Business - Dhaka Tribune

UCB secures approval for Tk775cr rights shares to strengthen capital base

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 18:41:02 +0600

United Commercial Bank PLC (UCB) has received approval to issue rights shares worth Tk775 crore to enhance its capital strength. The initiative, approved by the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), will increase the bank’s paid-up capital from Tk1,550 crore to Tk2,325 crore. The primary objective of the move is to strengthen the bank’s capital base and enhance its... Details

Bangladesh’s 45% FDI surge still trails smaller African economies

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 18:14:30 +0600

Despite boasting a half-trillion-dollar GDP and standing as South Asia’s second-largest economy, Bangladesh continues to underperform in attracting global capital. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad) World Investment Report 2026, Bangladesh lags behind smaller African economies—such as Uganda, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo... Details

Bangladesh slips in financial secrecy index

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 18:13:17 +0600

Bangladesh has slipped further in financial transparency, making it easier to conceal financial information, according to the Financial Secrecy Index (FSI) 2026 published by the UK-based research organization Tax Justice Network (TJN). The country now ranks 47th globally among nations enabling financial secrecy, dropping three positions from its 50th-place ranking last year. In the 2026... Details

Inflation exceeds wage growth for 53rd straight month

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 18:09:08 +0600

The purchasing power of ordinary citizens in Bangladesh has been systematically declining for 53 consecutive months, as national wage increments continue to trail behind soaring inflation rates, official data shows. According to the latest report from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the country's overall inflation rate stood at 9.16% in June, slightly down from 9.42% in May.... Details

FinExcel holds training on mastering negotiations

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 17:14:03 +0600

Financial Excellence Limited (FinExcel) successfully organized a two-day customized executive training program titled “Negotiation Mastery: A Value-Driven Approach to Drive Results” for the Recovery & Collection officials of The City Bank PLC on July 2–3 in the capital. The program was inaugurated by Selim Barkat, regional general manager – Bangladesh, Sri Lanka... Details

Experts: Bangladesh set for steady recovery as reforms gain traction

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:55:10 +0600

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Limited in Bangladesh, organized an exclusive event titled "HSBC Economic Outlook 2026: The Bangladesh Perspective", bringing together experts to discuss the evolving global economic landscape and Bangladesh's economic outlook. The event featured a keynote presentation by Frederic Neumann, chief asia economist and co-head, Global Investment... Details

Bangladesh, Germany strengthen renewable energy ties

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:32:15 +0600

To address the needs of the emerging labour market in the sustainable energy sector, the Technical and Madrasah Education Division (TMED) of the Ministry of Education and GIZ in Bangladesh, on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), has signed an implementation agreement. The agreement formalizes a joint commitment to advance the Vocational... Details

Brac Enterprises inaugurates Greenpak factory

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 19:28:18 +0600

Brac Enterprises has inaugurated its Greenpak factory in the Tongi Industrial Area of Gazipur, marking a significant step towards advancing environmentally friendly and sustainable packaging solutions in Bangladesh. The facility has the capacity to produce 300–350 tonnes of eco-friendly, biodegradable packaging annually. Unlike conventional plastic, the biodegradable products... Details

Prime Bank leads agricultural loan campaign, public loan disbursement in Madhabpur

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 17:53:27 +0600

With the aim of bringing banking services to the doorsteps of farmers and increasing agricultural production, an 'Upazila-based Agricultural Credit Campaign, Discussion Meeting, and Open Loan Distribution Program' has been held in Madhabpur, Habiganj. The event was held under the guidance of Bangladesh Bank, Sylhet, with the participation of 15 scheduled banks operating in Madhabpur upazila.... Details

Bank Asia empowering the next generation of MSMEs

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 16:29:18 +0600

Bank Asia believes the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector will remain a key driver of Bangladesh's economic growth over the next five years, powered by a new generation of young, technology-enabled and ambitious entrepreneurs. As the sector continues to evolve, MSMEs are expected to become increasingly digitized, formalized and integrated into both domestic and global value... Details

