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Business & Economy News

Selected coverage of business, banking, economy and capital market news from Bangladesh's leading publications. Each headline links to the original article.

BSEC reopens direct listing route to private companies
The Daily Star · 2026-10-25 · Capital market / Listing
BSEC gazetted the BSEC (Direct Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange) Rules, 2026 last week, replacing the 2015 DSE/CSE listing provisions, so large companies can list existing shares on the main boards without an IPO. The route, introduced in 2006 and later restricted over pricing and trading concerns, comes with prescribed valuation methods meant to curb overpricing.
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Bangladesh retains EU's top denim supplier spot
The Daily Star · 2026-10-25 · Trade / RMG
Eurostat data show Bangladesh exported €869.13 million of denim to the EU in January–August 2026, a 29.40% share, ahead of Pakistan (€525.49m) and Turkey (€438.25m). Exports fell 5.85% year on year and the share slipped from 29.85%, but August shipments rose 12.71% to €134.08 million; one in three denim trousers worn in the EU is made in Bangladesh.
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IT exports grew 9% in FY26, but AI concerns mount
The Daily Star · 2026-10-25 · Trade / IT services
EPB data show computer services exports rose 8.68% to $684.15 million in FY2025-26 from $629.51 million; software exports rose 8.82% to $48.38 million but missed the $55 million target by 12.04%. Industry leaders warn AI automation of traditionally outsourced work could make growth hard to sustain.
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Japan eyes Bangladesh as a place to make cars
The Daily Star · 2026-10-25 · Investment / Automobile
Ahead of PM Tarique Rahman's 26 October visit to Japan and amid reports of $6.35 billion in potential Japanese private investment, JETRO Bangladesh representative Kazuiki Kataoka said car and parts manufacturing could become an important area, starting with local assembly of imported components. Steel quality and weak local supply chains are key constraints.
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Creative economy to be part of economic growth: Khosru
The Daily Star · 2026-10-25 · Economy / Creative economy
Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said the government wants to bring art and culture into mainstream economic activity, speaking at the launch of "Creative Footprints: Modern and Contemporary Art in Bangladesh", published by Standard Chartered Bangladesh with Bengal Foundation. British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke also attended.
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IDRA wants to move HQ to Agargaon despite cheaper Motijheel option
The Daily Star · 2026-10-25 · Insurance / Regulation
IDRA has sought FID approval (letter of 20 September) to relocate its headquarters to IDB Bhaban, Agargaon, despite nearly Tk2 crore higher annual office costs and most insurers being clustered near its current SBC Tower office in Motijheel, citing poor light, ventilation, security and working environment.
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ইজিএম আজ ⬩ মূলধন বাড়াতে বিনিয়োগকারীদের অনুমোদন নেবে পূবালী ব্যাংক (Pubali Bank seeks shareholder nod to raise capital at EGM today)
Bonik Barta · 2026-10-25 · Banking / Capital
Pubali Bank PLC holds a digital EGM at 11am on 25 October to approve raising its authorised capital from Tk2,000 crore to Tk4,000 crore, which requires amending its memorandum and articles; Bangladesh Bank approval is also needed. H1 2026 consolidated EPS was Tk4.39 against Tk3.70 a year earlier, per DSE.
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২০২৬ সাল নিয়ে আইএমএফের পূর্বাভাস ⬩ উপসাগরীয় অঞ্চলের অর্থনীতি সংকোচন হবে ৪.৮ শতাংশ (IMF sees Gulf economies contracting 4.8% in 2026)
Bonik Barta · 2026-10-25 · Global economy / Gulf
The IMF's regional outlook, released in Dubai on Thursday, projects the six GCC economies will contract 4.8% in 2026 as the Middle East war disrupts energy output and exports — 6.8 points below April's 2% growth forecast — before rebounding 9.1% in 2027 if energy and shipping normalise. The region grew 4.5% last year (via The National).
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মধ্যপ্রাচ্য সংঘাত আরো ছড়িয়ে পড়ার আশঙ্কা ⬩ বিশ্ববাজারে ১১৭ ডলার ছাড়াল জ্বালানি তেলের মূল্য (Brent crosses $117 a barrel)
Bonik Barta · 2026-10-25 · Global energy / Oil
Brent rose as much as 3.8% on Friday to $117.45 a barrel, the highest since late April, before settling at $116.72, while WTI climbed 3.52% to $102.97, on fears the Iran conflict could spread after Houthi attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure, tanker attacks near Hormuz and an oil spill off the UAE (via Reuters, FT).
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জুলাইয়ের পর প্রথমবার স্বর্ণের দাম ৪ হাজার ডলারের নিচে (Gold falls below $4,000 for first time since July)
Bonik Barta · 2026-10-25 · Global commodities / Gold
Gold dipped to $3,986.50 an ounce on Friday before settling at $3,998, down 0.5% on the day and about 3.3% over the week, as investors sold the metal to cover losses from a sharp sell-off in technology and AI stocks (via FT, Anadolu).
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এশিয়ার চালের বাজারে সরবরাহ সংকটে দর ঊর্ধ্বমুখী (Asian rice prices climb on supply shortage)
Bonik Barta · 2026-10-25 · Global commodities / Rice
Rice prices rose in major Asian exporting countries on tight local supply, a stronger Indian rupee, output concerns and expected demand. Indian 5% broken parboiled rice traded at $387–392 a tonne last week against $384–389 the week before (via Business Recorder).
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ব্লক মার্কেটে ৫৫ কোটি টাকার লেনদেন (Tk55cr traded on block market)
Bonik Barta · 2026-10-25 · Capital market
DSE block-market turnover was Tk54.87 crore over last week's three trading sessions, with the top 10 companies accounting for Tk41.45 crore. Saiham Textile led with Tk13.57 crore, followed by Fine Foods with Tk5.60 crore, per DSE weekly data.
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দেশ গার্মেন্টসের শেয়ারদর কমেছে ১১ শতাংশ (Desh Garments shares fall 11%)
Bonik Barta · 2026-10-25 · Capital market / Corporate
Desh Garments' share price fell 10.54% last week to Tk126.50 from Tk141.40, topping the DSE weekly losers' list. EPS for H1 FY2025-26 was Tk0.23 against Tk0.09 a year earlier, and NAVPS was Tk157.12 at 31 December 2025.
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স্কয়ার ফার্মার পর্ষদ সভা আগামীকাল (Square Pharma board meets tomorrow)
Bonik Barta · 2026-10-25 · Capital market / Corporate
Square Pharmaceuticals PLC's board meets at 3pm on 26 October to approve audited FY2025-26 financial statements. For FY2024-25 it paid a 120% cash dividend on EPS of Tk27.04 (Tk23.61 a year earlier); NAV per share was Tk157.88 at 30 June 2025.
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Stocks end flat in holiday-shortened week
The Business Standard · 2026-10-24 · Capital market
DSEX shed 1.43 points (0.03%) to 5,450.57 in a three-session week ahead of the Durga Puja break, while DS30 gained 7 points to 2,103. Total turnover was Tk1,185 crore and daily average turnover fell nearly 18% to Tk395 crore as investors awaited earnings and dividend declarations.
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BRAC Bank to launch Tk1,000cr green bond tomorrow
The Business Standard · 2026-10-24 · Banking / Bonds
BRAC Bank is set to become the first bank in Bangladesh to issue a green bond, worth Tk1,000 crore, with MD & CEO Tareq Refat Ullah Khan announcing the launch on 25 October at Pan Pacific Sonargaon. The bond follows Bangladesh Bank's green bond guidelines and will finance renewable energy, green buildings and industrial energy-efficiency.
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Govt explores Sukuk, dollar bonds for $1.3b Matarbari Phase 2
The Business Standard · 2026-10-24 · Economy / Energy finance
With global lenders refusing to finance coal, the government is weighing domestic Sukuk, international dollar bonds, ECA financing and other sovereign-guaranteed borrowing for the 1,320MW Matarbari Phase 2, which needs Tk16,000–17,000 crore. CPGCL has submitted the DPP and a financing decision is expected early next month; about 80% of spending will be in foreign currency.
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Chinese firm invests $100m in beverage can factory at Kaliakoir Hi-Tech Park
The Business Standard · 2026-10-24 · Investment / FDI
China's Alu Hi-Tech Industries Ltd is investing $100 million in a plant at Kaliakoir Hi-Tech Park, Gazipur, to make 100 crore beverage cans a year, exporting about 90% of output. Construction began in 2024 with production targeted within eight months, though a gas connection remains a major hurdle.
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Bangladesh Bank website still offline over global PHP security vulnerability
The Business Standard · 2026-10-24 · Banking / Cybersecurity
Bangladesh Bank's website, taken down on 22 October as a precaution after two critical PHP vulnerabilities were disclosed and central banks worldwide were targeted, remained offline on 24 October while technical teams assess the risks. Officials said it will be restored once the risk assessment is complete.
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Idra warns against fake circulars circulating online
The Business Standard · 2026-10-24 · Insurance / Regulation
IDRA warned that two circulars on paid-up capital, motor insurance and marine insurance circulating online under its name and logo are fake. A senior official said some stock-market investor groups spread them to manipulate insurance share prices.
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Samorita Hospital's income jumps on seasonal patient surge, declares 10% dividend
The Business Standard · 2026-10-24 · Capital market / Corporate
Listed Samorita Hospital's FY26 net profit rose 80% to Tk2.43 crore from Tk1.35 crore and EPS to Tk1.12 from Tk0.62 on higher admissions amid measles and dengue outbreaks. The board recommended a 10% cash dividend (5% for FY25); record date is 17 November and the AGM is on 27 December.
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ব্যাংক আমানতের সুদহার কমায় সঞ্চয়পত্রে ফিরছেন বিনিয়োগকারীরা (Investors return to savings certificates as bank deposit rates fall)
Bonik Barta · 2026-10-24 · Banking / Savings instruments
Bangladesh Bank's Major Economic Indicators show net sales of savings certificates rose about 57% year on year in July–August FY2026-27 to Tk2,463 crore (gross sales Tk18,577 crore, repayments Tk16,113 crore), as falling bank deposit rates and a weak stock market push savers to the safer instrument.
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Middle East conflict threatens vegetable exports further
The Daily Star · 2026-10-23 · Trade / Agro exports
Fresh vegetable export earnings fell nearly 7% year on year in July–September as higher airfreight, flight disruptions, pesticide-residue concerns and poor airport cooling squeezed exporters. South Asia–Middle East airfreight spot rates were 91% above late-February levels in late September, per Xeneta.
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Ctg port clearance slows as post-declaration delays double
The Daily Star · 2026-10-23 · Ports / Customs
An NBR time-release study found clearing containerised imports through Chattogram port takes an average 13.2 days, up nearly 17% in four years. The four stages after the bill of entry now take 5.8 days against 2.9 in 2022 — assessment 2 days, duty payment 1.8, exit note 1.1 and delivery 0.9.
