The United States has long been known as a nation of immigrants and diversity. Over the last century, significant demographic changes have occurred due to immigration patterns, birth rates, cultural shifts, and changing social values. This report outlines how the racial, regional, religious, and national origin composition of the U.S. population has evolved — and where it’s heading.
Table 1: U.S. Population by Race/Ethnicity (1960–2024)
| Year | White (Non-Hispanic) | Black | Hispanic/Latino | Asian | Native American | Multiracial | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 85% | 10.5% | 3.5% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — | 0.2% |
| 1980 | 80% | 11.5% | 6.4% | 1.5% | 0.6% | — | 0.3% |
| 2000 | 69% | 12.3% | 12.5% | 3.6% | 0.9% | 2.4% | 0.3% |
| 2020 | 59.3% | 13.4% | 18.5% | 5.9% | 1.3% | 2.8% | 0.1% |
| 2024* | 57.1% | 13.2% | 19.1% | 6.5% | 1.4% | 3.1% | 0.2% |
Over the last six decades, the regional distribution of the U.S. population has undergone a substantial transformation. Economic shifts, climate preferences, and immigration patterns have contributed to the steady rise of the South and West as the primary hubs of growth, while the Northeast and Midwest have seen their shares of the national population gradually decline.
The United States Census Bureau divides the country into four main regions: Northeast, Midwest, South, and West. Over the past several decades, regional population distribution has shifted significantly due to migration trends, job availability, climate preferences, and immigration.
| Region | 1960 | 1980 | 2000 | 2020 | 2024 (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | 25% | 22% | 19% | 17% | 16.5% |
| Midwest | 29% | 27% | 23% | 20% | 19.7% |
| South | 31% | 34% | 36% | 38% | 39.2% |
| West | 15% | 17% | 22% | 25% | 24.6% |
Key Takeaway: The South and West have seen consistent growth due to warmer climates, job markets, and immigration hubs (e.g., Texas, Florida, California).
The religious landscape of the United States has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past 70 years. While the country once identified overwhelmingly as Christian — particularly Protestant — more Americans today are choosing no religious affiliation, a trend that reflects shifting cultural norms, generational change, and growing diversity.
| Religion | 1950 | 1980 | 2000 | 2020 | 2024 (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protestant | 69% | 56% | 51% | 40% | 39% |
| Catholic | 25% | 27% | 24% | 21% | 20% |
| Jewish | 3% | 2.5% | 2% | 1.8% | 1.8% |
| Muslim | <0.1% | 0.5% | 1% | 1.3% | 1.5% |
| Hindu/Buddhist | <0.1% | 0.5% | 1.5% | 2% | 2.2% |
| Unaffiliated | 2% | 7% | 15% | 27% | 29% |
Key Shift: The rise of the “nones” (religiously unaffiliated) is among the most dramatic religious shifts in recent history.
Immigration has always been a cornerstone of the American story. But over the past 60 years, the origins of the U.S. foreign-born population have changed dramatically — shifting from a Europe-dominated pattern to one led by Latin America, Asia, and more recently, Africa. These demographic transformations reflect both global trends and U.S. immigration policy reforms.
Racial Diversity Growing Rapidly: Non-Hispanic Whites are no longer a supermajority. By 2045, the U.S. is projected to be “minority-majority.”
Regional Power Shift: The South and West are economic and population growth engines.
Religious Landscape is Secularizing: Protestants and Catholics are declining; the religiously unaffiliated are growing fastest.
Immigration Patterns Have Shifted: From European-dominated to Latin American and Asian-majority since 1965’s Immigration and Nationality Act.