Al-Arafah Islami Bank holds 462nd board meeting

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 16:20:21 +0600

The 462nd board meeting of Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC was held on Tuesday, July 7 at the bank’s head office. Chairman of the board of directors Khwaja Shahriar presided over the meeting. The overall business performance of the bank was reviewed and several policy decisions were taken at the meeting. Directors of the bank Md Shahin Ul Islam, Md Abdul Wadud, Prof Mohammed Abu Eusuf,... Details

Bangladesh’s PMI decreases in June

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 16:17:10 +0600

The June reading of the Bangladesh Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) declined by 9.9 points from the previous month to 52.9, indicating a slower pace of expansion compared to the previous month. The moderation in growth reflected mixed sectoral performance, with the manufacturing and construction sectors returning to contraction, while the agriculture and services sectors continued to... Details

Idcol, EWU to improve solar power research in Bangladesh

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 15:52:19 +0600

Infrastructure Development Company Limited (Idcol) and East West University (EWU) signed an agreement today to collaborate on researching and monitoring solar PV systems across Bangladesh, including solar parks and rooftop installations. Alamgir Morshed, managing director of Idcol, and Prof Shams Rahman, vice chancellor of EWU, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of their... Details

MetLife study: Early exposure to sports, education, and mentorship can build confidence

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 15:49:39 +0600

A new multinational study from MetLife reveals a striking “confidence gap”: while most adults describe themselves as resilient, their confidence drops by 72% when faced with real-life setbacks. The Confident Pathways Report, conducted across the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, and Mexico, was designed to better understand how confidence is built and sustained throughout life.... Details

Banglalink, Winrock International to empower survivors of human trafficking

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 15:38:46 +0600

Banglalink has partnered with US-based nonprofit Winrock International through the Ashshash project, which is supported by the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for survivors of human trafficking through the Banglalink Power application. The partnership will enable participants to use the platform to offer digital recharge and related services... Details

Sheltech Group declares Tk1,504cr investment across key sectors

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:29:25 +0600

Sheltech Group, one of Bangladesh’s leading business conglomerates, has announced a new investment plan worth Tk15.04 billion (Tk1,504 crore) across agriculture, real estate, textiles, manufacturing, and renewable energy sectors. The company expects the investment to generate around 45,000 new jobs, with a significant share linked to contract farming initiatives. Founded in 1988,... Details

Bangladesh eyes global markets to ease bank borrowing pressures

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 19:46:29 +0600

The government is preparing to enter the international capital markets for the first time, marking a major policy shift in national debt management. To reduce its historical dependence on domestic commercial banks, national savings certificates, and multilateral development lenders, the Ministry of Finance has initiated feasibility assessments to issue the country's maiden sovereign bond. The... Details

Inflation drops to 9.16% in June

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 19:22:02 +0600

In the just-ended month of June, the national point-to-point general inflation rate decreased to 9.16%, which was 9.42% in May. At the same time, the inflation rate in both the food and non-food sectors decreased. In addition, the 12-month moving average inflation rate also decreased significantly to 8.68%. These data were revealed in the latest inflation report published by the Bangladesh... Details

Dutch-Bangla Bank hosts Bangla QR demo with Information Minister

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:47:58 +0600

To promote the use of Bangla QR and raise public awareness, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan made purchases using Bangla QR through Dutch-Bangla Bank's app at Aziz Super Market, Shahbagh in the capital on July 4. Instant cashless transactions can be made using Bangla QR through Dutch-Bangla Bank's apps, NexusPay and Rocket. Md Ahteshamul Haque Khan, managing director... Details

Southeast Bank holds BAMLCO Conference 2026

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:42:31 +0600

Southeast Bank PLC organized the BAMLCO Conference-2026 with the participation of around 380 officials, including divisional heads of head office, heads of branches, BAMLCOs, in-charges of Uposhakhas and OBUs and other concerned officials. Md Khalid Mahmood Khan, managing director & CEO of Southeast Bank PLC, attended the conference as chief guest. Amitabh Chakraborty, additional director... Details