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Motorcycle sales dip as fuel costs rise
The Daily Star · 2026-10-23 · Economy / Consumer demand
Motorcycle sales fell 1.3% year on year to 34,887 units in September from 35,335, as the Tk20 per litre fuel price hike effective 21 September raised ownership costs, especially for commuter bikes, while electric two-wheeler sales gained momentum.
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Robi, Banglalink users can spend Tk 50,000 yearly via mobile balances
The Daily Star · 2026-10-23 · Digital payments / Telecom
BTRC approved a 150% rise in Direct Operator Billing limits for Robi and Banglalink to Tk5,000 a month and Tk50,000 a year on eligible digital products, matching Grameenphone, valid for six months from 20 July 2026. KYC is required and DOB payments for in-app virtual currencies are prohibited.
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Govt plans Tk 592cr project for two Titas wells
The Daily Star · 2026-10-23 · Economy / Energy
A Tk592 crore project to drill the Titas-32 and Titas-33 wells, adding about 30 mmcfd of gas, goes to ECNEC on 25 October. BGFCL will implement it from October 2026 to September 2029, with Tk414.40 crore from the government and Tk177.60 crore from its own funds; Petrobangla aims to drill 150 wells by 2031.
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Govt sounds urgent hacking alert, calls for immediate security fixes
The Daily Star · 2026-10-22 · Cybersecurity / ICT
BGD e-GOV CIRT warned of a high hacking risk from two critical PHP flaws that could let attackers run malicious code on web servers without logging in, urging government agencies, financial institutions and telecom operators to inventory PHP runtimes and patch public-facing systems immediately.
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Govt eyes Tk22,000cr savings by restarting fertiliser factories: BCIC chairman
The Business Standard · 2026-10-22 · Industry / Fertiliser
BCIC Chairman Babul Mia said restarting all state-owned fertiliser factories could save Tk22,000 crore in urea imports; the country imports 2.6–2.7 million tonnes of urea a year. Ashuganj Fertiliser Factory, shut since 1 March 2025 over gas shortages, could resume this year if gas supply is ensured.
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Govt relaxes experience rules for state commercial bank CEOs
The Daily Star · 2026-10-21 · Banking / Governance
An FID amendment issued on 19 October allows the two-year experience requirement in the post immediately below MD/CEO to be waived for candidates with special skills, qualifications and leadership at Sonali, Janata, Agrani, Rupali, BDBL and BASIC. The 20-year banking experience rule and the 45–65 age range remain.
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Credit card transactions rise 30% YoY to Tk4,089cr in August, dips 5.4% from July
The Business Standard · 2026-10-20 · Banking / Cards
Bangladesh Bank data show credit card spending reached Tk4,089 crore in August, up 30.03% from Tk3,144 crore a year earlier but 5.44% below July's Tk4,325 crore. Bangladeshis spent about Tk987 crore abroad using local cards against Tk249 crore spent in the country on foreign cards.
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Card issuance nearly doubles in 5 years: Bangladesh Bank report
The Daily Star · 2026-10-20 · Banking / Cards
The number of debit, credit and prepaid cards grew 96% to 5.29 crore in August 2026 from 2.7 crore in September 2021, while card transaction value rose 103% to Tk49,770 crore from Tk24,561 crore, per a BB report. Prepaid cards grew fastest, up 174% since December 2022.
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Cenbank sells $20m to curb dollar rate hike
The Business Standard · 2026-10-20 · Banking / Forex
Bangladesh Bank sold $20 million from reserves to commercial banks at Tk123.65 per dollar after the rate threatened to cross Tk124 — its second sale this fiscal year after $11.5 million at Tk122.80 on 14 September — though the intervention did not bring the rate down by day-end.
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Govt cancels contractual appointments of Sonali, Janata, Rupali MDs
The Business Standard · 2026-10-19 · Banking / State-owned banks
Financial Institutions Division letters on 19 October cancelled the remaining contractual terms of Sonali Bank MD Shawkat Ali Khan, Janata Bank MD Mazibur Rahman and Rupali Bank MD Kazi Md Wahidul Islam, all appointed by the interim government after August 2024.
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Deposit rate cut comes when inflation already eats up savings
The Business Standard · 2026-10-19 · Banking / Deposits
Leading banks cut one-year fixed deposit rates to around 7.5%, below September's 8.34% inflation, in a second round of cuts in two months, as deposits rise and private-sector credit growth stays below 5% for over six months, leaving savers with negative real returns.
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1,500 staff, deposit risks deter buyers from StanChart retail business
The Business Standard · 2026-10-19 · Banking / Foreign banks
Several banks have stepped back from buying Standard Chartered Bangladesh's retail business, citing the cost of absorbing about 1,500 staff, deposit-pricing gaps and the risk of customers withdrawing deposits; City Bank is the only local lender to sign an NDA. The sale includes about Tk8,000 crore in retail deposits.
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Govt to buy 70,000 tonnes of urea
The Daily Star · 2026-10-19 · Agriculture / Fertiliser
The Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase approved buying 30,000 tonnes of urea from KAFCO at $408.375 a tonne and 40,000 tonnes from Saudi Arabia's SABIC at $431.67 a tonne, costing about Tk364.55 crore in total. FY27 urea demand is 30 lakh tonnes.
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Banking sector recovery requires Tk60,000cr annually for 5-8 years: Cenbank governor
The Business Standard · 2026-10-10 · Banking / Sector recovery
BB Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman said Bangladesh will need to allocate Tk60,000 crore a year from the budget for five to eight years to recover banking-sector losses, speaking at a ONE Bank Bangla QR event at United International University on 10 October. He said the merged Sammilito Islami Bank can now meet all withdrawals with BB support and National Bank will repay all customers from 15 October.
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ডিএসইএক্স সূচক কমেছে ১ শতাংশ (DSEX falls 1% over the week)
Bonik Barta · 2026-10-10 · Capital market
DSEX fell 56 points, or 1%, over the week to 5,476 from 5,532 the previous week, with turnover and other DSE indices also lower and the CSE index declining. The blue-chip DS30, however, rose 2 points to 2,106.
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সেন্ট্রাল ইন্স্যুরেন্সের ইপিএস বেড়েছে ৪৬% (Central Insurance EPS up 46%)
Bonik Barta · 2026-10-10 · Insurance / Earnings
Listed Central Insurance PLC's EPS rose 46% to Tk0.76 in the July–September 2026 quarter from Tk0.52 a year earlier, per DSE disclosures, and NAV per share stood at Tk51.43 on 30 September 2026. For 2025 the company declared a 12% cash dividend on EPS of Tk1.87.
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কয়লার দাম তিন বছরে সর্বোচ্চে (Coal price at three-year high)
Bonik Barta · 2026-10-10 · Global energy / Commodities
International coal prices have topped $150 a tonne, the highest since September 2023, as the Iran-centred military crisis disrupts natural gas supply and pushes countries to alternative fuels for power, with global coal demand possibly reaching a record this year. Legal hurdles to new mine expansion in Australia and energy-security concerns also lifted prices.
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বৈশ্বিক পণ্য বাণিজ্যে প্রবৃদ্ধির পূর্বাভাস বাড়িয়ে ৩.৯ শতাংশ করেছে ডব্লিউটিও (WTO raises 2026 global goods trade growth forecast to 3.9%)
Bonik Barta · 2026-10-10 · Global trade
The WTO raised its 2026 world merchandise trade growth forecast to 3.9% from 1.9% projected in March, in its Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report released in Geneva. AI-related demand, record investment and supply-chain resilience are supporting trade despite energy and transport disruptions from the Middle East war (via Anadolu).
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থাইল্যান্ডে বন্যায় চাল উৎপাদন ব্যাহত, সরবরাহ সংকটে বাড়তে পারে দাম (Thai floods disrupt rice output; prices may rise)
Bonik Barta · 2026-10-10 · Bazaar / Commodities
Floods from continuous rain and hill run-off in Thailand are disrupting rice production and river transport on the Chao Phraya, delaying shipments from riverside mills to ports and the new-season planting. Analysts expect Thai rice prices may rise in coming weeks, though weak export demand could limit the increase; actual output losses are not yet clear (via Hellenic Shipping News).
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Govt repurchases Tk 1,716cr T-bonds in first-ever buyback auction
The Daily Star · 2026-10-09 · Economy / Public debt
In the country's first government bond buyback auction, conducted by Bangladesh Bank on 8 October for the Finance Division, the government repurchased Tk1,716.14 crore of two-year treasury bonds issued on 4 November 2024 and due next month. BB offered to buy back up to Tk6,666.58 crore via a multiple-price reverse auction and received 56 bids worth Tk2,016.14 crore; settlement is on 12 October.
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Govt secures $3.1b loan to keep fuel and LNG flowing
The Daily Star · 2026-10-09 · Economy / Energy finance
The Standing Committee on Non-Concessional Loan approved a $3.1 billion facility from the Islamic Development Bank Group's ITFC to finance fuel and LNG imports — $2.5 billion for BPC's fuel oil and $600 million for Petrobangla's LNG. Under the co-financing structure ITFC provides $600 million and Bangladesh Bank the remaining $2.5 billion (about 80%), at six-month term SOFR plus 1.70 percentage points.
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Private-sector activity falls to lowest since Aug 2024: PMI
The Daily Star · 2026-10-09 · Economy / Business activity
Bangladesh's headline Purchasing Managers' Index fell 1.3 points to 48.6 in September from 49.9 in August, a second straight month of contraction and the lowest since August 2024, according to MCCI and Policy Exchange Bangladesh. The index surveys purchasing managers at over 500 private firms; readings below 50 signal contraction.
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BSEC to allow financial advisers to curb rumour-based trading
The Daily Star · 2026-10-09 · Capital market / Regulation
BSEC plans to issue "Registered Financial Adviser Rules" within one to two months to bring financial advisers under regulatory oversight and protect investors from fraud and market rumours, Commissioner Nafiz Al Tarik said at a CDBL-CCBL World Investor Week 2026 seminar at the DSE building. Investors would get certified advice instead of relying on unauthorised tips from brokerage representatives.
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Govt eases rule on yarn release from port
The Daily Star · 2026-10-09 · Trade / RMG
NBR said in a circular that 10- to 30-count yarn imported through LCs opened before 7 September may be released from port without bank guarantees, while imports under LCs opened after that date still need guarantees. Exporters had complained customs was holding consignments despite the commerce ministry's 13 September withdrawal of the guarantee condition; local spinners oppose the easing, saying they can supply such yarn.
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Govt moves to institutionalise internal audit across public sector
The Daily Star · 2026-10-09 · Public finance / Audit
The government has begun reforms to set up a permanent internal audit system across ministries and divisions. At a workshop under the Finance Division's SPFMS programme, Finance Secretary Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder unveiled the revised 2026 Model Risk-Based Internal Audit Charter and Manual, aligned with the Global Internal Audit Standards 2024, replacing reliance on temporarily assigned staff.