Global stock markets remained mixed today as investors weighed fresh U.S. inflation data, corporate earnings reports, and the ongoing economic uncertainty in China and Europe. The U.S. stock market opened slightly higher on Monday morning, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising 0.4%, the S&P 500 climbing 0.3%, and the Nasdaq Composite gaining 0.5% in early trading. Investors responded positively to June's U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which showed inflation cooling slightly to an annual rate of 3.0%, down from 3.3% in May."Markets are optimistic that the Federal Reserve may pause or even cut interest rates by the fall," said Lisa Raymond, chief analyst at Morgan & Co. "But it's still a wait-and-see situation, especially with more earnings coming this week."  Wall Street Opens Higher Dow +0.4%, S&P 500 +0.3%, Nasdaq +0.5% on Monday morning. Boosted by June CPI showing inflation cooled to 3.0% (down from 3.3%). Hopes rise for potential Fed rate cut or pause by fall. The U.S. stock market opened slightly higher on Monday morning, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising 0.4%, the S&P 500 climbing 0.3%, and the Nasdaq Composite gaining 0.5% in early trading. Investors responded positively to June's U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which showed inflation cooling slightly to an annual rate of 3.0%, down from 3.3% in May. "Markets are optimistic that the Federal Reserve may pause or even cut interest rates by the fall," said Lisa Raymond, chief analyst at Morgan & Co. "But it's still a wait-and-see situation, especially with more earnings coming this week."  Tech Leads the Way Technology stocks led the gains in the U.S., with Apple (AAPL) up 1.8% and Nvidia (NVDA) jumping 2.4%, as demand for AI and semiconductors remains strong. Tesla (TSLA) also rebounded, rising 3.1% after announcing better-than-expected Q2 vehicle deliveries. Global stock markets showed a mixed performance as investors weighed persistent inflation concerns against a wave of corporate earnings reports. While strong results from major tech companies helped lift some indexes, uncertainty surrounding central bank policies and the future path of interest rates kept others in check. In the U.S.,  Europe Struggles on Growth Concerns  Meanwhile, European markets showed little movement, with the FTSE 100 in London flat and Germanyâs DAX down 0.2%. Investors remain concerned about weak industrial output and rising energy costs across the Eurozone.âThe European economy is showing signs of fatigue,â said Carla Dupont, economist at BNP Paribas. âHigh borrowing costs and geopolitical tensions are dragging down business activity.âGlobal stock markets showed a mixed performance as investors weighed persistent inflation concerns against a wave of corporate earnings reports. While strong results from major tech companies helped lift some indexes, uncertainty surrounding central bank policies and the future path of interest rates kept others in check. In the U.S., Market Performance Summary Table Region Index/Company Movement (%) Key Driver USA Dow Jones +0.4% Positive CPI report (3.0% inflation)  S&P 500 +0.3% Rate cut optimism  Nasdaq +0.5% Tech stock gains  Apple (AAPL) +1.8% Strong AI demand  Nvidia (NVDA) +2.4% Semiconductor growth  Tesla (TSLA) +3.1% Strong Q2 deliveries Europe FTSE 100 (UK) 0.0% Flat due to economic uncertainty  DAX (Germany) -0.2% Weak industrial output, high energy costs Asia Nikkei 225 (Japan) +0.6% Strong export performance  Shanghai Composite -1.2% Property sector risks, low consumer spending  Asia Mixed as Chinese Markets Slump  In Asia, markets showed mixed results. Japanâs Nikkei 225 gained 0.6%, supported by strong export data. However, Chinese markets fell sharply, with the Shanghai Composite down 1.2%, as fears about the countryâs property sector and sluggish consumer spending persisted. Gains in consumer and tech sectors pushed markets higher, but weaker-than-expected bank earnings and inflation-related jitters limited broader momentum. European markets edged lower as traders grew cautious about global trade tensions and slowing growth indicators, while Asian markets saw mixed results, with Hong Kong posting modest gains and Tokyo slipping slightly. Overall, market sentiment remains cautious as investors await further economic data and guidance from central banks.  Looking Ahead  Investors are now turning their focus to key corporate earnings this week from major banks like JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Citigroup, as well as tech giants like Netflix and Microsoft. The results are expected to provide a clearer picture of business resilience amid high interest rates and uncertain global demand. Overall, market sentiment remains cautious as investors await further economic data and guidance from central banks.
