The Bangladesh Development Initiative (BDI), a USA-based non-profit organization, in collaboration with the Democracy and Development in Bangladesh Forum (DDBF) and the Ash Institute will host this two-day conference examining the economic, political, and social issues facing Bangladesh in the 21st century. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in panel discussions on improving education quality and impact; private sector and infrastructure development; microfinance; aid, FDI, and remittances; and solutions for revitalizing democracy. Speakers include Institute Director Gowher Rizvi and BRAC University Vice Chancellor Dr. Jamilur R. Choudhury.

To attend, please contact Bruce Jackan at 617-495-7548.

Since the late 1970s, China has been transitioning from a planned economy to a market economy, from a rural and closed society to an urban and open society, and from a governance structure based on individual will and charisma to one based on democratic principles and rule of law. While the first two transitions have generated tremendous achievements over the past 30 years, progress on the latter transition has not been as successful. Nevertheless, there have been gradual evolutions within the political system that have fundamentally changed the way China’s governance system operates. Because many of these changes have been gradual, they have not attracted the attention they deserve.

The Ash Institute and the HKS Asia Programs jointly sponsored China: Challenge and Change on Thursday, April 10th. Discussion sessions will address the following topics: "Results and Implications of the Party and People’s Congresses," "Understanding the Chinese Policy Process," "Key Institutions and Players," "Sectoral Challenges," and "Security and Foreign Affairs."