Business - Dhaka Tribune

TIE-ITET Innovation & Research Cell to increase competitiveness of textile, apparel industries

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 01:38:45 +0600

Textile Innovation Exchange (TIE) and The Institution of Textile Engineers and Technologists (ITET), Bangladesh, have signed an In-Collaboration Agreement to establish the TIE–ITET Innovation & Research Cell, creating a structured platform to connect textile professionals, industry, researchers and innovators, accelerate practical innovation, and bring those innovations to Textile... Details

Finance minister pledges removing obstacles to boost private investment

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 20:19:22 +0600

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has pledged to remove all existing barriers to business and investment in the country. Speaking as the chief guest on Saturday (August 22) at a seminar titled "Bi-Annual Economic Situation for FY2026: Perspective on Revenue, Monetary Policy, and Private Sector Expectations" organized by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI), he... Details

BB to appoint mediators to recover defaulted loans

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 20:17:45 +0600

Bangladesh Bank has taken a new initiative to boost the recovery of defaulted loans for banks and financial institutions. From now on, the central bank will appoint specialized mediating institutions under an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) framework. These institutions will form multiple panels to work on recovering outstanding loans. Political or influential individuals cannot be part... Details

House of Learning & Donating hosts Bangladesh’s first dedicated AI summit in Dhaka

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 19:49:37 +0600

The House of Learning & Donating (HOLD) hosted the MY WINDOW presents “Hold AI Summit 2026” powered by AI4BT, bringing together business leaders, brand and marketing experts, HR professionals, technology experts, policymakers and academics to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming workplaces, industries and Bangladesh’s future competitiveness. Held in Dhaka,... Details

SBAC Bank holds workshop on risk-based supervision

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 19:45:18 +0600

SBAC Bank PLC organized a daylong workshop titled ‘Risk-Based Supervision’ on Saturday, August 22, at the bank’s head office in the capital. SM Mainul Kabir, managing director and CEO of SBAC Bank PLC, chaired the workshop while Mohammad Abdur Rab, director, supervisory policy and coordination department of Bangladesh Bank, and Sheikh Mohammad Mustafijur Rahman, additional... Details

Ferozur Rahman becomes chairman of Standard Islami Bank

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 19:43:01 +0600

Businessman, social worker & sponsor director of Standard Islami Bank PLC Ferozur Rahman has been elected chairman of the bank. A distinguished social worker, Rahman is a former district governor of Lions Clubs International, District 315 B2, Bangladesh and a PMJF Lion. He is also the founder chairman of Ferozur Rahman Foundation. For 31 years, Rahman served as chairman of Sultanpur... Details

Bank Asia, DHS Autos to offer convenient auto loan facilities for customers

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 19:39:12 +0600

Bank Asia PLC has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DHS Autos Limited to offer convenient and attractive auto loan facilities to prospective customers. Under the partnership, customers of DHS Autos Limited will be able to avail Bank Asia’s auto loan facilities at competitive interest rates. The collaboration will also include joint marketing initiatives, customer... Details

Energy, work order deficits shut 457 factories down in 2 years

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 19:32:22 +0600

A severe convergence of acute natural gas and electricity deficits, declining global export orders, mounting debt service pressures, and labor unrest has triggered widespread closures and worker retrenchments across Bangladesh’s core industrial belts. Data compiled through August 2026 across Industrial Police records, trade body figures from BGMEA and BKMEA, and field reports reveals a... Details

New era in refrigerator condensers as modern technologies replace conventional copper

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 16:31:10 +0600

For decades, copper was one of the most widely used materials in refrigerator condensers, valued for its high thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance and ease of repair. But as refrigerator technology has evolved, so have the priorities of manufacturers. Modern refrigerators are no longer designed around heat conductivity alone. Energy efficiency, lower refrigerant charge, reduced weight,... Details

EBL partners with icddr,b for employee health benefits

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 16:28:49 +0600

Eastern Bank PLC (EBL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with icddr,b, one of the world’s leading health research institutions, to extend exclusive healthcare benefits to its employees and their families. Under this agreement, EBL employees, their spouses, and dependents will receive services from icddr,b’s state-of-the-art Executive Health Check Clinics in Mohakhali,... Details

‘Odommo Guardian’: A celebration of dedication and sales excellence

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 16:22:52 +0600

Guardian Life Insurance Limited celebrated the dedication and achievements of its sales force at the Annual Sales Conference 2026, held under the theme “Odommo Guardian” in Cox’s Bazar. The conference brought together more than 900 sales leaders and financial advisors from across Bangladesh to celebrate their achievements, recognize outstanding contributions and strengthen... Details

Gold prices rise again

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 10:48:00 +0600

Bajus has also raised the prices of silver Details

Fish, chicken, eggs keep pressure on household budgets

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 18:34:03 +0600

Vegetable prices ease slightly in Dhaka, but fish, chicken and eggs remain costly Details

Gas supply deficits halt production across key apparel hubs

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 19:01:28 +0600

A deepening natural gas deficit across Bangladesh’s key industrial belts—including Narsingdi, Narayanganj, Gazipur, Savar-Ashulia, and Mymensingh (Valuka)—has brought manufacturing to a near-standstill. Caused by technical breakdowns and cargo shortfalls at Floating Storage Regasification Units (FSRUs), national gas supply dropped to as low as 1.73–2.18 billion cubic... Details

X Bathware now at Unimart

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:36:23 +0600

X Bathware, the bathware brand of X Ceramics Group, and Unimart, one of the country’s leading modern retail brands, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Under this partnership, dedicated X Bathware product display kiosks will be installed at three Unimart outlets located in Gulshan-2, Uttara Center Point, and Dhanmondi in Dhaka. The MoU signing ceremony was held at United... Details

Pubali Bank holds 3rd Business Conference-2026 of regional and corporate branch managers

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 17:00:55 +0600

Pubali Bank PLC's 3rd Business Conference-2026 of regional and corporate branch managers held at bank’s head office auditorium Thursday. Mohammad Ali, managing director of Pubali Bank, was present as chief guest with the participation of all regional managers, corporate branch managers and division heads and executives. Mohammad Esha, Mohammad Shahadat Hossain, Ahmed Enayet Manzur, Md... Details

AB Bank gets Areef Billah Adil Chowdhury as new managing director

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:51:34 +0600

AB Bank PLC has appointed Areef Billah Adil Chowdhury as the managing director (MD). He officially assumed his responsibilities on August 19. With more than 25 years of extensive experience in both domestic and international banking organizations, Chowdhury is widely recognized for his visionary leadership, strategic skills, transformational expertise and unwavering commitment to sustainable... Details

BB, Al-Arafah Islami Bank sign agricultural refinance agreement

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:48:14 +0600

Bangladesh Bank and Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC have signed an agreement under the Tk10,000 crore Agricultural Refinance Scheme, established to increase agricultural production, expand economic activities in rural areas, ensure food security, and create employment opportunities for the rural population. The agreement was signed on August 19 at an event held at the Bangladesh Bank Head Office.... Details

Bangladesh Bank, PKSF sign Tk5,000cr agreement

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:44:32 +0600

Bangladesh Bank and Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) on Wednesday signed a Tk5,000 crore agreement to accelerate sustainable job creation by boosting financing for targeted microenterprises and stimulating grassroots economic activities. The agreement was signed at Bangladesh Bank headquarters in Dhaka in the presence of Bangladesh Bank’s deputy governors Md Kabir Ahmed and Md Anis... Details

Venture capital firm BSIC appoints Waiz Rahim as its first MD & CEO

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:35:07 +0600

Bangladesh Startup Investment Company (BSIC) PLC, country's 39 banks-backed venture investment company for startups, has appointed Waiz Rahim as its first managing director & CEO, marking a significant step forward as the institution moves into the next phase of building Bangladesh’s leading institutional venture capital platform. Under the guidance of Bangladesh Bank, BSIC was... Details

Fuel import bill doubles to record $10.63bn, piling pressure on economy

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:06:37 +0600

Roughly one in every seven dollars spent on imports went towards fuel Details

NPLs in 5 state-owned banks up by Tk6,304cr in H1 2026

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 19:17:36 +0600

Severe balance-sheet distress across Bangladesh’s five major state-owned commercial banks (SoCBs) continues to deepen as non-performing loans (NPLs) surged by Tk6,304 crore in the first six months of 2026, reaching a staggering Tk151,000 crore ($12.8+ billion) at the end of June. Despite six months of governance reforms, debt recovery across Janata, Agrani, Rupali, Sonali, and Basic Bank... Details

UIU seminar highlights ESG opportunities, barriers for women professionals

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:59:52 +0600

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements can create new career and business opportunities for women, but poorly designed compliance systems may also place disproportionate burdens on women-owned enterprises, speakers observed at a seminar held at United International University (UIU) on August 18. The School of Business and Economics (SoBE) at UIU organized the seminar, titled... Details

IFC, Popular Pharmaceuticals to boost Bangladesh’s healthcare supply chains, create jobs

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:54:59 +0600

To help safeguard the continuity of essential medicines and support job creation in Bangladesh, IFC, a member of the World Bank Group focused on the private sector, has committed a $30.7 million senior secured loan to Popular Pharmaceuticals PLC (Popular), a leading manufacturer of generic medicines. The financing will support Popular’s US dollar working capital needs, primarily for the... Details

ABC Facilities security staff to get payments thru bKash

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:52:23 +0600

Security staff of ABC Facilities Limited, an integrated facility management service provider, will now receive their salaries and other incentives directly through bKash. This initiative aims to make the company’s field-level financial management simpler, more transparent, and secure. As a result, beneficiaries will receive funds instantly in their bKash accounts and can utilize the... Details

Midland Bank, SahajMobile BD to facilitate mobile device financing through e-loan

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:49:30 +0600

Midland Bank PLC. (MDB) and SahajMobile BD Limited signed an agreement on August 17 to facilitate customers in purchasing mobile devices from designated partner merchant points of SahajMobile through Midland Bank’s e-Loan facility. In the presence of Imtiaz U Ahmed, managing director of Midland Bank PLC, Mohammad Rashadul Anwar, coordinator, retail distribution division & head of... Details

Southeast Bank holds regional conference for Chittagong region

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:45:28 +0600

Southeast Bank PLC’s Regional Conference for the Chittagong Region was held on August 15 at the conference room of Agrabad branch. The conference was organized to align the region’s strategic business objectives, address operational challenges, and formulate a future-oriented roadmap for sustainable business growth. The conference was attended by Md Khalid Mahmood Khan, managing... Details

Pubali Bank donates microbus to Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:40:48 +0600

Pubali Bank PLC has donated a microbus to Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute as part of its social responsibility. In a ceremony held at the hospital's board room, Pubali Bank PLC's managing director Mohammad Ali formally handed over the key of the microbus to Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute director Prof Dr Mirza Md. Ziaul Islam. Hospital board of directors member... Details

Mercantile Bank starts foundation training for MTO 15th batch

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:37:21 +0600

Mercantile Bank PLC has officially commenced its Foundation Training Course for the 15th batch of newly recruited Management Trainee Officers (MTOs) at its Training Institute (MBTI) on August 19. A total of 50 MTOs are participating in this comprehensive training program designed to shape the next generation of banking leaders. Mati Ul Hasan, managing director of the bank, graced the... Details

‘Arabian Food Fest’ kicks off at Beyond Buffet

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:34:22 +0600

Popular buffet restaurant Beyond Buffet has launched its much-anticipated ‘Arabian Food Fest’, bringing the rich flavours and culinary traditions of the Arab world to Dhaka. The special food festival offers diners an opportunity to enjoy an extensive selection of Arabian delicacies along with Beyond Buffet’s regular buffet offerings. The 45-day festival began last Sunday and... Details

Team Atlas becomes world champion at RoboRAVE Osaka 2026 Entrepreneurship Challenge

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:51:35 +0600

Under the leadership of Sunny Jubayer, Team Atlas has officially become the World Champion in the Entrepreneurship Challenge at RoboRAVE Osaka 2026, securing top honors on the global robotics and innovation stage. The international competition took place from August 10–12, 2026, at the Osaka International Convention Center (Grand Cube Osaka), Japan. Bringing together innovators from 19... Details

Over-reliance on cotton threatens BD RMG ahead of LDC graduation

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:48:51 +0600

Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) industry faces a structural turning point in the global market. While the country’s dominance in low-cost cotton basics drove its export success, shifting global consumer demand toward Man-Made Fibers (MMF), technical textiles, activewear, and recycled synthetics is exposing critical vulnerabilities in Bangladesh's apparel supply chain.... Details

BB reserves 10% Sukuk quota for individual investors

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:43:53 +0600

Bangladesh Bank has revised the allocation quota for Islamic Shariah-compliant Sukuk bonds, reserving 10% of total allocations exclusively for individual retail investors to broaden public participation in government-backed Islamic securities. The Debt Management Department of the central bank issued a circular on Monday outlining the new distribution framework to all managing directors and... Details

Khasru outlines revenue reforms to phase out debt dependency

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:41:54 +0600

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury on Tuesday announced a major overhaul of Bangladesh’s revenue administration aimed at ending the nation's reliance on foreign borrowing and financing national development primarily through domestic resources. Speaking at the inauguration of Revenue Conference 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka, the... Details

Fiscal calendar shift an attempt to curb ‘June rush’

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:21:40 +0600

In a major structural overhaul of Bangladesh’s public financial management, the government has announced the transition of its fiscal calendar from the long-standing July 1–June 30 cycle to an April 1–March 31 cycle. The shift aims to align national development spending, budget execution, and tax accounting with Bangladesh’s seasonal weather patterns—specifically... Details

Pubali Bank honours 42 officials at Bancassurance Conference

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:14:14 +0600

With the objective of strengthening and expanding bancassurance activities, exchanging professional experiences and ensuring more effective access to integrated banking and insurance services for customers, Delta Life Insurance Company Limited recently organized a three-day “Bancassurance Conference-2025” at Grand Sultan Tea Resort & Golf in Sreemangal. Mohammad Ali, managing... Details

HSBC launches Export Excellence Awards 2026

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:09:57 +0600

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) in Bangladesh has officially launched the 10th edition of its flagship 'HSBC Export Excellence Awards 2026' to recognize and honor Bangladeshi exporters for their contributions to the nation’s sustainable economic growth. The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka. The awards... Details

AIUB hosts first-ever ‘QS Bangladesh Forum 2026’

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:06:03 +0600

The first-ever QS Bangladesh Forum 2026 was held on Monday, August 17, at the Sheraton Dhaka, with the aim of advancing the future of higher education in Bangladesh, strengthening global standards, and enhancing the position of Bangladeshi universities in the international arena. The forum was hosted by the American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) and organized by QS (Quacquarelli... Details

