Md Mamun

This study examines the role of blockchain technology in promoting sustainability in Bangladesh’s banking sector. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), it explores the factors influencing blockchain adoption, including Perceived Ease of Use (PEU), Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Compatibility (PC), Perceived External Variables (PEV), and Intention to Use (IBT). Sustainability (SB) is the ultimate outcome variable to assess the long-term impact of blockchain-driven practices. Data were collected from 380 banking professionals across private and public banks. The results show that PEU, PU, PC, and PEV significantly influence IBT, which strongly impacts SB. PEU and PU emerged as the most important predictors of IBT, emphasizing the role of usability and perceived benefits. Path coefficient analysis confirmed the significance of both direct and indirect effects, with IBT acting as a key mediator. The findings highlight blockchain’s potential to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency while supporting sustainable development goals. The study also stresses the importance of aligning blockchain with organizational practices and addressing external factors like infrastructure and social influence. This research provides actionable insights for policymakers and banking institutions, recommending user-friendly blockchain systems, regulatory support, and targeted incentives to foster blockchain adoption for sustainability.

The role of the Ready-made Garment (RMG) sector in transforming the lives of working women in Bangladesh has been controversial. This study examines the impact of paid employment in the RMG sector on the empowerment of its female workers. The fieldwork includes semi-structured interviews with female garment workers to explore their lived experiences and views. The primary qualitative data analysis draws principally on Kabeer's (1999) three inter-related dimensions (resources, agency, and achievements) of empowerment. The main findings of the research are that women with access to employment opportunities in this sector have become economically empowered and independent. The higher economic capacity gives them greater autonomy and makes them confident to make some household and strategic life choices. Increased access to public spaces and consciousness about their right to make life choices have boosted their self-esteem. The study concludes that paid employment in the RMG sector has a significant positive impact on the economic, social, and psychological empowerment of female workers in the readymade garments sector. However, some critical constraints in the sector continue to limit their potential for being further empowered. The findings offer valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers.