Korean Peninsula as sustained by Biden’s Presidency contributes to the intensification of catastrophic nuclear weapons development programme by North Korea. The study adopted the ’Realist Theory’ as its anchor blue-print in a pragmatic effort to explain why the engagement between the two states remain largely hostile. The study adopted content analysis for the purpose of analyzing documented materials generated through secondary sources of data collection as well as the qualitative method of data analysis. The findings show the serial and catastrophic worsening of United States and North Korea conflict with the unabated military presence of United States in Korean Peninsula and how it has intensified nuclear development programme by North Korea. Recommendations were proffered along these findings as follows, the need for reduction in the high military presence of the US in Korean Peninsula which the government of North Korea perceived as a threat to the national security of North Korea. The facts shows that North Korea will continue to feel threatened so long as the US heavy military remain in the Korean Peninsula.