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Interbank dollar transactions exceed $200m, highest in 5 years
The Business Standard · 2026-10-09 · Banking / Forex
Commercial banks traded more than $200 million in the interbank market on 8 October — $155 million spot and over $50 million in swaps at Tk123.10–123.22 per dollar — the highest in five years, up from $101 million on 7 October and $82 million on 6 October. Banks with government payments due bought dollars, and dollar supply from remittances and exports exceeds demand, pushing many banks' NOPs towards the upper limit.
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Standard Chartered announces plan to sell wealth and retail business in Bangladesh
The Daily Star · 2026-10-08 · Banking / Foreign banks
Standard Chartered announced on 8 October it will explore selling its wealth and retail banking business in Bangladesh to sharpen its focus on corporate and investment banking, in line with the group's cross-border and affluent-client strategy. The bank, operating in Bangladesh for 120 years, said there is no immediate impact on retail clients and staff and any transaction is subject to regulatory approval.
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Bangladesh Bank to inject more liquidity into National Bank to repay depositors
The Daily Star · 2026-10-08 · Banking / Liquidity support
Bangladesh Bank decided at a meeting with National Bank's board on 8 October to inject fresh liquidity so the lender can repay depositors, with cash to be available at all branches and ATMs from 15 October. NBL lost nearly Tk9,000 crore in four years since 2022, including Tk2,430 crore in 2025, and its NPL ratio stood at 59.69% at end-2025. Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman said protecting depositors remains the priority.
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DP World to operate Ctg port's New Mooring Container Terminal
The Daily Star · 2026-10-08 · Ports / Logistics
Bangladesh signed a 15-year concession with UAE-based DP World on 8 October to operate and maintain Chattogram port's New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) and its overflow yard, after a lengthy and contested process. CPA Chairman Rear Admiral S M Moniruzzaman and DP World Chairman Essa Kazim signed; IFC was transaction adviser. The terminal had been run by Chittagong Dry Dock Ltd since Saif Powertec's contract expired in July last year.
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BB allows money changers to sell up to $3,000 to outbound travelers
The Business Standard · 2026-10-08 · Banking / Forex
Under a Bangladesh Bank circular issued on 8 October, licensed money changers may sell up to $3,000 in US dollar notes and coins at a time to Bangladeshi nationals travelling abroad against their annual private travel entitlement, up from $2,000. The central bank said the move facilitates travellers' foreign exchange needs.
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Bangladesh Bank allows foreign currency accounts to retain approved external loan proceeds
The Business Standard · 2026-10-07 · Banking / Forex
Under a circular issued on 7 October, authorised dealers may open and maintain FC accounts for eligible private-sector industrial enterprises to retain proceeds of approved medium- and long-term external loans in the respective foreign currency and use them for specified project payments. Borrowers may also hold foreign-currency balances for repaying the loans after drawdown and utilisation are complete.
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Cash crunch cripples GPH Ispat as production hit, revenue plummets to 4-year low
The Business Standard · 2026-10-07 · Capital market / Corporate
Steelmaker GPH Ispat's net revenue fell 29% year on year to Tk3,940 crore in FY26 from Tk5,606 crore, a four-year low, as an acute working-capital shortage disrupted production and raw-material procurement. MS billet produced no revenue and export earnings dropped 55% to Tk8 crore; net profit plunged to Tk3.54 crore, a net margin of just 0.08%, while rising debt strained the balance sheet.
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Stocks recover after four-session slide, DSEX gains 38 points
The Business Standard · 2026-10-07 · Capital market
DSEX rose 38.12 points, or 0.70%, to 5,463.35 on 7 October on bargain hunting, recovering part of the roughly 125 points lost over the previous four sessions. DS30 gained 19.11 points to 2,096.24 and DSES 8.79 points to 1,196.67; turnover rose 7% to Tk604 crore, with 191 issues advancing, 134 declining and 66 unchanged.
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Digital services of 30 banks restored
The Daily Star · 2026-10-07 · Banking / Payments
Card, ATM, POS, internet banking and NPSB fund-transfer services of around 30 banks resumed on the night of 6 October after being disrupted since 4 October by a sudden system upgrade of the Q-Cash electronic payment network. Affected lenders included Agrani, Janata, Sonali, Rupali, BASIC, Bank Asia, Jamuna, Mercantile, One Bank and National Bank, among others.
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World Bank says Bangladesh economic rebound falls short, cuts growth outlook
The Business Standard · 2026-10-06 · Economy / Growth outlook
In its Bangladesh Development Update released on 6 October, the World Bank cut its FY27 GDP growth forecast by 1.2 percentage points to 3.4% from 4.6% projected in April — below the 3.45% recorded in Covid-hit FY20 — citing a more protracted drag from energy shortages, banking-sector weakness, subdued credit growth and tighter fiscal constraints. It sees RMG exports slowed by weak EU demand. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury responded "wait and see".
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Salman F Rahman finally left out of Beximco Group firms
The Business Standard · 2026-10-06 · Capital market / Governance
BSEC approved, at its 6 October meeting, the reconstitution of the boards of Beximco Ltd and Shinepukur Ceramics PLC excluding group Vice Chairman Salman F Rahman, to break a years-long operational deadlock and help the companies resume regular activities. Rahman, in custody since August 2024 on multiple criminal charges, agreed in September to step down from the group's listed boards.
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BB to limit borrower's sector-wide exposure, target each bank's top defaulters to tame bad loans
The Business Standard · 2026-10-05 · Banking / NPLs
Bangladesh Bank presented a five-year, 13-point banking reform roadmap to the parliamentary standing committee on the finance ministry after NPLs hit a record Tk6.06 lakh crore, a third of all credit. Short-term steps include quarterly reviews of banks with NPLs above 10% and of each bank's top 20 defaulters; medium-term steps include an IFRS-based expected credit loss provisioning framework and publishing defaulter lists; long-term, a cap on a single borrower's exposure to the whole banking system. Twenty-two banks carry Tk2.54 lakh crore in accumulated losses.
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Govt lifts 16-year ban on direct listing
The Business Standard · 2026-10-05 · Capital market / Listing
The Ministry of Finance, by an order issued on 5 October, revoked a 1 February 2010 circular that barred direct listing, allowing multinational, state-owned and high-value private companies to list on the DSE and CSE without an IPO. The decision follows a BSEC recommendation of 19 August 2026 to withdraw the restriction to support sustainable capital market development.
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Directors of NCC, Dhaka, Pubali Bank announce major share buy-sell plans
The Business Standard · 2026-10-04 · Capital market / Corporate
Sponsors and director entities of NCC Bank, Dhaka Bank and Pubali Bank disclosed plans to trade large share blocks on the DSE public and block markets by 29 October. NCC Bank sponsor MA Quasem will sell 92,000 of his 49.92 lakh shares after an earlier sale of 26.65 lakh, while Dhaka Bank Chairman Abdul Hai Sarker plans to buy one lakh shares from the public market.
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Selling pressure drags DSEX down as investors tread carefully on earnings
The Business Standard · 2026-10-04 · Capital market
DSEX surrendered 48 points, or 0.89%, to settle at its intraday low of 5,482 on 4 October amid caution over fiscal year-end earnings disclosures and economic headwinds. Breadth was weak with 291 issues declining against 66 advancing; BRAC Bank, Beximco Pharma, National Bank, Islami Bank and Pubali Bank weighed most on the index.
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Selling pressure pulls DSEX down 19 points
The Business Standard · 2026-10-01 · Capital market
DSEX dropped 18.79 points, or 0.34%, to 5,531.65 on 1 October, reversing the previous session's brief recovery, as investors stayed cautious over weaker corporate earnings. DS30 fell 4.86 points to 2,103.55. Turnover rose 3.4% to Tk720 crore, but 240 of 395 traded issues declined.
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BB announces monetary policy for Q2 of FY27
The Business Standard · 2026-09-30 · Banking / Monetary policy
Bangladesh Bank released its monetary policy statement for the second quarter of FY2026-27 on 30 September, keeping the policy rate unchanged amid concerns that higher fuel prices and the new pay scale could push up inflation. The central bank expects inflation to rise because of the fuel price increase and the announcement of a new pay scale. The report was still developing ('more to follow') when captured, so further details of the statement are not included here.
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BB to unveil first-ever quarterly monetary policy today
The Daily Star · 2026-09-30 · Banking / Monetary policy
Bangladesh Bank was set to announce its monetary policy quarterly for the first time, replacing the six-month cycle, with the statement for October-December 2026 due at a 3:00pm press conference; the IMF had recommended a quarterly framework more than a year ago. The policy rate was held at 10% from October 2024 until July, when it was cut to 9.5%, the first reduction in six years. Inflation fell for a third month to 8.26% in August, its lowest in 10 months, but remains above the government's FY27 ceiling of 7.5%; the July statement projected 8.9% by December 2026.
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Brent rises to $105.47
The Daily Star · 2026-09-30 · Global energy / Oil
Oil prices rose for a second successive session as concern over Middle East supply disruption from the US-Israeli war on Iran outweighed signs of recovering crude exports. November Brent rose 19 cents (0.2%) to $105.47 a barrel, the December contract rose 11 cents to $97.94 and US WTI was at $92.82; November-loading Brent and WTI were headed for monthly gains of about 17% and 8%. Kpler data show crude exports from major Middle East producers rose to 12.8 million barrels a day in September, the highest since February, though ship-to-ship workarounds keep costs elevated.
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আগামীকাল থেকে বাংলা কিউআর লেনদেনে বিক্রেতার খরচ থাকবে না (Merchants to pay no fee on Bangla QR transactions from tomorrow)
Bonik Barta · 2026-09-30 · Banking / Payments
Bangladesh Bank has suspended the 1% merchant discount rate (MDR) that sellers paid to withdraw Bangla QR proceeds from the bank, so from 1 October merchants will not pay it. BB spokesperson Arief Hossain Khan told a press conference that the step is meant to make Bangla QR more orderly and sustainable. About 4 million merchants now use Bangla QR; since the single Bangla QR was made mandatory in June, transactions have grown 3.5 times in number and about 5 times in value, and person-to-person Bangla QR payments will start on 1 November.
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১১২ কর্মদিবসে ৫৩৯০ কোটি টাকা নতুন ডিপোজিট সংগ্রহ প্রিমিয়ার ব্যাংকের (Premier Bank collects Tk5,390cr in new deposits in 112 working days)
Bonik Barta · 2026-09-30 · Banking / Deposits
The Premier Bank PLC collected Tk5,390 crore of deposits in 112 working days under its ongoing 'Deposit and Recovery Campaign 2026': Tk3,003 crore in 60 working days from 1 April to 30 June and a further Tk2,387 crore in 52 working days from 15 July to 28 September. Chairman Dr Arifur Rahman and MD Md Monzur Mofiz credited staff effort and customer confidence for the result, which the bank said came after overcoming the earlier banking troubles. Based on a press release.