Gulshan Youth Club announces ‘Ullash 2026 Inter Club Sportsfest Season 2’

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:59:38 +0600

Gulshan Youth Club Ltd officially announced the second season of its flagship multi-sport tournament, the Inter Club Sportsfest "Ullash 2026," set to take place from October 30 to November 7, 2026. The nine-day sports extravaganza will bring together more than 1,000 athletes representing 21 premier clubs across the country to compete in 14 distinct disciplines. The announcement was formally... Details

ONE Bank appoints AYM Mostofa as ADMD & CIO

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:55:16 +0600

ONE Bank PLC has recently announced the appointment of AYM Mostafa as additional deputy managing director (ADMD). In his new role, he will lead the bank's technology and digital transformation agenda, driving innovation, strengthening technology infrastructure and supporting the Bank's strategic growth. A seasoned technology leader, Mostafa brings over 22 years of experience in banking... Details

Jamuna Bank joins BB’s Tk10,000cr agriculture refinance scheme

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:52:15 +0600

Jamuna Bank PLC has joined Bangladesh Bank’s Tk10,000 crore refinance scheme aimed at boosting agricultural production, strengthening food security and supporting the rural economy. A participation agreement was signed between Bangladesh Bank and Jamuna Bank PLC on August 16. Under the three-year revolving refinance scheme, financing will be available for a wide range of agriculture and... Details

Hop Lun partners with Brac Healthcare to host employee wellness camp

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:50:09 +0600

Hop Lun Apparel Limited recently organized a comprehensive ‘Seasonal Disease Prevention and Awareness Session’ at its factory premises in partnership with Brac Healthcare. The initiative provided workers with free medical check-ups as well as expert guidance on disease prevention, hygiene, and healthy living in order to safeguard their overall health and well-being. During the... Details

Want to raise camels? Banks will provide financing

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 18:58:23 +0600

Bangladesh Bank has opened the doors of agricultural credit to entrepreneurs interested in camel farming. Under the new Agricultural and Rural Credit Policy, camel rearing has been included within the scope of agricultural loans. Consequently, farmers and farm owners will be able to obtain bank loans for camel farming upon fulfilling the prescribed conditions. At the same time, activities... Details

IDLC hosts award ceremony for Kickstart 3.0 winners

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 18:43:47 +0600

The winners of IDLC Kickstart 3.0, an exciting fantasy football challenge launched by IDLC Finance during the Fifa World Cup 2026, were recently presented with their prizes. The awarding ceremony was held at Lakeshore Heights, Gulshan, on August 16. Md Atiqul Islam Rabby, grand champion of Kickstart 3.0 received two air tickets to Thailand, while 35 more winners from different game weeks and... Details

Shukhee brings free 24/7 mental health counselling to NSU community

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 18:08:14 +0600

Shukhee, Bangladesh's leading digital healthcare platform under Grameen HealthTech Limited, on Monday announced a new initiative offering free mental health counselling to North South University (NSU) students, faculty, and staff, accessible round the clock using their NSU-registered mobile number. Through this initiative, the entire NSU community can now connect with qualified counselors and... Details

Airtel is now Cirkle

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:49:39 +0600

Friends, your familiar connection just got a new name. Airtel is now Cirkle. There was a time when friendship meant getting to know everyone. Today, it is about finding the people who truly get you, who are real with you. The ones who match your energy, understand your silence, celebrate your wins, call you out when needed, and stay by your side when life gets messy. That simple, real truth is... Details

FY27: Banks must disburse minimum 4% of loans as agri credit

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:20:03 +0600

Bangladesh Bank has announced a new policy to boost credit flow to the agriculture sector. A target of Tk60,000 crore has been set for agricultural and rural credit disbursement by banks for the current FY27. Simultaneously, banks are now mandated to allocate at least 4% of their total loan disbursements to the agricultural sector. Previously, banks were required to disburse at least 2.5% of... Details

AAAB, Aleph host Gen AI creative learning session

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:11:16 +0600

The Advertising Agencies Association of Bangladesh (AAAB), in collaboration with Aleph, official partner for Google and TikTok in Bangladesh, hosted a hands-on creative learning session at Akota Coworking, Dhaka. With creative agencies playing a central role in designing brand campaigns and driving business growth, the session aimed to help AAAB member agencies adapt to the growing use of AI... Details

NRB Bank launches Visa Islamic Signature Credit Card

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:09:14 +0600

Iqbal Ahmed OBE DBA, founder & chairman of NRB Bank PLC, along with board of directors & managing director & CEO Tarek Reaz Khan, additional managing directors & deputy managing director formally launched the bank’s Islamic Visa Signature Credit Card at a ceremony held at bank’s corporate head office, Gulshan, Dhaka on August 13. NRB Bank Islamic Signature card... Details

