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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.

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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