The U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling on Monday, declaring that former presidents are entitled to partial immunity from criminal prosecution for actions taken while in office. The 6-3 decision, split along ideological lines, has triggered intense political and legal debate across the country.The ruling stems from charges brought against former President Donald Trump, who has faced multiple indictments related to alleged interference in the 2020 presidential election and events surrounding the January 6 Capitol riot. The Courtâs decision now makes it more difficult for prosecutors to pursue charges for actions deemed as part of a president's official duties.   Divided Reactions  President Joe Biden responded to the ruling by calling it a âdangerous precedentâ that could place future presidents above the law. âNo one in America should be beyond accountability,â he said during a press conference.Republican leaders, however, welcomed the decision. House Speaker Steve Scalise stated, âThis ruling upholds the constitutional separation of powers and protects the office of the presidency from political attacks.âThe recent Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity has ignited intense debate across the United States, with sharp divisions emerging among legal experts, lawmakers, and the public. The decision, which sets new boundaries on the legal protections afforded to sitting presidents, has far-reaching implications for the balance of power and accountability in government. Supporters argue that the ruling upholds the integrity of the executive office by protecting it from politically motivated prosecutions, while critics warn that it could open the door to unchecked presidential authority.  What the Ruling Means  The Court ruled that while presidents do not have absolute immunity, they are shielded from criminal prosecution for actions that are âwithin the outer perimeter of official presidential responsibilities.â However, personal or unofficial actions remain subject to prosecution.Legal experts say the ruling could delay several of Trumpâs ongoing legal cases, potentially impacting the 2024 election season, where Trump remains the leading Republican contender. As protests, press conferences, and panel discussions erupt nationwide, the ruling is expected to influence upcoming elections and reshape the legal landscape surrounding executive power for years to come.  Public Response  The recent Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity has ignited intense debate across the United States, with sharp divisions emerging among legal experts, lawmakers, and the public. The decision, which sets new boundaries on the legal protections afforded to sitting presidents, has far-reaching implications for the balance of power and accountability in government. Supporters argue that the ruling upholds the integrity of the executive office by protecting it from politically motivated prosecutions, while critics warn that it could open the door to unchecked presidential authority. As protests, press conferences, and panel discussions erupt nationwide, the ruling is expected to influence upcoming elections and reshape the legal landscape surrounding executive power for years to come.
The United States has long been known as a nation of immigrants and diversity. Over the last century, significant demographic changes have occurred due to immigration patterns, birth rates, cultural shifts, and changing social values. This report outlines how the racial, regional, religious, and national origin composition of the U.S. population has evolved â and where itâs heading. Â Table 1: U.S. Population by Race/Ethnicity (1960â2024) Year White (Non-Hispanic) Black Hispanic/Latino Asian Native American Multiracial Other 1960 85% 10.5% 3.5% 0.5% 0.3% â 0.2% 1980 80% 11.5% 6.4% 1.5% 0.6% â 0.3% 2000 69% 12.3% 12.5% 3.6% 0.9% 2.4% 0.3% 2020 59.3% 13.4% 18.5% 5.9% 1.3% 2.8% 0.1% 2024* 57.1% 13.2% 19.1% 6.5% 1.4% 3.1% 0.2% Â Over the last six decades, the regional distribution of the U.S. population has undergone a substantial transformation. Economic shifts, climate preferences, and immigration patterns have contributed to the steady rise of the South and West as the primary hubs of growth, while the Northeast and Midwest have seen their shares of the national population gradually decline. Â The United States Census Bureau divides the country into four main regions: Northeast, Midwest, South, and West. Over the past several decades, regional population distribution has shifted significantly due to migration trends, job availability, climate preferences, and immigration. Â Table 2: Regional Population Distribution (by U.S. Census Regions) Â Region 1960 1980 2000 2020 2024 (Est.) Northeast 25% 22% 19% 17% 16.5% Midwest 29% 27% 23% 20% 19.7% South 31% 34% 36% 38% 39.2% West 15% 17% 22% 25% 24.6% Â Key Takeaway: The South and West have seen consistent growth due to warmer climates, job markets, and immigration hubs (e.g., Texas, Florida, California). Â The religious landscape of the United States has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past 70 years. While the country once identified overwhelmingly as Christian â particularly Protestant â more Americans today are choosing no religious affiliation, a trend that reflects shifting cultural norms, generational change, and growing diversity. Â Demography by religion Religion 1950 1980 2000 2020 2024 (Est.) Protestant 69% 56% 51% 40% 39% Catholic 25% 27% 24% 21% 20% Jewish 3% 2.5% 2% 1.8% 1.8% Muslim <0.1% 0.5% 1% 1.3% 1.5% Hindu/Buddhist <0.1% 0.5% 1.5% 2% 2.2% Unaffiliated 2% 7% 15% 27% 29% Â Key Shift: The rise of the ânonesâ (religiously unaffiliated) is among the most dramatic religious shifts in recent history. Â Immigration has always been a cornerstone of the American story. But over the past 60 years, the origins of the U.S. foreign-born population have changed dramatically â shifting from a Europe-dominated pattern to one led by Latin America, Asia, and more recently, Africa. These demographic transformations reflect both global trends and U.S. immigration policy reforms. Â Summary Insights Racial Diversity Growing Rapidly: Non-Hispanic Whites are no longer a supermajority. By 2045, the U.S. is projected to be âminority-majority.â Regional Power Shift: The South and West are economic and population growth engines. Religious Landscape is Secularizing: Protestants and Catholics are declining; the religiously unaffiliated are growing fastest. Immigration Patterns Have Shifted: From European-dominated to Latin American and Asian-majority since 1965âs Immigration and Nationality Act.