Hotel Sarina Dhaka brings flavours of Pakistan with Peshawari Food Festival

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:05:29 +0600

Hotel Sarina Dhaka is presenting the Peshawari Food Festival from August 16-29 at Summerfields Restaurant, bringing together the rich culinary traditions, aromas and iconic flavours of Pakistan in an extensive buffet dinner experience. The festival was inaugurated by Imran Haider, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Bangladesh, together with Zain Aziz, trade and investment attaché, and... Details

Jabedul Alam joins Standard Islami Bank as DMD & CTO

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 16:46:23 +0600

Jabedul Alam has joined Standard Islami Bank PLC as deputy managing director & chief transformation officer. Alam is a seasoned banker with more than 26 years of extensive experience in the banking sector. He began his banking career with HSBC Bank in 2000 and subsequently served in various important positions at Brac Bank and Eastern Bank PLC (EBL). Throughout his career, Alam has held... Details

US dollar rate declines

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 13:58:50 +0600

As dollar supply remains adequate relative to demand, relief is gradually returning to the country's foreign exchange market. Consequently, the price of the US dollar has decreased in both the interbank and commercial banking markets. Sector insiders identify easing import cost pressures and strong growth in remittance inflows as the primary drivers of this relief. According to the latest... Details

BB eases LC terms to reduce imported fruit prices

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 13:58:07 +0600

Bangladesh Bank has relaxed conditions for opening Letters of Credit (LCs) for fruit imports to boost supply in the domestic market and keep prices tolerable for consumers. From now on, importers will no longer be required to maintain a 100% cash margin when opening an LC for fruit imports. Setting the margin rate has been left to the discretion of the respective banks. The Banking Regulation... Details

Sammilito Islami Bank begins operating as single entity

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 13:57:13 +0600

State-owned Sammilito Islami Bank PLC, formed by merging five private Shariah-based banks, officially commenced operations under a single management on Sunday. With this, Sammilito Islami Bank has established full control over Exim Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Union Bank, and Social Islami Bank. Recently, Bangladesh Bank withdrew administrators from Global Islami Bank... Details

Govt to reschedule tea industry loans, special fund at 6% interest

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 13:56:21 +0600

The government has formed a high-level committee to provide recommendations on rescheduling existing loans of tea garden owners, arranging new financing, and establishing a revolving fund at a 6% interest rate for the tea industry. Additionally, the committee will evaluate and provide opinions on declaring tea an agricultural product and assessing the potential for commercial solar power... Details

Service sector expands by 11.5% in FY26

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 00:59:22 +0600

The contribution of the service sector to Bangladesh's economy continues to grow. In the outgoing FY26, the size of this sector reached Tk32,06,000 crore, up from Tk28,75,000 crore in the previous fiscal year. This marks a year-on-year increase of Tk331,000 crore, or approximately 11.5%, according to an analysis of the latest data from Bangladesh Bank. Considered a key pillar of the national... Details

Excess liquidity hits Tk408,000cr despite low private credit growth

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 00:58:28 +0600

Deposits across Bangladesh’s banking sector continue to expand rapidly, yet corporate investment and industrial borrowing remain severely muted. Driven by enterprise hesitation toward new factory expansion and heightened risk aversion among commercial lenders, total excess liquidity in the banking system crossed the Tk4.08 trillion ($34+ billion) mark for the first time at the end of... Details

CPD: High taxes, tight credit stall RMG decarbonization push

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 18:15:35 +0600

To maintain the global competitiveness of Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector, transitioning toward eco-friendly green manufacturing by reducing carbon emissions is indispensable. International buyers are no longer prioritizing product quality and price alone; they are increasingly evaluating manufacturing processes and their associated carbon footprints. Consequently, boosting... Details

DCCI launches week-long trade licence renewal service

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 18:08:01 +0600

The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) and the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) have jointly launched a week-long special service booth to streamline the trade licence renewal process for businesses under DSCC jurisdiction. Simultaneously, a view-exchange meeting addressing business environment, law and order, and traffic congestion was held by the two organizations. DSCC... Details

Finance Minister: At least two years needed to resolve power, gas crises

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 18:05:10 +0600

The ongoing power and gas crisis in Bangladesh is unlikely to be resolved quickly, stated Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury. He noted that a permanent solution within six to twelve months is impossible and that stabilizing the situation will take at least two years. He made these remarks as the chief guest at an event organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in... Details

EWU hosts seminar on research and higher education opportunities in Japan

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 17:11:46 +0600

The Department of English at East West University (EWU), in association with the Japanese Universities Alumni Association in Bangladesh (JUAAB), organized a seminar titled “Unlock Your Global Future: Research & Study in Japan” on Sunday, August 16, at the Manzur Elahi Auditorium of EWU. Prof Mohammed Farashuddin, chairperson of the board of trustees of East West University,... Details

Idcol holds 29th AGM

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 16:55:37 +0600

The 29th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Infrastructure Development Company Limited (Idcol) was held on August 15 at the InterContinental Dhaka. The meeting was chaired by Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, chairman of Idcol and secretary, Economic Relations Division (ERD). idcol’s directors and shareholders reviewed the company's financial performance and strategic direction. ABM Abdus... Details