CP Five Star, Ecovia to advance sustainable food packaging innovation in Bangladesh

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:40:15 +0600

CP Five Star Bangladesh is moving forward with its sustainability mission by collaborating with Ecovia, an environmentally friendly packaging manufacturer, to develop and enhance sustainable food packaging solutions for CP Five Star’s food business. This collaboration focuses on the application of compostable technology in the production of selected plastic packaging, U-cut bag as 1st... Details

Mercantile Bank accelerates cashless drive with Bangla QR rally

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:37:06 +0600

Mercantile Bank PLC intensified its ongoing nationwide digital payment campaign by hosting an awareness rally in the capital’s Motijheel commercial area to fast-track the adoption of Bangla QR transactions. Mati Ul Hasan, managing director of the bank, led the field deployment as chief guest. Bank's deputy managing directors, a large contingent of senior executives and officials... Details

Bhuighar Darussunnah Islamia Kamil Madrasah 1st partner of Al-Arafah Islami Bank's IlmNet EMS Service

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:06:35 +0600

Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC has signed an agreement with Bhuighar Darussunnah Islamia Kamil Madrasah, making it the first educational institution to join the Bank's IlmNet Education Management System (EMS). IlmNet is a Shariah-compliant digital platform designed to facilitate academic administration, communication, fee collection, and digital payment services for educational institutions. The... Details

Islami Bank holds board meeting

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 17:58:23 +0600

A meeting of the board of directors of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC was held on July 6 Monday at Islami Bank Tower. Mohammad Zahir Hussain, executive director of Bangladesh Bank and the sole representative of the board of directors of Islami Bank, presided over the meeting. Md Altaf Hossain, acting managing director, and Md Habibur Rahman, company secretary of the bank, also attended the... Details

Community Bank wins gold at Infosys Finacle Innovation Awards 2026

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 17:55:28 +0600

Community Bank Bangladesh PLC. has been recognized as the Gold Winner in the “Maximizing Customer Engagement” category at the 11th Infosys Finacle Innovation Awards 2026, one of the banking industry's most prestigious global platforms celebrating innovation and digital transformation. The bank received the award for its innovative initiative, “Community Access.” The... Details

FY27: BB retains cash incentive for exports of 43 sectors

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:27:02 +0600

The government has continued cash support or incentives for exports of 43 goods and services sectors in the current FY27. Like the last fiscal year, the incentive rate has been kept unchanged this time too. Exporters will receive cash support ranging from a minimum of 0.30% to a maximum of 10% depending on the product. On Sunday (July 5), Bangladesh Bank issued a circular in this regard and... Details

Govt exempts VAT on BTV's Tk73cr purchase of World Cup broadcasting rights

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:23:35 +0600

The government has exempted Value Added Tax (VAT) on the amount payable against all media rights purchased by Bangladesh Television (BTV) from Fifa for broadcasting matches of the ongoing Fifa World Cup 2026. The Internal Revenue Division (IRD) has also imposed four conditions while granting this facility. In a recently issued order, the IRD said that this VAT exemption will be effective from... Details

Prime Bank Hosts ‘Empowering Youth Season 2.0’ at University of Chittagong

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:20:38 +0600

Prime Bank PLC, in collaboration with the University of Chittagong and Young Economists’ Society (YES), organized “Empowering Youth: Engaging and Inspiring Youth in Banking Season 2.0” under PrimeAcademia- the bank’s flagship academia banking initiative. The seminar aimed to enhance students’ understanding of banking, financial literacy, career readiness, and... Details

Uttara Motors launches all-new Isuzu Luxury NQR Bus in Bangladesh

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:18:04 +0600

Uttara Motors Limited, a premier and trusted name in the country’s automotive industry with over four decades of excellence in importing, assembling, manufacturing, and marketing world-renowned Japanese Isuzu commercial vehicles, has officially launched the all-new Isuzu Luxury NQR Bus in Bangladesh. The unveiling ceremony was jointly inaugurated by Matiur Rahman, chairman & managing... Details