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৩০০ কোটি টাকার বন্ড ইস্যু করবে এনআরবি ব্যাংক (NRB Bank to issue Tk300cr bond)
Bonik Barta · 2026-09-30 · Capital market / Bonds
The board of listed NRB Bank PLC has decided to issue a Tk300 crore subordinated bond to strengthen its Tier-2 capital, according to DSE information. The seven-year bond will be unsecured, non-convertible, redeemable and coupon-bearing at a floating rate, issued by private placement, and needs approval from the relevant regulators. The bank declared no dividend for 2024, with EPS of Tk0.11 against Tk1.35 in 2023 and NAV per share of Tk12.66; CRISL rates it A+ in the long term and ST-2 in the short term.
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বেক্সিমকো ফার্মার নতুন পর্ষদ গঠনে বিএসইসির অনাপত্তি (BSEC gives no-objection to new Beximco Pharma board)
Bonik Barta · 2026-09-30 · Capital market / Governance
At its 1,031st meeting on 29 September, BSEC decided to give no-objection to a proposed nine-member board for Beximco Pharmaceuticals after learning of the court's oral direction through its panel lawyer, and to withdraw two earlier orders on condition that the company withdraws its case. The board will have three sponsor directors (ASF Rahman, Osman Kaiser Chowdhury and Iqbal Ahmed), an IFIC Bank PLC representative and four independent directors, three of them newly appointed and one a woman, and a new managing director will be appointed.
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নয় মাসে ব্র্যাক ব্যাংকে এসেছে আড়াই বিলিয়ন ডলারের রেমিট্যান্স (BRAC Bank receives $2.5bn in remittances in nine months)
Bonik Barta · 2026-09-30 · Banking / Remittance
BRAC Bank PLC brought in more than $2.5 billion in remittances between January and September 2026, already surpassing its 2025 record of $2.2 billion, and has set a target of more than $3 billion for the full year, according to a bank press release. The bank cites host-to-host technology integration and API connectivity with international partners, a network of exchange houses across the Middle East, South-East Asia, Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific, and its branch, sub-branch and agent banking network for rural delivery.
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ইসলামিক ক্রেডিট কার্ডে শরিয়াহ বহির্ভূত লেনদেন করা যাবে না (No non-Shariah transactions allowed on Islamic credit cards)
Bonik Barta · 2026-09-30 · Banking / Islamic banking
Bangladesh Bank issued 'Guidelines on Islamic Credit Card Operations of Banks' on Sunday night, directing card issuers to block specified merchant category codes at the authorisation stage for categories such as alcohol, gambling and betting, night clubs, adult entertainment, pork products, interest-based financial services and conventional insurance. Borrowing is on a Qard Hasan basis with fixed service charges, and late-payment penalties must go to a separate charity account. Customer protections include OTP consent before activation, two-factor authentication for e-commerce and refunds of post-loss unauthorised transactions within seven working days.
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ইরানি মুদ্রার রেকর্ড পতন, এক ডলারে ২৫ লাখ রিয়াল (Iranian rial hits record low, 2.5 million per dollar)
Bonik Barta · 2026-09-30 · Global economy / Currency
Iran's rial fell to a new record low in the open market, with the dollar rising 3.84% on Tuesday to 2.542 million rials and touching 2.548 million at one point, according to an Iranian forex-tracking website cited in the report (via Anadolu); the dollar had already hit 2.4 million rials on Monday. Analysts blame the US-Israeli attacks since February, continuing military conflict, the US naval blockade, high inflation and sanctions for weakening the economy and hurting trade and oil exports.
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Five banks to raise Tk 3,500cr through bonds
The Daily Star · 2026-09-29 · Capital market / Bonds
BSEC approved bond issues by five private banks totalling Tk3,500 crore: Tk400 crore (One Bank), Tk800 crore (Southeast Bank), Tk500 crore (Al-Arafah Islami Bank) and Tk800 crore (Bank Asia) in floating-rate subordinated bonds at reference rate plus 3% to build Tier-II capital, and a Tk1,000 crore three-year zero-coupon green bond for BRAC Bank at an estimated 8.5% discount rate. All will be privately placed with institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals, then listed on the main boards. BSEC also approved the reconstituted Beximco Pharmaceuticals board following verbal High Court directions.
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Bangladesh Bank bars profit from Islamic credit cards
The Daily Star · 2026-09-29 · Banking / Islamic banking
Bangladesh Bank issued its first full guidelines on Islamic credit cards, barring banks from earning more when customers' debts grow or when they pay late. Every credit purchase, cash advance or delayed payment is treated as Qard Hasan (an interest-free loan); banks may charge only fixed service fees (ujrah) capped at the actual direct cost, and any charge that varies with balance, limit or delay is banned. Late payment requires a pre-agreed fixed charity donation that the bank cannot keep as income. Cash withdrawals are capped at 50% of the credit limit and there is a five-business-day cooling-off period.
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ADB to give TK Group concern $50m for polyester chips project
The Daily Star · 2026-09-29 · Economy / Development finance
The Asian Development Bank signed a $50 million loan with Modern Syntex Limited, a TK Group concern, for an energy-efficient polyester chips project. The financing supports expanding capacity from 107 to 407 tonnes per day and refinances short-term local working-capital loans, deepening backward linkages for the textile and garment sector. The new machinery is expected to save about 4,840 MWh of electricity and cut about 2,222 tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions a year, and the project supports development of the Mirsarai Economic Zone.
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অনিয়মের জন্য ৪৯টি রিক্রুটিং এজেন্সির লাইসেন্স বাতিল (49 recruiting agencies' licences cancelled for irregularities)
Bonik Barta · 2026-09-29 · Economy / Labour migration
Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury told EU Ambassador Michael Miller on 29 September that licences of 49 recruiting agencies linked to illegal migration and other irregularities have been cancelled, some agency offices sealed and regular mobile courts ordered, with a roundtable on legal migration planned soon. The ambassador noted that a large share of Bangladesh's remittances comes from the EU, asked about licensing and oversight given the government's target of sending 10 million workers abroad in five years, and offered to work on ethical migration.
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DSE extends losing streak to third day amid earnings jitters
The Business Standard · 2026-09-28 · Capital market
DSEX slipped 6 points to 5,525 on 28 September, a third straight losing session and 71 points down cumulatively, as investors stayed cautious amid fiscal year-end earnings and dividend announcements from June-closing companies. The blue-chip DS30 lost 1 point to 2,097. Life insurance (+1.8%) and general insurance (+1.1%) bucked the trend.
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Bangladesh Bank expands int'l card facility for foreign airline ticket purchases
The Business Standard · 2026-09-28 · Banking / Cards
In a circular issued on 28 September, Bangladesh Bank revised its 19 November 2025 instructions so that resident Bangladeshis with valid visas, where applicable, can use international cards to buy tickets from foreign airlines operating in Bangladesh even when the airlines settle payments through international acquiring arrangements outside the country. Previously the facility applied only where proceeds were settled through authorised dealer (AD) banks in Bangladesh. It covers 17 foreign airlines, AD banks will identify eligible purchases by merchant category code, and such purchases will not count against the cardholder's travel entitlement.
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Two more banks eye Standard Chartered Bangladesh's retail business
The Daily Star · 2026-09-28 · Banking / Retail
Pubali Bank and Mutual Trust Bank have begun preliminary talks to take over Standard Chartered Bangladesh's retail business, joining BRAC Bank and City Bank, which had earlier confirmed interest. Pubali MD Mohammad Ali said about 1,500 retail staff would have to be retained under any deal and that the matter is expected to be finalised by November, while an MTB official said the wind-down is likely to run until 2028. A Bangladesh Bank spokesperson said no decision has been taken; Standard Chartered called the reports market speculation and said it is business as usual.
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BSEC orders digital overhaul to protect investors' funds
The Daily Star · 2026-09-28 · Capital market / Investor protection
BSEC has told the Dhaka Stock Exchange to set up unified back-office software giving regulators real-time data on brokerage houses so they cannot embezzle investors' funds, and said brokers must adopt an Order Management System. BSEC Chairman Masud Khan said about 18,000 investors were affected by Tk492 crore lost in five brokerage houses; the DSE began paying up to Tk5 lakh each to 17,332 investors, initially Tk72 crore in total from its Investors Protection Fund within three months, with the rest to follow. The five houses are Moshihor, Banco, Crest, Tamha Securities and Shah Mohammad Sagir & Company.
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India imposes fresh anti-dumping duties on Bangladesh jute goods
The Daily Star · 2026-09-28 · Trade / Jute
India's finance ministry notified anti-dumping duties of up to $445 per tonne on Bangladeshi jute products including yarn/twine, sacking bags and hessian, following a DGTR mid-term review. A notification dated 24 September listed 36 Bangladeshi makers with duties starting at $59 per tonne; six producers were exempted and jute yarn/twine from unlisted firms attracts $445 per tonne. Bangladesh's jute goods exports to India fell 18% year on year to 1.17 lakh tonnes in FY2024-25; the Bangladesh Jute Spinners Association called the measure 'one-sided' and 'coercive'.
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Where will Fed tightening hit hardest in Asia?
The Daily Star · 2026-09-28 · Global economy / Monetary policy
Reuters analysis: after the Fed raised rates by 25 basis points on 16 September and signalled further hikes (its dot plot points to one more this year, and markets price as many as three more by mid-2027), Asian markets face a headwind through capital outflows, weaker currencies and higher inflation, though effects will vary by country and sector. Estimated monthly foreign-equity outflows from Asia hit a record $192 billion through 25 September, and deficit economies such as India, Indonesia and the Philippines have been hit hardest while surplus economies such as China and South Korea have seen currencies appreciate.
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Bangladesh pays $699m in foreign debt, receives $295m in July-August
The Business Standard · 2026-09-27 · Economy / External debt
Bangladesh repaid more than twice what it received in foreign assistance in the first two months of FY2026-27, according to an ERD report released on 27 September. The country received $294.56 million in foreign loans and grants while paying $698.92 million to service earlier loans, of which $516.04 million was principal and $182.88 million interest. Repayment pressure has increased as earlier loans reach maturity, alongside a slowdown in development projects and lower disbursement of foreign assistance.
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Investor activity jumps 42% on DSE despite economic headwinds
The Business Standard · 2026-09-27 · Capital market
Average daily turnover on the Dhaka Stock Exchange jumped 42% last week despite persistent macroeconomic headwinds and a fuel price hike. DSEX gained 46 points, or 0.83%, to close at 5,578 and DS30 advanced 10 points to 2,112; 252 issues advanced, 105 declined and 29 were unchanged, though total market capitalisation fell by Tk1,800 crore. Engineering fell 0.83%, Food and Allied 0.60% and Banking 0.56%; Eastern Bank, Sharp Industries, Square Pharmaceuticals, IPDC Finance and Saiham Textile were the most traded.
