Bangladesh Institute of Policy Studies

            The establishment of the Bangladesh Institute of Policy Studies (BIPS) marks a significant juncture in Bangladesh's evolution as it transitions toward becoming a developing nation and sets its sights on attaining upper-income developing country status in the near future. Guided by a steadfast dedication to free-market principles and democratic values, BIPS emerges as a bastion of intellectual rigor and forward-thinking policy advocacy, embodying a comprehensive mission to foster a dynamic community of knowledgeable individuals, including scholars, intellectuals, and stakeholders alike.

             Our aim is to spearhead an era of transformative change, driven by an unwavering commitment to formulating pragmatic public policies intricately designed to reinforce the foundations of economic robustness, financial stability, educational advancement, legal and judicial reforms, and the bolstering of essential frameworks requisite for sustainable development of Bangladesh. Employing meticulous research, discerning analysis, and empirically supported propositions and advocacies, we strive to advance the principles of legal integrity, human rights, democratic governance, and a culture of accountability and transparency within institutional frameworks in the country.

             Functioning as a nonprofit, independent think tank, BIPS is dedicated to scholarly rigor and intellectual integrity, fostering collaborative efforts with like-minded entities both domestically and internationally. Our diverse range of outputs, spanning methodically researched reports to seminal publications, attests to our steadfast commitment to disseminating knowledge and advocating for policies through facilitating dialogues and discussions that transcend disciplinary confines and ideological partitions. By cultivating a vibrant exchange of ideas within policymaking circles, we aspire to chart a trajectory toward a future for Bangladesh characterized by empathy and human dignity, extending an invitation to all who share our vision to join us in the pursuit of a more prosperous and harmonious Bangladesh.

 Our Founders

             BIPS was founded under the leadership of Dr. CAF Dowlah, an esteemed scholar with dual citizenship in the United States and Bangladesh. Dr. Dowlah's academic background is distinguished by a doctoral degree in Economics from the University of Southern California, complemented by three master's degrees obtained from prestigious American institutions in Economics, Law, and Public Administration. Over the course of three decades, he held the position of Professor of Economics within the New York State and New York City University systems. Additionally, he served the United Nations and the World Bank for several years in policy-advising capacities. Dr. Dowlah's academic affiliations extend globally, having served as a Visiting Scholar/Professor at prestigious institutions such as the University of Miami Law School (Florida), Columbia University Law School (New York), and Otaru University of Commerce (Japan).

             The governing team of the BIPS includes several prominent intellectuals, scholars, and researchers representing the academia, media, and civic societies. BIPS is also advised by highly distinguished and accomplished luminaries from Bangladesh and abroad.  

Our Research Teams 

             BIPS nurtures a pool of scholars and researchers from both home and abroad, united in their commitment to advancing Bangladesh's developmental trajectory. Its research agenda is advanced through the cultivation of fraternal ties and collaborative exchanges with akin think tanks, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other developmental entities worldwide.

One of the primary goals of BIPS is to create a global platform for researchers focused on Bangladesh-related issues, both domestically and internationally. We aim to compile a database of their expertise and research works, and archive selected research in our Research Archive to make it accessible to anyone interested in Bangladesh. Furthermore, BIPS intends to leverage this expertise for its projects and engage researchers as consultants working remotely.

Presently, BIPS is structured around seven specialized research centers, each under the leadership of seasoned scholars and researchers of notable expertise:

             1. Center for Business, Economics and Finance (CBEF)

            2. Center for Law and Justice (CLJ)

            3. Center for Environment and Development (CED)

            4. Center for Human Rights and Democracy (CHRD)

            5. Center for Socio-Cultural Development (CSD).

            6. Center for Health Education and Healthcare (CHEH)

            7. Center for International Policy Affairs (CIPA)

 Our Funding Sources

             BIPS is being inaugurated with an initial contribution from its founding Chairperson, Professor Dowlah, yet the institution's sustainability hinges upon financial backing and auxiliary aid from a spectrum of national and international channels. These encompass support from individuals and entities within Bangladesh and beyond, spanning both private enterprises and governmental bodies.