Canadian-Bangladeshi chef Madiha Turshin in top 5 of Global Favorite Chef 2026 competition

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:14:43 +0600

Canadian-Bangladeshi contemporary chef Madiha Turshin has secured a place among the Top 5 finalists in the prestigious international Favorite Chef 2026 competition, a significant milestone that recognizes her innovative culinary philosophy rooted in nature, sustainability, and cultural storytelling. Presented by renowned American chef and television personality Carla Hall in support of the... Details

CNBL holds annual pool and snooker tournament

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:10:41 +0600

Club Notredamians Bangladesh Limited (CNBL) concluded its Pool & Snooker Ranking Tournament 2026 with a prize giving ceremony on July 2 at the Fr. Peixotto Banquet Hall. Club president Syed Abu Naser Bukhtear Ahmed graced the event as chief guest. The tournament featured 57 club members competing across two disciplines. The final standings are: 9-Ball Pool Results: * 1st: Fahim Feroz... Details

First-time tax return filers to pay Tk 1,000 minimum tax

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 19:45:06 +0600

The special minimum tax benefit has been retained to encourage new taxpayers to join the tax system Details

India, China edge Bangladesh RMG in EU over supply chain agility

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 00:27:13 +0600

Bangladesh’s RMG sector is facing an uphill battle in its primary export destination, with recent trade data indicating a noticeable loss of market share across the European Union. Long relied upon to absorb nearly half of the country’s total apparel shipments, the 27-nation EU bloc is progressively shifting its procurement books toward regional competitors. While a broad consumer... Details

Why the June export rise isn’t assuring for the economy

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 00:26:20 +0600

Bangladesh’s export books closed the FY26 with an unexpected 25.91% surge in June shipments. While this single-month burst shielded the final annual export tally from a deeper plunge, industrial leaders and trade economists are uniform in their skepticism. They caution that this sudden spike is not an indicator of market recovery, but rather a temporary anomaly caused by calendar... Details

FY27: Can policy reforms result in real capital?

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 00:24:03 +0600

FY27 officially commenced on July 1, launching the new administration's first full-scale budget alongside a highly coordinated monetary strategy. The executive branch has laid down an ambitious target portfolio to revive the economy: expanding real GDP growth to 6.5%, cooling consumer inflation down to 7.5%, and generating massive employment opportunities. However, macroeconomists, trade... Details

Countries leave Bangladesh behind in GNI index

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 00:22:53 +0600

Only a few years ago, the names of Bangladesh and Vietnam were uttered in the same breath during discussions on emerging economies in South and Southeast Asia. Driven by apparel exports, rapid economic growth, poverty reduction, and various developmental indicators, Bangladesh was widely spotlighted as a highly promising economy. In recent years, however, that narrative has begun to shift.... Details

Prime Bank signs agreement with GenX Health

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 19:04:05 +0600

Prime Bank PLC has recently signed an agreement with GenX Health Ltd to offer exclusive discount to Prime Bank Neera customers. The signing ceremony was held recently at the bank's corporate office at Gulshan in Dhaka. Under this agreement, Prime Bank Neera customers, cardholders & employees will enjoy exclusive discounts at GenX Health Ltd's services. The agreement was signed by... Details

Meril presents ‘Marvel of Tomorrow’ season 5 with ‘Back to Origin’ theme

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 14:58:07 +0600

The fifth edition of Meril Presents ‘Marvel of Tomorrow’ was held on July 2 at the United Convention Centre in Dhaka with the theme ‘Back to Origin’. The event celebrated the memories and culture of the 1990s while highlighting the creativity and fresh ideas of today’s digital content creators. Sponsored by Meril, one of Bangladesh’s leading personal care... Details

NPL crisis: Can Bangladesh Bank recover Tk5.88 lakh crore?