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BB sets strict timelines for Bangla QR payment dispute resolution
The Daily Star · 2026-09-27 · Banking / Payments
Bangladesh Bank issued a guideline on dispute resolution for Bangla QR merchant payments, effective 1 December, requiring banks, MFS and payment service providers to auto-reverse conclusively failed transactions in real time or within 30 minutes. Customers can lodge complaints within 45 days; issuers must accept or reject within two working days before the case moves to chargeback through NPSB's Dispute Management System, with acquirers given seven days to respond and arbitration to conclude within 30 days. Fraud claims must be investigated within 30 days, with reimbursement within three business days once an institution's failure is established.
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Apex Footwear to raise Tk 500 crore through preference shares
The Daily Star · 2026-09-27 · Capital market / Corporate
Apex Footwear's board approved, at a meeting on 26 September, raising up to Tk500 crore through redeemable preference shares to refinance existing loans and reduce its debt burden; the issue needs shareholder and BSEC approval, and the structure and terms are yet to be finalised. The board also approved amendments to the memorandum and articles of association, subject to shareholder approval. The company recommended a 30% dividend (15% cash, 15% stock) for FY2025-26, with EPS of Tk7.91 against Tk6.90 a year earlier and restated NAV per share of Tk355.25.
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VEON commits $250m, targets $1bn FDI
The Daily Star · 2026-09-27 · Banking / Digital banks
The joint venture between VEON Ltd and Square Group has secured Bangladesh Bank approval for a digital bank licence, with VEON committing an initial $250 million anchor investment towards a goal of mobilising $1 billion in FDI across connectivity, digital infrastructure, digital financial services and AI. The bank is expected to integrate closely with Banglalink's mobile ecosystem and builds on Banglalink's existing payment service provider licence behind its Mukto Pay service. The investment is linked to the 'Invest in Bangladesh NOW!' public-private partnership launched in New York during UN General Assembly week.
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Five digital banks get initial nod from Bangladesh Bank
The Daily Star · 2026-09-24 · Banking / Digital banks
Bangladesh Bank's board, chaired by Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman, approved letters of intent (LoIs) for five proposed digital banks: DK Digital Bank (backed by Bhutan's DK Bank), bKash Digital Bank, Nova Digital Bank (Banglalink), Boost Digital Bank (Robi Axiata) and Kori Digital Bank. An LoI is not a final licence; it sets conditions such as building infrastructure before operations can start. Each digital bank must have at least Tk300 crore in paid-up capital under the June 2023 policy; the second licensing round drew 12 applicants.
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Bangladesh Bank model could ease banks' shift to ECL framework: Experts
The Business Standard · 2026-09-23 · Banking / Provisioning
Experts said at a BIBM workshop on 23 September that a Bangladesh Bank-developed indicative model could help banks move more smoothly to the Expected Credit Loss (ECL) framework for loan classification and provisioning, as many lenders lack the capacity to build robust ECL models themselves. BIBM Director General Dr Md Ezazul Islam said the transition should be treated as a risk-governance reform rather than a compliance exercise, with credible implementation depending on data quality, systems, professional judgement, governance and model validation.
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StanChart Bangladesh plans to close retail banking operation
The Business Standard · 2026-09-21 · Banking / Retail
Standard Chartered Bank Bangladesh is preparing to sell its retail banking portfolio through a competitive bidding process, with several local banks showing interest, according to senior bankers. The bank verbally informed the Bangladesh Bank governor of the plan and has asked interested banks to prepare for a formal process involving external valuation; scope and timeline are not yet disclosed, though the process could begin around September or October. Total deposits exceed Tk40,000 crore, of which about 20% (Tk8,000 crore) are retail; the move reflects a global shift towards corporate, institutional and affluent wealth clients.
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Fuel prices up Tk 20 across the board
The Daily Star · 2026-09-21 · Economy / Energy
The government raised the retail prices of all four major petroleum products by Tk20 a litre from midnight: diesel to Tk135 (from Tk115), octane to Tk165 (from Tk145), petrol to Tk160 (from Tk140) and kerosene to Tk155 (from Tk135). It is the biggest hike since August 2022, the third since the BNP-led government took office in February, and takes all four fuels to their highest-ever retail prices. The Energy Division cited sharply higher international prices and freight since March because of the war on Iran.
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Operators claim fewer cargoes being allocated for Ctg port's general berth
The Business Standard · 2026-09-19 · Ports / Logistics
Six private operators at Chattogram Port's General Cargo Berth say container traffic allocated to them has run about 40% below indicative tender volumes, leaving around 5,000 workers with sharp income losses while fixed costs for wages, equipment and maintenance continue. In letters to the Chittagong Port Authority on 14 September they sought an urgent review of vessel allocation rather than higher handling rates; one operator reported Tk8.61 crore in unrecovered fixed costs.
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Retailers lose up to 30% of sales after early closures
The Daily Star · 2026-09-19 · Economy / Retail
An August order bringing shop and shopping mall closing times forward from 10pm to 8pm as an energy-saving measure has wiped out up to 30% of retail sales, traders say, on top of inflation-hit purchasing power and unchanged rents and salaries. Apex Footwear, which makes about 60% of domestic sales after 8pm, reported a 20-30% fall; Lotto Bangladesh (240 outlets) said sales dropped around 20% within a month. Hours have been changed repeatedly since a 6pm order in April.
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জুলাইয়ে আন্তর্জাতিক কার্ডে দেশে এসেছে ২৩৪ কোটি টাকা, গেছে ৯৮৫ কোটি (Tk234cr came in via international cards in July, Tk985cr went out)
Bonik Barta · 2026-09-19 · Banking / Cards
Bangladesh Bank data show about Tk985 crore ($80 million) was spent abroad in July using domestic debit, credit and prepaid cards, against Tk234 crore ($19 million) brought in through foreign cards — an outflow more than 4.2 times the inflow. Domestic cards were used in 1,744,030 international transactions, of which credit cards accounted for about 830,086 worth some Tk526 crore. Rising overseas travel, education and medical spending, e-commerce and software and advertising subscriptions are driving the outflow, while weak inbound tourism keeps inflows low.
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ব্যাংক, সাধারণ বীমা ও সিমেন্ট খাতের শেয়ারে ইতিবাচক রিটার্ন (Banks, general insurance and cement post positive weekly returns)
Bonik Barta · 2026-09-19 · Capital market
In the weekly market review, DSEX rose 0.31%, or 17 points, to 5,532 from 5,515, DS30 gained 6 points to 2,101 and the Shariah index DSES added 2 points to 1,107, with banks, general insurance and cement delivering the strongest returns; the Chittagong Stock Exchange index fell over the week. Analysts said the energy crisis, uncertainty over corporate earnings and cautious investors drove selling in the first half of the week before buying resumed.
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বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংকের সঙ্গে অংশগ্রহণমূলক চুক্তি : শাহজালাল ইসলামী ব্যাংক (Shahjalal Islami Bank signs participation deal with Bangladesh Bank)
Bonik Barta · 2026-09-19 · Banking / Leather finance
Shahjalal Islami Bank PLC has signed a participation agreement with Bangladesh Bank at BB head office to join the central bank's pre-financing scheme for the development of the leather and leather goods industry. BB SME and Special Programmes Department Director Md Zabdul Islam and the bank's AMD Md Abdullah Al-Mamun signed in the presence of Deputy Governor Md Anisur Rahman, with BB Executive Director Md Mojibur Rahman Sheikh also attending.
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জাপানে সুদহার বেড়ে দাঁড়িয়েছে ১.২৫ শতাংশে (Bank of Japan lifts policy rate to 1.25%)
Bonik Barta · 2026-09-19 · Global economy / Monetary policy
The Bank of Japan raised its policy rate by 25 basis points to 1.25%, the highest in 31 years, in a 7-2 board vote, citing inflation pressure from higher energy prices and a weak yen. The bank said underlying inflation is approaching 2% and signalled further hikes if needed. The yen slipped below 157 per dollar after the announcement from about 156.30 before it, having hit a 40-year low in July; core inflation excluding food eased to 1.7% in August against a 1.8% forecast.
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এশিয়ায় টানা দ্বিতীয় বছরের মতো কমতে পারে এলএনজির চাহিদা (Asian LNG demand may fall for a second straight year)
Bonik Barta · 2026-09-19 · Global energy / LNG
Energy analysts expect Asian LNG demand to fall 3-10% this year versus 2025 — a second consecutive annual decline — as Middle East conflict disrupts Gulf supply and lifts prices, with a rebound seen in 2027. Rystad Energy's Lu Ming Pang said East Asian countries are switching to coal and nuclear where possible, helped by milder temperatures. Kpler estimates Chinese demand could drop about 6.1 million tonnes as high prices force cuts in ceramics, methanol and glass production.
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এআইয়ের উত্থানে আড়াল হয়ে যাচ্ছে বৈশ্বিক বাণিজ্য সংকট (AI boom is masking the global trade crisis, WTO warns)
Bonik Barta · 2026-09-19 · Global trade / WTO
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told the Financial Times in Geneva that surging AI-related trade is masking underlying weakness in global trade. WTO data show AI-linked goods trade — semiconductors, chemicals and industrial equipment used in AI infrastructure and data centres — rose 42% year on year in Q1 2026, against just 7% growth for non-AI goods. She warned that if AI investment slows or an investment bubble bursts, the real fragility of world trade, already strained by US tariffs and Middle East conflict, would become clear.
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Bangla QR payments to reach merchants instantly from Oct 1
The Daily Star · 2026-09-18 · Banking / Digital payments
Bangladesh Bank has directed banks, MFS providers, payment service providers and payment system operators to credit all Bangla QR payments to merchant accounts instantly from 1 October, extending to large merchants a facility previously limited to small and marginal ones. Providers must also display the Bangla QR icon at the bottom-centre of app home screens and, by 31 October, enable payment via uploaded QR images and for all savings, current and card accounts. Issued under Section 18(2) of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2024.
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NBR cuts solar equipment import tax to 1% from 17%
The Daily Star · 2026-09-18 · Tax / Customs
The National Board of Revenue has cut tax on solar power equipment imports from 17% (15% VAT plus 2% AIT) to 1%, extending the benefit to commercial importers for the first time, effective 180 days from the issuance of the relevant SRO. Covered items include mounting structures, panels, lithium batteries, inverters, battery management and monitoring systems; conditions include IEC 62619:2022 certification and undertakings that equipment is used solely for solar power. NBR did not disclose expected revenue loss.