The U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling on Monday, declaring that former presidents are entitled to partial immunity from criminal prosecution for actions taken while in office. The 6-3 decision, split along ideological lines, has triggered intense political and legal debate across the country. The ruling stems from charges brought against former President Donald Trump, who has faced multiple indictments related to alleged interference in the 2020 presidential election and events surrounding the January 6 Capitol riot. The Courtâs decision now makes it more difficult for prosecutors to pursue charges for actions deemed as part of a president's official duties. Heatwave Grips U.S. South and Midwest, Breaking Temperature Records   Data Table Price Total 1200 1200 Ata Moyda Demographic Data District Population Percentage Noakhali 31,000,00 5% Cumilla 35,000,00 5.5% Divided Reactions President Joe Biden responded to the ruling by calling it a âdangerous precedentâ that could place future presidents above the law. âNo one in America should be beyond accountability,â he said during a press conference. Republican leaders, however, welcomed the decision. House Speaker Steve Scalise stated, âThis ruling upholds the constitutional separation of powers and protects the office of the presidency from political attacks.â What the Ruling Means The Court ruled that while presidents do not have absolute immunity, they are shielded from criminal prosecution for actions that are âwithin the outer perimeter of official presidential responsibilities.â However, personal or unofficial actions remain subject to prosecution. Legal experts say the ruling could delay several of Trumpâs ongoing legal cases, potentially impacting the 2024 election season, where Trump remains the leading Republican contender. Public Response Protests erupted in major cities including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, with citizens expressing fears that the decision could weaken American democracy. On social media, the hashtag #NoOneAboveTheLaw trended nationwide.
Iran and Israel traded further air attacks on Thursday as President Donald Trump kept the world guessing about whether the United States would join Israel's bombardment of Iranian nuclear facilities. Google News LinkFor all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. A week of Israeli air and missile strikes against its major rival has wiped out the top echelon of Iran's military command, damaged its nuclear capabilities and killed hundreds of people, while Iranian retaliatory strikes have killed two dozen civilians in Israel. Iran and Israel traded further air attacks on Thursday as President Donald Trump kept the world guessing about whether the United States would join Israel's bombardment of Iranian nuclear facilities.  Guardian council warns US of 'harsh response A key Iranian body warned the United States on Thursday that any intervention in support of its ally Israel would be met with a "harsh response". "The criminal American government and its stupid president must know for sure that if they make a mistake and take action against Islamic Iran, they will face a harsh response from the Islamic Republic of Iran," the Guardian Council said in a statement carried by state television.  Google News LinkFor all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. A week of Israeli air and missile strikes against its major rival has wiped out the top echelon of Iran's military command, damaged its nuclear capabilities and killed hundreds of people, while Iranian retaliatory strikes have killed two dozen civilians in Israel.  Guardian council warns US of 'harsh response' if it intervenes. A key Iranian body warned the United States on Thursday that any intervention in support of its ally Israel would be met with a "harsh response". "The criminal American government and its stupid president must know for sure that if they make a mistake and take action against Islamic Iran, they will face a harsh response from the Islamic Republic of Iran," the Guardian Council said in a statement carried by state television.