Al-Arafah Islami Bank holds 466th board meeting

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 16:50:07 +0600

The 466th board meeting of Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC was held on Sunday, August 16 at the bank’s head office. Chairman of the board of directors Badiur Rahman presided over the meeting. The overall business performance of the bank was reviewed and several policy decisions were taken at the meeting. Vice Chairman of the Board Liakat Ali Chowdhury, directors Khalilur Rahman, Salim... Details

Bangladesh’s apparel exports to EU drop 16.43% in H1 of 2026

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 00:13:25 +0600

Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) exports to the European Union (EU)—its largest global market—experienced a severe contraction during the first six months of 2026, dropping 16.43% year-on-year to €8.64 billion. According to Eurostat data compiled by Bangladesh Apparel Voice (BAV), overall EU apparel imports from the world contracted by 9.70% to €41.10 billion... Details

NRB Bank celebrates 13th anniversary

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 19:36:55 +0600

NRB Bank PLC. has celebrated its 13th year of operations with the slogan ‘Transforming Today Empowering Tomorrow’ on August 13. NRB Bank PLC completed its 13th year of operations on August 4. Iqbal Ahmed OBE DBA, chairman of NRB Bank PLC, along with Tarek Reaz Khan, managing director & CEO, Md Quamrul Islam Chowdhury, chairman, executive committee, Minhaz Shahid, chairman... Details

Commerce minister: Two years needed to overcome gas, power crises

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 19:36:04 +0600

He made the remarks after a district-level workshop in Sylhet reviewing the previous year’s work and planning for FY2026-27 Details

Businesses seek 12-month installment facility for utility bills

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 19:30:20 +0600

Amid severe gas and electricity shortages disrupting production, the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) has requested relief from paying the gas and electricity bills for July and August in a single lump sum. The trade body has appealed to the government to allow factories to pay the bills for these two months in equal installments over the next 12 months.... Details

Customers can now open IDLC FDR instantly through bKash app

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 18:58:13 +0600

IDLC Finance and bKash, country’s two leading financial service providers, have jointly launched digital FDR (Fixed Deposit Receipt) service, making it easier for customers to save through fixed term deposits. Under the new service, customers can instantly open FDR ranging from Tk10,000 to Tk100,000 having tenures of 6 and 12 months with IDLC Finance directly through the bKash App, from... Details

Max Group to enter solar businesses, services

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 18:53:58 +0600

Max Group of Industries of Bangladesh is preparing to expand into the country’s solar market and plans to introduce its own solar-related products and services, said the group’s chairman Engineer Ghulam Mohammad Alomgir on Thursday. Speaking as a distinguished guest at Astronergy’s World Tour 2026 – Bangladesh Roadshow in Dhaka, Max Group chairman Engineer Ghulam... Details

Indonesian ice cream & bubble tea brand Ai-CHA opens first store in Bangladesh

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 18:52:03 +0600

Indonesian global beverage and ice-cream brand Ai-CHA has officially opened its first outlet in Bangladesh, marking a major milestone in the brand’s international expansion. The new outlet is located at 81/A, CPDL Chowdhury Height, Ground Floor, Jamal Khan, Chattogram, and brings Ai-CHA’s globally popular tea and ice cream experience to local consumers. Founded in 2019 in... Details

Building stronger institutions: Shafiqul Alam's role in Bangladesh's governance journey

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 12:26:23 +0600

Corporate governance has become one of the defining themes of Bangladesh's corporate sector over the past three decades. Regulatory reforms, expanding capital markets and growing investors’ expectations have steadily reshaped how companies are expected to operate. Alongside these changes, a number of professionals have helped translate governance principles into practice. Md Shafiqul Alam... Details

Gold prices rise again, up Tk2,158 per bhori

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 12:08:37 +0600

22-carat gold now costs Tk20,300 per gram as Bajus revises rates for the second time in two days Details

Fish, meat prices largely unchanged, vegetables, eggs ease

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 19:56:03 +0600

Egg and broiler chicken prices fall, while most vegetables drop to Tk60-80 per kg amid improved supply Details

APG expresses concern over ‘bank and stock market looting’ in Bangladesh

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:38:08 +0600

The Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) has expressed strong concern over widespread corruption, financial looting, and illicit capital flight from Bangladesh’s banking and stock markets during the previous government’s tenure. Warning that these irregularities could negatively impact Bangladesh in its upcoming Mutual Evaluation scheduled for 2027–28, the delegation... Details

BB eases LCs and foreign transactions regulations

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:31:02 +0600

All regulations related to foreign exchange transactions—including opening Letters of Credit (LCs) for import operations, remitting funds abroad, and submitting required documentation—will now be accessible under a single notification. Bangladesh Bank issued a comprehensive new notification on Thursday (August 13), consolidating instructions that had previously been issued at... Details