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Women's participation in agent banking grows
The Daily Star · 2026-09-18 · Banking / Agent banking
Bangladesh Bank's Agent Banking Statistics report for April-June 2026 shows women-owned agents rose 23.8% year on year to 1,775 in June, with rural growth of 26.1% against 14% in urban areas, while women hold 48.6% of deposit accounts opened through the channel. Women-owned deposit accounts grew 12.8% and loan accounts 6.1%. Women still own just 11.5% of agents, far below the 50% target set in a May 2025 BRPD circular. Each outlet served an average 8,487 people versus 15,132 per bank branch.
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Govt hikes low-end cigarette prices again
The Daily Star · 2026-09-18 · Tax / Tobacco
The government has raised the minimum retail price of low-tier cigarettes by Tk3 to Tk65 per 10 sticks, months after the FY27 budget lifted it from Tk60 to Tk62. NBR announced the change in a notification signed by acting chairman Ahsan Habib on Wednesday and made public on 18 September, following recent cabinet approval. The other three tiers are unchanged at Tk92 (medium), Tk160 (high) and Tk210 or more (premium).
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Fed raises rates to tackle 'too high' inflation
The Daily Star · 2026-09-18 · Global economy / Monetary policy
The US Federal Reserve raised rates for the first time since 2023, with the FOMC voting unanimously on Wednesday for a 25 basis point increase to 3.75-4.00%, defying President Trump's demand for cuts. Chair Kevin Warsh said inflation has been "too high" for "too long"; August CPI held at 3.4%. Most policymakers signalled at least one more hike this year, and the Fed lifted its year-end PCE inflation forecast to 3.7% and GDP growth projection to 2.3%.
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Cenbank drops 'large industry' term from Tk20,000cr scheme
The Business Standard · 2026-09-17 · Banking / Regulation
Bangladesh Bank's Banking Regulation and Policy Department-1 issued a circular letter on 17 September removing the term "large industry" from its Tk20,000 crore Closed Industry and Service Sector Support Pre-financing Scheme, replacing it with "industry" and potentially widening the pool of eligible businesses. The scheme, launched on 4 June, lets banks take funds from the central bank at 4% and lend at a maximum 7%.
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BB limits corporate shareholding in banks to net worth
The Business Standard · 2026-09-17 · Banking / Ownership
Under a circular issued on 17 September under Section 45 of the Bank Company Act 1991, corporate entities may no longer hold shares in single or multiple bank companies exceeding their own net worth, measured at acquisition cost; companies above the threshold have six months to comply. A representative director nominated by a shareholder company must be its MD or a director and hold at least 2% in a listed company or 20% in other companies. The directive takes effect immediately.
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Govt eyes first sovereign dollar bond by Dec, targets $500m-$1b
The Business Standard · 2026-09-17 · Economy / Sovereign debt
Bangladesh is preparing its first sovereign dollar bond in international capital markets, targeting $500 million to $1 billion to diversify funding sources. Issuance is expected by December, subject to final approval of size and terms by the government's Alternative Financing Committee headed by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury.
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Private-sector credit growth stays below 5% for fifth straight month
The Business Standard · 2026-09-17 · Banking / Credit
Private-sector bank credit growth edged up to 4.62% in July from the record-low 4.47% in June but stayed below 5% for a fifth consecutive month, well short of Bangladesh Bank's 6.80% target through December. An acute energy crisis intensified by the Iran war, weak business demand, high inflation and default rates above 32% are keeping banks cautious and discouraging fresh investment.
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DSEX climbs above 5,500 as stocks extend rally for third day
The Business Standard · 2026-09-17 · Capital market
DSEX gained 38.1 points, or 0.69%, to close at 5,532 on 17 September, a third straight advance, as assurances of improved gas supply to industrial hubs lifted sentiment despite Gulf tensions. DSES rose 7 points and DS30 8 points; turnover jumped nearly 18% to Tk655 crore and market capitalisation rose over Tk3,257 crore to Tk6.92 lakh crore. The index ended the week up 17 points.
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Profit rises, but 89% of non-life insurance claims remain unpaid
The Business Standard · 2026-09-17 · Insurance / Claims
IDRA data show non-life insurers received claims of about Tk3,798 crore up to March 2026 but settled only 11.3%, leaving Tk3,369 crore (88.7%) unpaid. Of 43 listed non-life insurers, 41 have reported Q1 2026 results, with 33 posting higher profits — attributed mainly to the removal of individual agent commissions from 1 January, lower operating costs and stronger marine and investment income.
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Garment, textile bodies seek zonal gas rationing to avert factory shutdowns
The Business Standard · 2026-09-17 · RMG / Energy
BGMEA, BKMEA, BTMA and the Bangladesh Terry Towel & Linen Manufacturers and Exporters Association jointly petitioned Gas Transmission Company Limited for immediate gas reallocation and a weekly zonal rationing scheme, saying about 6,500 factories in the Titas area face shortages that threaten export deadlines. BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem said supplying full pressure to one zone at a time would let factories run efficiently on rotation.
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What does the US rate increase mean for Bangladesh?
The Business Standard · 2026-09-17 · Global economy / Analysis
CPD's Dr Fahmida Khatun writes that the Federal Reserve's 16 September quarter-point hike, taking the target range to 3.75-4.00%, follows US inflation of 3.7% in July, above the 2% target. Higher US rates strengthen the dollar, pressure developing-country currencies and raise external borrowing costs — for Bangladesh the taka could weaken and borrowing costs rise, while effects on exports and remittances remain uncertain.
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BRAC Bank ranks among Forbes' top 500 banks globally as the only Bangladeshi lender
The Business Standard · 2026-09-16 · Banking / Recognition
BRAC Bank is the only Bangladeshi bank in Forbes' inaugural "World's Top Performing Banks 2026" list, which ranked 500 banks from 89 countries. Compiled with Statista and published on 9 September, the ranking assessed financial strength and performance; BRAC Bank placed 73rd among lower mid-size banks.
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BSEC urges firms to prepare for direct listing
The Business Standard · 2026-09-16 · Capital market / Listing
BSEC has asked eligible companies interested in entering the market under its proposed direct listing framework to begin preparations. The draft BSEC (Direct Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange) Rules, 2026 have been published for public consultation; under them, companies would not issue new shares, with existing shareholders instead selling through the exchange — an alternative route for established firms that do not need fresh capital.
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DSE extends recovery streak on bargain hunting, Moody's outlook upgrade
The Business Standard · 2026-09-16 · Capital market
DSEX rose 21 points to 5,494 on 16 September and DS30 gained 5 points to 2,092 in a second straight recovery session, helped by bargain hunting and Moody's revision of Bangladesh's outlook to stable. Turnover rose 10% to Tk556 crore; of 386 issues traded, 180 advanced, 153 declined and 53 were unchanged. Brokers cited assurances on industrial gas supply, with geopolitical risk still clouding the outlook.
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Banks, MFSs asked to suspend payment services for illegal loan apps
The Daily Star · 2026-09-16 · Banking / Digital lending
Bangladesh Bank has directed all scheduled banks, MFS, digital financial service and payment service providers to stop providing payment services to a listed set of unapproved lending apps, warning that facilitating their transactions could implicate the institutions in an offence punishable under Section 37(1) of the law. BB acted under Section 19(4) and has also asked BTRC to remove the apps. The BFIU had earlier named 30 illegal apps involved in extortion, data theft and fraud.
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Bangladesh's garment prices in EU less than half of Vietnam's
The Daily Star · 2026-09-16 · Trade / RMG
Eurostat data show the unit price of Bangladeshi garments in the EU fell 8.47% year on year to €13.80 per kg in the first half of 2026, while Vietnam's rose to €29 per kg from €25.95, leaving Bangladesh second-cheapest after Pakistan (€10.77, down 14.74%). BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem blamed the low-end product mix and domestic price competition. Total EU apparel imports fell 5.10% in value to €54.38 billion, while Bangladesh's exports dropped 13.65% to €10.37 billion, losing market share.
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Cenbank sells $11.5m from reserves to banks in first open auction
The Business Standard · 2026-09-15 · Banking / Forex
Bangladesh Bank sold dollars from reserves to commercial banks through an auction for the first time, offloading $11.5 million to six banks on 14 September against a $20 million target at rates of Tk122.80-Tk123.35 per dollar — about 58% of the target, suggesting weak demand. A senior official said the intervention aimed to stop the exchange rate rising further and signals BB may sell when demand lifts the rate and buy when inflows increase.
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Accounts holding over Tk1cr rise by 5,077, deposits up Tk16,000cr
The Business Standard · 2026-09-15 · Banking / Deposits
The number of bank accounts holding more than Tk1 crore rose by 5,077 in the three months to June, with deposits in those accounts up nearly Tk16,000 crore. Bangladesh Bank data show crore-plus deposits reached Tk8.75 lakh crore at end-June from Tk8.59 lakh crore at end-March. Bankers estimate individuals hold about 30% of such accounts, with institutions the larger share.
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UFS-Pragati Life Unit Fund gets BSEC nod for winding-up
The Business Standard · 2026-09-15 · Capital market / Mutual funds
BSEC has approved the winding-up of the open-ended UFS-Pragati Life Unit Fund, with trustee Bangladesh General Insurance Company disclosing the approval on 15 September citing a BSEC letter dated 9 August. Liquidation is proceeding under the BSEC (Mutual Fund) Rules, 2025. The fund was sponsored by Pragati Life Insurance (Tk98 lakh invested) and managed by Universal Financial Solutions, whose executives face BSEC cases over Tk170.69 crore laundered across several open-ended funds.
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Capital shortfall in 21 banks hits nearly Tk3 lakh crore
The Business Standard · 2026-09-14 · Banking / Capital adequacy
The capital shortfall in 21 banks rose to nearly Tk2.94 lakh crore in March 2026 from Tk2.74 lakh crore three months earlier amid rising NPLs and provisioning needs. Offsetting surpluses at other banks left the sector's net shortfall at Tk2.39 lakh crore across 61 banks, up about Tk22,000 crore from December. Provision shortfall reached Tk2,22,357 crore in June. MTB MD Syed Mahbubur Rahman said continued losses widen the capital gap.
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US investors committed to another $5b investment in Bangladesh: commerce minister
The Daily Star · 2026-09-14 · Trade / Investment
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said the government will facilitate US investors who have committed a further $5 billion over the next five years, speaking at AmCham Bangladesh's 30th anniversary at Radisson Blu Water Garden, Dhaka. AmCham member firms have already invested more than $5 billion and contribute over 20% of national tax revenue. US Ambassador Brent T Christensen highlighted this year's Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, which will lower tariffs once implemented.
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Taxes, fuel costs, single runway driving up airline fares: US-Bangla MD
The Daily Star · 2026-09-14 · Aviation / Tax
US-Bangla Group and US-Bangla Airlines MD Mohammed Abdullah Al Mamun told a Bonik Barta aviation policy conclave in Dhaka that high government taxes, costly fuel, steep ground-handling charges and congestion from Dhaka airport's single runway are inflating operating costs and fares. A Dhaka-Kuala Lumpur passenger pays about Tk9,890 in tax and excise duty versus about Tk2,000 on the return leg; domestic Dhaka-Jashore travel carries Tk500 VAT and Tk200 tax.