In an increasingly visual world, photography has evolved far beyond a hobbyâit has become a powerful tool of connection, identity, and even resistance. From the alleyways of Marrakech to the streets of Tokyo, people around the globe are using photography to capture their realities, share their truths, and reimagine how we see the world. In 2025, the art of photography is no longer limited to professionals or those with expensive equipment. With powerful cameras embedded in nearly every smartphone and editing apps accessible to all, the global population has become a generation of storytellers. A New Language of Expression Photography has become the most universal visual languageâtranscending borders, politics, and even spoken words. A single image can spark movements, ignite conversations, and bring attention to marginalised voices. From the war-torn zones of Gaza and Ukraine to peaceful protests in Europe and climate marches in South America, everyday citizens are documenting history in real time. These raw, unfiltered images often make their way to global audiences faster than traditional news media. "The smartphone is the new pen," says French photojournalist Camille Laurent. "People donât just take photosâthey share their worldviews." The Rise of Visual Identity In cities like New York, Seoul, and Berlin, photography has become deeply intertwined with personal branding. On platforms like Instagram and Threads, visuals are the currency of influence. Whether itâs fashion, travel, activism, or mental health, photography is the lens through which individuals craft and project their identity. This has also sparked a global aestheticâwhere minimalist cafes in Istanbul resemble those in Paris, and sunlit "golden hour" selfies are universal. Yet within this visual sameness, cultural uniqueness is also being celebrated. Photographers are reclaiming their heritageâusing traditional attire, rural landscapes, and local rituals to tell stories that challenge stereotypes and global homogenisation. AI, Ethics & The Future As artificial intelligence blends with photography, questions of ethics and authenticity are surfacing. AI-generated portraits and edited realities raise concerns about truth, body image, and media manipulation. Yet, at the same time, AI tools are empowering more people to create stunning visuals without formal trainingâdemocratising creativity in ways never imagined. "We're entering an era where the line between photography and digital art is blurring," notes Japanese visual artist Rei Nakamura. "But the emotion behind the image still matters most." A Global Bond In refugee camps in Jordan, schoolchildren are given disposable cameras to capture their lives. In Scandinavian forests, nature photographers use drones to document wildlife. On African coastlines, photographers are preserving indigenous stories that were never written down. Despite the diversity of context, one thing is clear: photography connects humanity. It offers empathy. It builds bridges. In the words of American photographer Dorothea Lange, "Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still." And today, more than ever, the world is watchingâframe by frame.
Dhaka, July 1, 2025 â In a major political development, Prime Minister Sheikh Amin announced a cabinet reshuffle today, appointing five new ministers and reassigning key portfolios in what officials say is a move to accelerate ongoing economic reforms. The Finance Ministry will now be led by veteran economist Dr. Rezaul Karim, while the Ministry of Commerce goes to rising political figure Nasima Haque, marking a notable generational shift in leadership. The reshuffle comes amid public pressure for stronger governance, job creation, and inflation control. Opposition parties have criticized the move, calling it "cosmetic," while analysts suggest it signals a strategic repositioning ahead of the 2026 general elections. The Prime Minister emphasized that the changes aim to "prioritize accountability, efficiency, and public service delivery." Cabinet members are expected to take oath at the Presidential Palace tomorrow morning.
Across the streets of Dhaka and in the pages of once ad-heavy newspapers, a noticeable silence is growing. Billboard spaces remain vacant, newspapers carry fewer colorful full-page ads, and television commercial slotsâonce crowded with promotional buzzânow often revert to filler programming. The reason: businesses, from manufacturers of mild steel rods to suppliers of everyday food items and consumer electronics, are cutting back on advertising budgets in an effort to survive the growing pressure of economic strain. This pullback signals a deep unease in Bangladeshâs business landscape, where companies are grappling with a confluence of challengesâpersistently high inflation, a rapidly depreciating taka, and prohibitively steep bank interest ratesâall contributing to an uncertain investment climate.  Inflation and Devaluation Fuel the Fire  Inflation has been gnawing at consumer purchasing power for months, pushing up the costs of basic goods and eroding profit margins. Even essential items like rice, lentils, cooking oil, and electricity have seen repeated price hikes, forcing families to stretch budgets thinner each month. For businesses, this spells reduced consumer demand, lower sales, and an urgent need to scale back non-essential expendituresâadvertising being one of the first casualties.Compounding the problem is the devaluation of the Bangladeshi taka. Over the past year, the local currency has depreciated sharply against the US dollar, making imported raw materials more expensive. For companies dependent on global supply chains, such as electronics retailers or FMCG producers, the cost of production has soared. Rather than absorbing the loss or passing on full costs to customersâwho are already reeling from inflationâmany businesses are suspending their marketing activities altogether to shore up internal finances.  