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 20:36:49 +0600

The biggest crisis currently facing Bangladesh’s banking sector is non-performing loans (NPLs). Having risen continuously for several years, the volume of default loans has reached a level where many banks have seen their capacity to disburse new loans diminish, and in some cases, pressures have mounted regarding the refunding of customer deposits. Against this backdrop, the... Details

Islami Bank and BPDB sign corporate agreement

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:31:05 +0600

A corporate agreement regarding customer service has been signed between Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC and the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) on Thursday, July 2, at Bidyut Bhaban (BPDB) in the capital. Under this agreement, all prepaid meter recharge services of the Bangladesh Power Development Board can gradually be completed through all branches, sub-branches, agent outlets,... Details

AB Bank supports launching of Bangladesh Bank’s ‘Bangla QR’ usage

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:28:57 +0600

AB Bank PLC. has recently supported the inauguration of ‘Bangla QR’ usage at Bangladesh Bank’s Sylhet office on July 1. The inauguration program was arranged by Bangladesh Bank Karmachari Vogyanno Sorboraho and Sanchay o Rindan Somobay Samiti Limited (SIKO), with the support of AB Bank, to promote cashless transactions and facilitate the implementation of mandatory digital... Details

Dutch-Bangla Bank assists BB in holding ‘Bangla QR Mela’

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:26:51 +0600

A daylong campaign named “Bangla QR Mela” was held at Bangladesh Bank premises recently, to promote digital payment system in Bangladesh and encouraging Bangladesh Bank officials and employees to adopt QR-based transactions. The campaign was organized by Bangladesh Bank with the support from Dutch-Bangla Bank. Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Nurun Nahar inaugurated the... Details

JCI Dhaka Sparks promotes mental health via ‘Beautiful Minds’ initiative

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:23:24 +0600

As part of the national observations for International Human Duties Day and Week, JCI Dhaka Sparks executed its impactful community project, "Beautiful Minds: Workplace Mental Wellbeing Initiative." The event was hosted at the premises of ATEC Australia International Ltd, focusing on the fundamental human duty of individuals, especially working professionals, to prioritize personal mental... Details

Fish, chicken prices rise, vegetables offer some relief

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 18:56:38 +0600

'A supply shortage has driven broiler prices up by Tk20-30 per kg today. Prices will ease once supply normalises,' a chicken trader says Details

Nationwide mandatory 'Bangla QR' comes into effect

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:26:15 +0600

Effective July 1, the Bangladesh Bank has made the unified 'Bangla QR' payment matrix mandatory across all retail merchant touchpoints nationwide. This regulatory directive replaces the cluttered, merchant-specific QR signs displayed by separate Mobile Financial Services (MFS) and banking apps with a single, interoperable payment code. By removing these technological barriers, Bangladesh Bank... Details

Govt keeps savings tool interest rates unchanged

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:25:33 +0600

The government has decided to keep the yield rates for all categories of National Savings Certificates (Sanchayapatras) unchanged for the next six months. This policy extension preserves current return thresholds across retail brackets, with the Ministry of Finance expected to issue an official gazette notification shortly. Under established financial rules, savings certificate yield rates... Details

Budget tax cuts yet to ease retail prices of essentials

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:32:42 +0600

'The budget's full impact on imported goods will be felt only after products imported under the new tax regime reach the retail markets, ' the traders say Details

Chinese EZs to generate 150,000 jobs after a decade in limbo

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 19:52:24 +0600

Following a decade of administrative friction and structural delays, Bangladesh’s plans for dedicated Chinese Economic Zones are finally moving forward. Backed by agreements signed during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent state visit to Beijing, long-stalled industrial developments in Anwara (Chittagong) and Mongla (Bagerhat) have received a significant regulatory boost. The... Details

Prime Bank, Car House Imports to offer exclusive service facilities for customers

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 18:46:16 +0600

Prime Bank PLC has recently signed an agreement with Car House Imports to provide exclusive service facilities for its customers. The signing ceremony was held recently at Car House Imports office at gulshan in Dhaka. Under this partnership, Prime Bank customers will enjoy exclusive service benefits from Car House Imports Ltd. The agreement was signed by Mamur Ahmed, SEVP... Details