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Dutch-Bangla Bank joins export refinancing scheme
The Daily Star · 2026-09-14 · Banking / Export finance
Dutch-Bangla Bank signed a participatory agreement with Bangladesh Bank on Thursday to access the Export Diversification Refinance Scheme, under which it will lend to export-oriented clients at comparatively lower interest rates. The scheme aims to diversify export products and open new markets. AKM Nurunnabi, director of BB's Sustainable Finance Department, and DBBL MD and CEO Md Ahteshamul Haque Khan signed.
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US inflation steady in August
The Daily Star · 2026-09-14 · Global economy / Inflation
US consumer price inflation was unchanged at 3.4% in August, government data released Friday showed, well above the Federal Reserve's 2% target and raising expectations of a rate hike when the rate-setting committee meets next week. Several policymakers had signalled readiness to raise rates absent a slowdown in price growth; any hike would clash with President Trump's campaign for lower rates.
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৯৬৮ কোটি টাকার রাইট শেয়ার ইস্যু করবে জিপিএইচ ইস্পাত (GPH Ispat to issue Tk968cr rights shares)
Bonik Barta · 2026-09-14 · Capital market
Listed engineering company GPH Ispat will raise Tk967.77 crore through a 2:1 rights issue at a face value of Tk10 per share, with proceeds to repay debt. The board decided on 12 September; the issue requires shareholder approval at the AGM and BSEC clearance. For FY2025-26 the company declared a 2% cash dividend for general shareholders, reported EPS of Tk0.07 against a loss per share of Tk0.51 a year earlier, and NAV per share of Tk51.81 as of 30 June 2026.
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আফতাব অটোমোবাইলসকে বিএসইসির জরিমানা (BSEC fines Aftab Automobiles board Tk1.35cr)
Bonik Barta · 2026-09-14 · Capital market / Enforcement
BSEC fined the chairman, managing director, three directors, the then CFO and the company secretary of Aftab Automobiles a combined Tk1.35 crore for failing to pay shareholder-approved dividends on time and for not submitting mandatory dividend distribution reports. The company declared a 10% cash dividend for the year ended 30 June 2024, approved at the AGM on 24 December 2024, which must be paid within 30 days of approval. Aftab must clear the undistributed dividend within 30 days of the enforcement order.
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বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংকের ৫ হাজার কোটি টাকার পুনঃঅর্থায়ন স্কিমে সাউথইস্ট ব্যাংক (Southeast Bank joins BB's Tk5,000cr refinance scheme)
Bonik Barta · 2026-09-14 · Banking / CMSME
Southeast Bank PLC has joined Bangladesh Bank's Tk5,000 crore refinance scheme to supply working capital to the CMSME sector, signing a participation agreement at BB head office recently and offering eligible enterprises financing at preferential interest rates. Deputy Governor Md Anisur Rahman was chief guest; BB Executive Director Nahid Rahman and SME department Director Md Zabdul Islam attended, with Deputy MD Md Masum Uddin Khan representing the bank.
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স্বল্প সুদে ঋণ পেতে ১৫ অক্টোবরের মধ্যে আবেদন করতে হবে (Applications for low-interest youth loans due by 15 October)
Bonik Barta · 2026-09-14 · Banking / CMSME
Bangladesh Bank published the guideline for its youth financing programme, which will develop 10 young entrepreneurs from each upazila with loans and grants of up to Tk20 lakh. Applications are open until 15 October to Bangladeshi citizens aged up to 28 who are permanent residents of the relevant upazila and can apply at any local bank branch. Eligible sectors include agriculture, food processing, handicrafts, fisheries, livestock, tourism, services, renewable energy, light engineering and tech startups; government employees, loan defaulters and prior bank borrowers are excluded.
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জ্বালানি তেলের দামের পূর্বাভাস বাড়াল যুক্তরাষ্ট্র (US raises oil price forecast)
Bonik Barta · 2026-09-14 · Global energy / Commodities
The US Energy Information Administration raised its 2026 and 2027 crude price forecasts in its September Short-Term Energy Outlook, citing Middle East conflict disrupting output and exports. Brent is now projected to average $91.01 a barrel in 2026, up from $86.81 previously, and WTI $84.65, up from $80.88. Brent averaged about $91 in August, $7 higher than in July, as restrictions on Iranian exports and attacks on regional shipping routes tightened supply.
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তিন মাসে সর্বোচ্চে কয়লার দাম, বাড়ছে বৈশ্বিক চাহিদা (Coal at three-month high as global demand rises)
Bonik Barta · 2026-09-14 · Bazaar / Commodities
Coal prices have climbed above $145 a tonne, near a three-month high, after the International Energy Agency said global coal use could reach a record in 2026, forecasting demand up 1.2% to 8.94 billion tonnes — a reversal of its earlier projection of a decline. Higher natural gas prices and uncertainty over LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are pushing generators in China, South Korea, Japan and Europe to switch to coal, while a strong El Niño lifts cooling demand and cuts hydropower output in India and Vietnam.
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BB eases foreign borrowing rules for BIDA-registered firms
The Daily Star · 2026-09-14 · Banking / External borrowing
A Bangladesh Bank circular clarifies that industrial enterprises in specialised zones registered with the Invest Bangladesh Authority (formerly BIDA) no longer need separate central bank approval for medium- and long-term external borrowing; approval now applies only to unregistered enterprises in those zones. Proposals from companies formerly registered as Economic Zone companies go to the authority's Scrutiny Committee on Foreign Loan/Supplier's Credit. Other rules are unchanged.
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BB launches hedging facility to manage import price risk
The Daily Star · 2026-09-14 · Banking / Risk management
Bangladesh Bank has introduced a commodity price risk hedging facility allowing authorised dealer banks to offer eligible importers futures, swaps, index-based forwards and options against actual import liabilities without case-by-case central bank approval. Importers of raw materials, intermediate goods, fuel, edible oil, metals, grains and fertiliser may hedge up to 100% of actual exposure. BB stressed hedging must not be used for speculation and requires due diligence, record-keeping and reporting.
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Bank MDs, CEOs face performance reviews, removal for underperformance
The Business Standard · 2026-09-13 · Banking / Supervision
Bangladesh Bank issued a Key Performance Indicators (KPI) Framework on 13 September under which managing directors and CEOs of scheduled banks will be assessed every six months against nearly 30 indicators, with underperformers facing possible removal. Chairmen of all scheduled banks have been instructed to comply.
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BB launches 'Udyog' to spur youth entrepreneurship with up to Tk20 lakh blended financing
The Business Standard · 2026-09-13 · Banking / CMSME
Bangladesh Bank's SME and Special Programmes Department issued a guideline titled "Udyog: Upazila-Driven Youth Opportunity for Growth" on 13 September, directing all scheduled banks to implement it immediately. The scheme identifies and finances young entrepreneurs in every upazila with blended loan-and-grant support of up to Tk20 lakh, covering tech startups, agriculture, food processing, light engineering, renewable energy and handicrafts.
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BB issues guidance on implementing Import Policy Order 2026-2029
The Business Standard · 2026-09-13 · Banking / Trade finance
Bangladesh Bank circulated guidelines to authorised dealer banks on 13 September for implementing the Import Policy Order 2026-2029, introduced by the commerce ministry through SRO No. 308-Ain/2026 on 24 August 2026 and effective until 31 December 2029. Under paragraph 6(3), all permissible industrial and commercial goods may be imported through purchase-and-sale contracts without opening LCs, regardless of value, provided foreign exchange regulations are met.
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Commerce ministry suspends 10-30 count yarn import restriction
The Business Standard · 2026-09-13 · Trade / RMG
The commerce ministry has suspended, pending further review, its decision to withdraw the bond facility for imports of 10-30 count cotton yarn and to require bank guarantees, informing the NBR chairman by letter on 13 September. The original instruction was issued on 7 September. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu welcomed the suspension and said BGMEA, BKMEA and BTMA would meet shortly to seek a consensus.
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DSEX loses 96 points as energy crisis, Middle East fears spark sell-off
The Business Standard · 2026-09-13 · Capital market
DSEX fell 96 points, or about 1.7%, over the week to close at 5,418 — a three-month low — extending its losing streak to four sessions, while DS30 shed 23 points to 2,072. Some 336 issues declined against 27 gainers and 21 unchanged. Average daily turnover rose 5% to Tk571 crore and market capitalisation fell about Tk6,700 crore, as the nationwide electricity and gas crisis and Middle East tensions drove selling.
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Chattogram Customs to operate 24/7 to speed up import clearance
The Business Standard · 2026-09-13 · Tax / Customs
Chattogram Customs House announced in a notice on 13 September that assessment and clearance services will run round the clock, seven days a week, including Fridays, Saturdays and government-declared public holidays, to prevent supply-chain disruption. Assistant Commissioner Sharif Mohammad Al Amin said consignments can now be cleared even on holidays.
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Garment accessories makers seek simpler back-to-back LC process
The Business Standard · 2026-09-13 · RMG / Banking
The Chattogram Garments Accessories Association urged Bangladesh Bank, in a letter to the governor on 9 September, to simplify documentation and payment for back-to-back LCs, saying repeated approvals delay payments and squeeze the working capital of 100% deemed exporters. Delivery challans and commercial invoices often must pass through garment factories before reaching banks. The letter was signed by acting president Jamil Ahmed.
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IDRA to settle Tk23cr in overdue insurance claims for 5,868 policyholders
The Business Standard · 2026-09-13 · Insurance / Regulation
IDRA will facilitate disbursement of Tk23,03,56,971 in long-pending claims to 5,868 policyholders of five life insurers on 14 September under the second phase of its special claim settlement programme. Padma Islami Life will pay about Tk12 crore to 3,600 policyholders and Homeland Life Tk4.98 crore to 1,145. Funds are being arranged from insurers' assets and security bonds.
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SBAC Bank joins BB's refinance scheme for small businesses
The Daily Star · 2026-09-13 · Banking / CMSME
SBAC Bank PLC signed an agreement with Bangladesh Bank to participate in the central bank's Tk5,000 crore refinance scheme providing working capital to CMSME entrepreneurs. BB SME and Special Programmes Department Director Zabdul Islam and SBAC MD and CEO SM Mainul Kabir signed at BB headquarters in Motijheel, with Deputy Governor Md Anis Ur Rahman attending.
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New report of attack on Strait of Hormuz shipping fans fears of threats to oil supplies
The Daily Star · 2026-09-13 · Global energy / Shipping
UKMTO reported a projectile striking a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, with damage and crew status unknown, a day after Saudi Arabia temporarily shut its 1,200-km East-West pipeline following a drone attack. The pipeline has been moving 4-5 million barrels per day, or 4-5% of global supply, while Hormuz has been largely closed by war; Brent crude surged back above $100 a barrel during the week.