Bank Interest Rates Hit New Heights  As part of the governmentâs strategy to control inflation, the central bank has raised policy interest rates, which has led commercial bank lending rates to spike significantlyâoften exceeding 13â14%. For businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), this has made accessing working capital extremely expensive. Traditional marketing strategies, once considered vital to brand survival and growth, are now seen as luxuries in such a tight credit environment. Instead, businesses are redirecting funds toward managing overheads, servicing debt, or simply staying afloat. As a result, even during major commercial seasons like Eid-ul-Adha and Puja, the volume of advertisingâespecially print and broadcastâhas dropped to levels not seen in over a decade.  The Fall in Traditional Media Revenues  The cutbacks are taking a toll on the countryâs already fragile media ecosystem. Major newspapers and television channels, which rely heavily on corporate advertising for revenue, are seeing their income streams dry up. In the past, a single retail giant or steel conglomerate could purchase several pages of print advertising in a week. Today, media houses are seeing only a fraction of that volume. "This Ramadan, we expected a boost in ad bookingsâbut it never came," lamented a senior executive at a leading national daily. "Our revenue from advertisements has dropped by nearly 40% compared to the same period last year." For television networks, it's even more concerning. Prime-time slots that would once command top prices from brands promoting mobile phones, detergents, and packaged snacks are now filled with reruns and minimal ad placements.  Shifting Focus to Digital, But Slowly  Some companies are pivoting toward more cost-effective digital platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and Google Ads. These platforms allow brands to target specific demographics with smaller budgets, tracking every impression and click. However, not all businesses are agile enough to make this transition, and many still lack the expertise or confidence in digital ROI. âThere is interest in digital advertising, especially among the younger brands,â says Nadia Khan, a digital media consultant based in Dhaka. âBut budget constraints are limiting even those moves. Many are just pausing all marketing altogether and waiting for more economic stability.â Moreover, digital campaigns may offer reach but canât replace the credibility or mass impact that traditional platforms like television and newspapers provideâespecially in rural or semi-urban areas where internet penetration remains inconsistent.  Industry Examples and Sectoral Effects  The impact spans across various sectors. In the steel and construction industry, for example, manufacturers of mild steel rods and cement have scaled down promotional activities due to a construction slowdown. Many infrastructure projects are stalled due to lack of funding, and private developers are holding back due to high interest rates on loans. In the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, companies producing snacks, bottled beverages, personal hygiene products, and household items have shifted focus toward trade promotionsâtargeting retailers with direct incentives instead of consumers through ads. Retail electronics has been another major casualty. With prices of imported electronics rising sharply and middle-class purchasing power declining, major brands like Walton, Samsung, and Sony have reduced television and newspaper ads in favor of showroom-level discounts and minimal social media announcements. Even telecom operatorsâonce among the top five advertising spenders in the countryâare pulling back. An executive from a top telecom company mentioned, "We're being forced to prioritize core network expansion and subscriber retention over flashy marketing campaigns."  Long-Term Implications The ongoing cutbacks in advertising reflect more than just cautious accountingâthey signal a broader erosion of business confidence. Prolonged reduction in brand visibility can harm long-term customer loyalty and market share, particularly in competitive sectors. If the current trends continue, industry experts warn of a âbrand vacuum,â where even once-dominant names lose relevance due to lack of visibility. For the media industry, the risks are existential. Journalists, production staff, and editors are already facing job insecurity, delayed salaries, and increased workloads. Smaller media houses may be forced to downsize or shut operations altogether if advertising does not recover soon.  Looking Ahead  There are faint glimmers of hope. The government has signaled that it may look into monetary adjustments later in the fiscal year, potentially lowering interest rates if inflation shows consistent signs of easing. Some banks are also starting to offer sector-specific lending packages at slightly reduced rates, particularly for exporters and manufacturers. Meanwhile, the upcoming fiscal budget may include measures aimed at boosting investor confidence, easing import bottlenecks, and expanding support for small businessesâdevelopments that, if executed efficiently, could help restore the advertising ecosystem. However, industry players agree that a full recovery may still be many months away. Until inflation is under control, the currency stabilizes, and banks offer more accessible credit, most businesses are likely to remain cautious about spending on brand-building.  Conclusion:  The current lull in Bangladeshâs advertising scene is not just a reflection of corporate thrift but a mirror to a larger economic narrative. Businesses are in survival mode, consumers are cautious, and the media is gasping for breath. Advertising, long considered the engine of consumer economies, has now become a luxury for many. And unless broader macroeconomic challenges are addressed, this advertising drought could leave a long-lasting imprint on the countryâs economic and cultural fabric.