Gross forex reserve now stands at $37.11bn

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:26:55 +0600

The country's foreign exchange reserves have once again crossed the $37 billion-mark. According to the latest data from Bangladesh Bank, as of August 13, the country's total (gross) foreign exchange reserve stands at $37.11332 billion. According to Bangladesh Bank data, under the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) BPM6 accounting method, the reserve amount stands at $32.90922 billion. In... Details

Ryze gives free AI Subscription with Fly Pack

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:08:09 +0600

Ryze, an AI-powered digital lifestyle brand for youth, is offering free access to AI tools to celebrate this year’s SSC graduates, giving young learners an opportunity to use AI for learning, skill development, and everyday needs. As part of the offer, users purchasing the Ryze FLY Pack for Tk497 between August 13 and 15 will receive a free 30-day AI Hub Premium “Core”... Details

Titumir urges NGOs to bring employees under Universal Pension Scheme

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 21:01:20 +0600

Calls on local and international NGOs to enrol eligible workers in ‘Progoti’ scheme for long-term financial security Details

Gender disparity rising in SME finance

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:30:09 +0600

Despite dedicated refinance schemes, policy incentives, and priority guidelines, women-led enterprises in Bangladesh continue to face severe credit rationing. According to Bangladesh Bank’s latest report on Cottage, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (CMSME) financing, female entrepreneurs secured only 7.28% ($1.8 billion /Tk21,700 crore equivalent) of total outstanding CMSME loans as... Details

Report: Circulated money slowly returning to banks

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:29:37 +0600

A reverse trend has emerged in the flow of cash held at home. Within a one-month span in June, cash held by the public decreased by nearly Tk13,000 crore. During the same period, bank deposits grew by over Tk38,000 crore. These two statistics from Bangladesh Bank point toward a shift in the movement of money—a portion of the funds previously held outside the banking system is returning... Details

Credit card transactions surge 43.24% YoY to Tk4,461cr

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:28:49 +0600

Credit card usage across Bangladesh experienced sharp growth in June FY26, with overall transaction volume surging 43.24% year-on-year to Tk4,461 crore, up from Tk3,114 crore in June FY25. Parallelly, total credit card outstanding debt reached Tk13,444 crore by May FY26, representing a 50.41% expansion over three years. Industry experts and central bank officials note that while the expansion... Details

ShopUp's parent platform secures $100m funding to fuel Saudi expansion

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 17:47:53 +0600

SILQ, the parent entity formed by the merger of South Asian tech giant ShopUp and Saudi Arabia’s B2B marketplace Sary, has secured US$100 million in financing facilities to expand its embedded financial platform, Fina. The funding round was backed by institutional investors Fasanara Capital, Gemcorp Capital, and Amwal Capital Partners. The newly raised capital will be deployed through... Details

Yamaha Riders Club runs beach cleaning campaign in Cox’s Bazar

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 17:43:30 +0600

Ahead of International Youth Day, the Yamaha Riders Club (YRC) organized a beach cleaning campaign at Sugandha Point in Cox’s Bazar, engaging around 400 Yamaha riders who participated in the YRC Annual Conclave 2026, organized by Yamaha Bangladesh on August 11. The daylong annual conclave was held at Long Beach Hotel in Cox’s Bazar, bringing together Yamaha riders from different... Details

Gold jewellery price hiked by Tk1,633 per bhori

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 11:42:37 +0600

22-carat gold jewellery will cost Tk236,779, including VAT Details

bKash engages merchants nationwide to boost Bangla QR adoption

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 23:08:59 +0600

To accelerate Bangladesh Bank’s universal ‘Bangla QR’ payment initiative and strengthen the cashless transaction ecosystem, bKash has conducted a series of view exchange sessions with merchants nationwide. So far, around 1,500 bKash merchants have participated in these sessions organized across 97 zones. During these sessions, discussions focused on how merchants can... Details

Inflation eases, but retail prices and household expenses remain high

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 23:06:50 +0600

While on-paper data suggests positive momentum toward the government's full-year inflation target of 7.5%, household budgets across urban and rural markets show no tangible relief. The divergence highlights a classic statistical reality: a declining inflation rate signals a slower pace of price increases, not a drop in absolute market prices. Headline inflation reached 8.32% in July, the... Details

Brac University career fair introduces life sciences students to industry

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:04:24 +0600

The Brac University Pharmacy and Life Sciences Career Fair 2026 was held on the university’s Merul Badda campus on August 11, connecting pharmacy, biotechnology and microbiology students and graduates with around 25 leading employers from the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors. Addressing the fair’s inauguration ceremony as the special guest, Milos Mladenovic, country manager... Details

Prime Bank signs payroll banking agreement with PalmPay

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:00:54 +0600

Prime Bank PLC has recently signed a Payroll Banking Agreement with PalmPay, a global fintech company and digital banking platform, to provide comprehensive payroll banking services to its employees and partners. The agreement was formally signed at a ceremony held at the corporate office of Prime Bank PLC. Under this agreement, employees of PalmPay shall enjoy exclusive payroll banking... Details

Standard Islami Bank holds ‘Annual Risk Conference-2026’

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:30:41 +0600

The ‘Annual Risk Conference’ of Standard Islami Bank PLC. was held on 07 August 2026 at Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel, Dhaka. Md Siddiqur Rahman, additional managing director & chief risk officer of the bank, chaired the conference where Riad Mahmud Chowdhury, managing director, was present as chief guest. In the conference, important session was conducted on banking risk... Details

IFIC Bank holds Half-Yearly Business Conference 2026 for Dhaka Regions

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:29:10 +0600

IFIC Bank PLC held its Half-Yearly Business Conference 2026 for Dhaka North and South Regions on Wednesday, August 12, at the Multipurpose Hall of IFIC Tower in Purana Paltan, Dhaka. Managing director Syed Mansur Mustafa attended the daylong conference as chief guest. Md Monitur Rahman, DMD & chief information officer; Sheikh Akhter Uddin Ahmed, DMD & chief of loan performance... Details

Commerce Minister: FTA negotiations ongoing with 12 countries

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 16:55:07 +0600

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has announced that discussions are underway regarding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) between Bangladesh and 12 countries. Negotiations with several nations, including Indonesia and Malaysia, are progressing. He also noted that formal FTA discussions with the European Union (EU) may begin within the next month. The minister shared this information on... Details

HSBC event focuses on future-proofing Bangladesh

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 16:48:16 +0600

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Limited in Bangladesh organized an event on August 11 titled “Navigating Global Trade: Future-Proofing Bangladesh” highlighting the latest global and Asian market developments and sharing a perspective on Bangladesh. As part of HSBC’s ongoing engagement with the business community, the forum invited its valued clients to... Details

BB forms Tk1,000cr fund to foster young entrepreneurs

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 08:43:00 +0600

Bangladesh Bank has initiated steps to form a special fund of Tk1,000 crore to develop the country's youth into entrepreneurs. Under this fund, plans are underway to provide low-interest loans to new entrepreneurs, along with performance-based grants based on loan repayment discipline and business success. Initially, the blueprint outlines utilizing Tk500 crore as loans and Tk500 crore as... Details

Inflation drops to 8.32% in July, lowest in 8 months

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 08:39:10 +0600

In July, the first month of the current FY27, overall point-to-point inflation fell to 8.32%. In June, the rate stood at 9.16%, marking a decrease of 0.84 percentage points over a single month. July’s inflation figure is the lowest recorded in the last eight months. Previously, general inflation was at 8.49% in November 2025; it had not reached a lower level since then. These figures... Details

AIUB, Russian House in Dhaka to strengthen academic and cultural cooperation

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 19:09:29 +0600

Alexandra A Khlevnoy, first secretary of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and director of the Russian House in Dhaka, paid a formal visit to American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) on August 9 to explore opportunities for strengthening academic, educational, cultural, and youth cooperation. Khlevnoy was accompanied by Proshanta... Details

Bangladesh RMG exports hit $3.88bn amid mixed global trends

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 18:59:02 +0600

Bangladesh’s Readymade Garment (RMG) export sector registered a mixed performance at the opening of the new fiscal year (FY27), with overall July shipments contracting by 1.92% year-on-year to $3.88 billion, compared to $3.96 billion in July FY26. Data compiled by Bangladesh Apparel Voice from Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) records reveals that while demand weakened across major legacy... Details

BGMEA, LPP clarify FES Retail situation

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 18:53:24 +0600

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Poland-based apparel brand LPP SA have issued a joint position regarding the ongoing dispute over invoices and outstanding payment claims surrounding FES Retail. The joint statement was signed on behalf of BGMEA by its president Mahmud Hasan Khan, and on behalf of LPP SA by Dorota Jankowska-Tomków, director of... Details

Bank Resolution Act: Cabinet repeals controversial provision

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 18:49:48 +0600

In a major policy shift for financial sector governance, the Cabinet has officially approved the draft Bank Resolution (Amendment) Act, 2026, permanently repealing the controversial Provision 18(A). The decision closes any legal avenues for ousted controlling shareholders, former directors, and distressed business conglomerates—most notably the S Alam Group—to reclaim ownership,... Details

Banglalink receives BB approval to launch digital payment service Mukto Pay

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 18:43:27 +0600

Banglalink, the country’s leading digital operator, today received a payment service provider (PSP) licence from Bangladesh Bank, paving the way for its entry into the country’s digital payments market. Banglalink will launch its digital payment services under the brand Mukto Pay, a fully owned Banglalink service designed to provide customers with simple, secure and accessible... Details

MetLife Foundation, Midas to train 500 youth in mobile repairing and entrepreneurship

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 18:30:25 +0600

MetLife Foundation, in partnership with Micro Industries Development Assistance and Services (Midas), has launched a two-year skills development initiative to train 500 youth in mobile repairing and entrepreneurship in Dhaka and Chattogram. The program will equip participants with practical, market-relevant skills in mobile phone repairing and maintenance. This will enable them to pursue... Details