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Withdraw import ban on used EVs: BARVIDA
The Daily Star · 2026-09-13 · Trade / Automobiles
BARVIDA urged the government to withdraw the ban on imports of reconditioned and used electric vehicles imposed by the new import policy published on 24 August, arguing imports could be allowed under a regulated framework meeting international safety, environmental and technical standards. The association said new EVs are unaffordable for middle- and lower-middle-income buyers, while Japan, South Korea, Germany and other European countries export reconditioned EVs regularly.
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10,459 Chattogram customs cases leave Tk2,661cr revenue tied up
The Business Standard · 2026-09-12 · Tax / Customs
A backlog of 10,459 unresolved customs cases at Chattogram has left Tk2,661 crore of government revenue tied up in litigation over imported goods. In FY2025-26 alone, 656 new cases involving Tk1,094.87 crore were filed, adding to the long-standing pile-up.
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The British-era trade controls Bangladesh never let go
The Business Standard · 2026-09-12 · Trade / Regulation
Bangladesh still runs import-export trade through colonial-era licensing machinery. According to a 2022 commerce ministry public notice, importers, exporters and other businesses in international trade must obtain as many as 49 certificates and permits from the Office of the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports.
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Bank Asia to offer CMSME financing at 9% interest
The Business Standard · 2026-09-12 · Banking / CMSME
Bank Asia PLC has signed a participation agreement with Bangladesh Bank to lend under the Tk5,000 crore Working Capital Refinance Fund for cottage, micro, small and medium enterprises at concessional rates and easy terms. The ceremony was held on 8 September at BB head office, with Deputy Governor Md Anis Ur Rahman as chief guest.
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BRAC Bank to offer northern farmers financing at maximum 7% interest
The Business Standard · 2026-09-12 · Banking / Agri finance
BRAC Bank signed a participation agreement with Bangladesh Bank under the central bank's Tk3,000 crore revolving refinance scheme for agriculture in northern Bangladesh. Farmers in Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions can borrow at a maximum 7% interest, covering crop production, fisheries, livestock, machinery, cold chain, warehousing, processing and export stages of the value chain.
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Agent banking deposits increase 1.12% in June 2026 quarter
The Business Standard · 2026-09-12 · Banking / Agent banking
Agent banking deposit balances stood at Tk51,129 crore at the end of the June 2026 quarter, up 1.12% from Tk50,563 crore in the previous quarter. Bangladesh Bank introduced agent banking in 2013 as an alternative service delivery channel; 30 banks now offer it.
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Gold price rises again by Tk1,050 per bhori after three consecutive cuts
The Business Standard · 2026-09-12 · Bazaar / Commodities
Gold prices were raised by Tk1,050 per bhori after three consecutive reductions. Under the new pricing, a bhori (11.664 grams) of 21-carat gold costs Tk222,491, 18-carat Tk191,056 and traditional (Sanatan) gold Tk156,064, all inclusive of VAT.
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Country's food stock increased by 148,484 MT in six months
The Business Standard · 2026-09-12 · Economy / Food security
Government food stocks rose by 148,484 metric tonnes over six months. The total stock comprises 20,36,102 tonnes of rice, 2,32,183 tonnes of wheat and 34,070 tonnes of paddy.
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High-tech parks fail to deliver expected investment, jobs and tech businesses: Experts
The Business Standard · 2026-09-12 · Industry / ICT
Bangladesh built 39 High-Tech and Software Technology Parks between 2009 and 2023 on the assumption that physical infrastructure alone would trigger a technology boom and attract investment. Experts say the parks have not delivered the expected investment, jobs or technology businesses.
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RSGT Bangladesh records 58 moves per hour at Patenga terminal
The Business Standard · 2026-09-12 · Ports / Logistics
RSGT Bangladesh says it recorded 58 container moves per hour at the Patenga Container Terminal, a new productivity benchmark that nearly doubles the historical average at Chattogram Port.
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Their factories are still there. Their jobs are not
The Daily Star · 2026-09-12 · Industry / Jobs
A Daily Star Business Plus investigation into workers displaced when protests, political programmes or sudden shutdowns halt production. It follows cases such as Gazi Tyres in Rupganj, Narayanganj, burned down and then looted for weeks from August 2024, leaving long-serving workers without jobs even though the plants physically remain.
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Oil prices, US inflation stoke Fed hike worries
The Daily Star · 2026-09-12 · Global economy / Markets
After a volatile week for equities, bonds and energy driven by a sharp escalation in the US-Iran war, US consumer inflation was unchanged at 3.4% in August, keeping markets on edge over the prospect of a Federal Reserve rate hike.
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US Commerce Department finalizes steep duties on solar imports from India, Indonesia, Laos
The Daily Star · 2026-09-12 · Global trade / Tariffs
The US Commerce Department finalised duties on solar cells and panels from India, Indonesia and Laos, finding dumping and unfair subsidies. Anti-dumping margins were set at 123.04% for Indian producers, 94.36% for Indonesian and 65.43% for Laotian producers, with countervailing duties of 126.09% for India and 73.2%-173.7% for Indonesia.
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Audit firm to be mandatory for loans exceeding Tk500cr
The Business Standard · 2026-09-11 · Banking / Regulation
Under draft Bangladesh Bank rules, loans of Tk100–500 crore must have their end-use verified by the bank's own internal audit or risk management department, while loans of Tk500 crore and above will additionally require a BB-listed external audit firm. A senior central bank official said the policy is awaiting final approval.
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Political influence broke the banks
The Daily Star · 2026-09-11 · Banking / NPLs
At a Daily Star Centre discussion titled "Tk 6 Trillion in Bad Debt: Who Really Pays?", industry experts said prolonged regulatory forbearance has created serious moral hazard and discouraged good borrowers from repaying. Mutual Trust Bank MD and CEO Syed Mahbubur Rahman warned that a large portion of the sector's non-performing loans may be effectively unrecoverable.
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Deposit incentive: 13 Commerce Bank officials face action over irregularities
The Daily Star · 2026-09-11 · Banking / Supervision
Bangladesh Bank acted after a special inspection of Bangladesh Commerce Bank's head office and principal branch over alleged misappropriation of Tk 5 crore of depositors' money. BB spokesperson Arief Hossain Khan said the bank took deposits at a lower rate but recorded a higher rate and pocketed the difference as a cash incentive, which is against policy.
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Unsolicited investors may get an edge in state asset bids
The Daily Star · 2026-09-11 · Economy / State assets
A draft policy under the Invest Bangladesh Act, 2026 would give unsolicited investors an advantage in bids for state-owned assets. The government has identified 44 assets — 13 under BSFIC, 12 under BTMC and 10 under BCIC — to be offered in batches rather than all at once. The draft was discussed with stakeholders on 27 July and a revised version is out for final comments.
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Sino chamber seeks Chinese bank branch in Bangladesh
The Daily Star · 2026-09-11 · Trade / Banking
A Bangladesh-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry delegation led by president Mohd Khorshed Alam asked Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan to allow a Chinese bank branch in Bangladesh and to curb bond facility misuse. The chamber also urged higher exports to China, stronger participation in Chinese trade fairs and expanded technical and vocational cooperation.
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মূলধন দ্বিগুণ করার সিদ্ধান্ত পূবালী ব্যাংকের (Pubali Bank decides to double its capital)
Bonik Barta · 2026-09-11 · Capital market
Pubali Bank PLC's board has decided to raise authorised capital from Tk2,000 crore to Tk4,000 crore, which requires amending the memorandum and articles of association. An EGM will be held on a digital platform at 11:00am on 25 October to obtain shareholder approval; the record date is 29 September. Bangladesh Bank approval is also required.
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দেশের প্রথম সোশ্যাল বন্ডের সমাপ্তি উদযাপন করল ব্র্যাক ব্যাংক (BRAC Bank marks close of country's first social bond)
Bonik Barta · 2026-09-11 · Capital market / Bonds
BRAC Bank PLC celebrated the successful conclusion of Bangladesh's first social bond at an event titled "Pioneering Impact: Celebrating Bangladesh's First Social Bond". BSEC Chairman Masud Khan was chief guest and Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Md Anisur Rahman guest of honour; the bank reiterated its commitment to building a deeper, more diversified local bond market.
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এনআরবিসি ব্যাংক উদ্যোক্তার শেয়ার হস্তান্তর সম্পন্ন (NRBC Bank sponsor completes share transfer)
Bonik Barta · 2026-09-11 · Capital market
NRBC Bank PLC sponsor Rafiqul Islam Mia Arzoo has completed the previously announced gift transfer of 30 lakh of his shares to his brother Md Aktarul Islam. The transfer was executed outside the stock exchange trading system, according to Dhaka Stock Exchange sources.
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সম্মানজনক দুটি আন্তর্জাতিক স্বীকৃতি পেল বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংক (Bangladesh Bank wins two international awards)
Bonik Barta · 2026-09-11 · Banking / Central bank
Bangladesh Bank has received the AFI Maya Declaration Commitment Award 2026 and recognition as an AFI Gender Inclusive Finance Champion Institution. Under the Maya Declaration commitment, BB's relevant departments, the BFIU and the Microcredit Regulatory Authority set self-determined financial inclusion targets each year.
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বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংকের সঙ্গে অংশগ্রহণমূলক চুক্তি: আইএফআইসি ব্যাংক (IFIC Bank signs participation deal with Bangladesh Bank)
Bonik Barta · 2026-09-11 · Banking / CMSME
IFIC Bank PLC has signed a participation agreement with Bangladesh Bank to draw on the Tk5,000 crore CMSME working-capital refinance fund, enabling low-interest lending on easy terms. The agreement was signed at BB head office. Mercantile Bank and Meghna Bank signed similar participation agreements, reported the same day.
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১৪ সেপ্টেম্বরের মধ্যে দাবি জমা দিতে বলেছে সম্পদ ব্যবস্থাপক (Asset manager sets 14 September claim deadline)
Bonik Barta · 2026-09-11 · Capital market / Mutual funds
CAPM BDBL Mutual Fund One has called an EGM for 4:00pm on 7 October to take unit-holders' views on whether to wind up the fund or convert it to an open-end fund at the end of its trustee term. Unit-holders with outstanding dividend, refund or other claims have been asked to submit them by 14 September.
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DSE turnover rises as investor sentiment improves
The Financial Express · 2026-09-08 · Capital Market
Market roundup covering trading volume, index movement and sector-wise performance on the Dhaka Stock Exchange.
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Bangladesh Bank holds policy rate steady amid easing inflation
The Daily Star · 2026-09-05 · Monetary Policy
Coverage of the central bank's latest monetary policy stance and its expected effect on lending rates.
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RMG export earnings show modest growth in August
The Business Standard · 2026-09-02 · Trade & Export
Analysis of monthly export data from the Export Promotion Bureau and its impact on the sector's FY outlook.
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