Former Slovenian MP Tadej Slapnik visits Daffodil International University

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 18:43:00 +0600

Daffodil International University (DIU) on July 1 welcomed Tadej Slapnik, a prominent Slovenian tech entrepreneur, former Member of Parliament of Slovenia, and former Secretary of State at the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia from 2014 to 2018. Md Sabur Khan, founder and chairman of DIU, along with the Vice-Chancellor, Pro Vice-Chancellor, senior academic leaders, and... Details

ScholarTrack.ai: Making scholarship opportunities more accessible for Bangladeshi students

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 17:03:11 +0600

Finding the right scholarship is often one of the most challenging parts of a student’s academic journey. For many students, the process can take hours, days, or even months. They have to search through countless websites, understand complicated eligibility criteria, prepare strong Statements of Purpose, build proper CVs, collect recommendation letters, and keep track of different deadlines.... Details

British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund opens new round of grant funding of up to £500k for South Asia

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 18:35:56 +0600

The British Council has officially opened the 2026 funding round for its Cultural Protection Fund (CPF), inviting eligible organizations to apply for grants of up to £500,000 to protect cultural heritage at risk from conflict and climate change in 17 countries, including Bangladesh. Now in its tenth year, the Cultural Protection Fund has supported projects in Bangladesh that empower... Details

IDLC Investments wins three FinanceAsia Awards 2026

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 10:51:26 +0600

IDLC Investments Limited, a subsidiary of IDLC Finance PLC, has been awarded by FinanceAsia as Bangladesh’s Best Investment Bank, Best Equity Capital Markets (ECM) House, and Best Debt Capital Markets (DCM) House at the FinanceAsia Awards 2026. These awards reinforce IDLC Investments’ position as a leading investment banking institution in Bangladesh, reflecting its capabilities... Details

Islami Bank to recover after liquidity support, policy tweak

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 23:47:04 +0600

Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC—the country’s largest private Shariah-compliant lender—is staging a gradual recovery following weeks of an unprecedented confidence crisis that threatened to fracture the wider financial system. At the peak of the panic, major commercial outlets refused to honor Islami Bank pay-orders, transactions via the Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) network... Details

FY27: Can an ambitious budget restore consumer stability?

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 23:45:38 +0600

The Jatiya Sangsad has officially passed a massive Tk9.38 lakh crore national budget for FY27. Effective from July 1, this extensive fiscal framework serves as a critical economic roadmap determining how expensive or manageable daily life will become for every family, salaried professional, retail merchant, farmer, and youth entrepreneur across Bangladesh over the next 12 months. Faced with a... Details

BB gives 3-month deadline to 4 ailing NBFIs to turn things around

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 21:31:23 +0600

Bangladesh Bank on Wednesday issued a three-month deadline to four non-bank financial institutions to turn them from non-viable to viable institutions. This information was confirmed by Bangladesh Bank's assistant spokesperson Shahriar Siddiqui. He also said that if the institutions fail to fulfill the stipulated conditions within three months, resolution or reorganization, merger or other... Details

Bangla QR: BB fixes MDR at 1% for digital transactions

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 21:26:10 +0600

Bangladesh Bank has issued new instructions to make bank-to-bank digital transactions more orderly. The minimum rate of merchant discount rate (MDR) or service fee has been fixed at 1% (including VAT) for merchant payments using Bangla QR code under the National Payment Switch Bangladesh (NPSB) platform. On Wednesday (July 1), Bangladesh Bank's Payment Systems Division-2 (PSD-2) issued a... Details

Remittance inflow declines in June

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 18:08:13 +0600

In the just-ended month of June, remittance receipts in the country were about $2.81 billion, which is $619 million less than in May. At the same time, it is also $23 million less than in June last year. According to the updated data of Bangladesh Bank on Wednesday (July 1), remittances in the country in June were $2.806 billion. In the previous month, expatriates sent $3.425 billion in May.... Details

Miniso brings rare Fifa World Cup champions badge to Bangladesh

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 16:26:48 +0600

Miniso Bangladesh has introduced the Miniso × Fifa World Cup Limited Edition Champions Badge, offering football fans and collectors access to one of the world's most exclusive Fifa collectibles. Only 2,026 badges have been produced worldwide, with just 20 pieces available in Bangladesh. More than a collector's item, the Miniso × Fifa World Cup Limited Edition Champions Badge... Details

DBH Finance holds 30th AGM

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 16:23:31 +0600

The shareholders of DBH Finance PLC. approved 15% cash dividend for the year ending December 31, 2025, as proposed by the board of directors. The approval was given at the 30th annual general meeting (AGM) of the company held recently by using the digital platform with its chairman Syed Moinuddin Ahmed in the chair. The meeting was attended by its vice chairman Prof Imran Rahman, and its... Details

Guardian, BelleVie to expand life and health insurance access in rural Bangladesh

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 16:18:31 +0600

In a bid to expand access to life and health insurance for underserved communities across rural Bangladesh, Guardian Life Insurance Limited and digital healthcare platform BelleVie Global Health Services have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The partnership combines Guardian's innovative insurance solutions with BelleVie's extensive rural network and digital healthcare ecosystem to... Details

Prime Bank launches entrepreneurship development program in Natore

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 16:16:21 +0600

Prime Bank PLC recently inaugurated a month-long Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) in Natore to enhance the capacity of small and medium entrepreneurs and promote inclusive economic growth. The training program is being conducted under the Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Program (SICIP) project with the support of the SME and Special Programs Department (SMESPD) of... Details

Brac Bank wins 'Best Financial Inclusion and Social Impact Initiatives – SME Award' from International Finance

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 16:14:13 +0600

Brac Bank has been honoured with the 'Best Financial Inclusion and Social Impact Initiatives – SME' award at the International Finance Awards 2026. The award was conferred to the bank in recognition of its pioneering role in expanding access to finance for small and medium enterprises and driving inclusive economic growth in Bangladesh. The accolade, conferred by International Finance... Details

Desh Art Gallery holds ‘Petals of Time’ exhibition

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 16:11:27 +0600

A joint art exhibition titled “Petals of Time: An Exhibition of Art, Memory and Heritage,” featuring the works of four artists, began at Desh Art Gallery on June 26. Organized by Desh Art Gallery, the exhibition will continue until July 6. The participating artists are Prashanta Karmakar Buddha, Shilpi Ali, Eliza Rahman and Farin Ahmed. Their works explore memory, heritage,... Details

New NBR chairman optimistic about achieving revenue targets

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:34:09 +0600

Newly-appointed chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) Ahsan Habib called on the officers and employees of the revenue administration to perform their duties with honesty, transparency, sincerity and dedication. He also said that if everyone works together responsibly, it is possible to achieve the ambitious revenue collection target for FY27. He said these while exchanging views... Details

FY27: BB predicts lower GDP growth forecast than govt-set target

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:30:56 +0600

Bangladesh Bank has projected that Bangladesh's gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the upcoming FY27 may be 6.1%, lower than the 6.5% growth target set in the government's announced budget. At the same time, the central bank has decided to keep the three main policy interest rates, including the policy rate, unchanged to maintain stability in the economy by keeping inflation under control.... Details

Augmedix rebrands as Commure following merger

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 20:05:30 +0600

Augmedix Bangladesh announced its official rebranding to Commure Bangladesh with immediate effect. This change follows the successful merger completed in 2024, reflecting the company’s expanded vision and commitment to innovation in healthcare technology. The new name, Commure, represents the unified strength and shared mission of the merged entities to deliver cutting-edge solutions... Details

Robi felicitates 20 firms with Elite Partners Excellence Award 2026

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 18:57:12 +0600

Twenty organizations on Tuesday were recognized with the Robi Elite Partners Excellence Award 2026 for their outstanding contribution to customer engagement, service excellence and value creation within the Robi Elite ecosystem during the first half of 2026. The award ceremony was held at the corporate headquarters of Robi Axiata PLC in the capital. The event was attended by Robi managing... Details

Explainer: Monetary policy for H2’26 presents high-stakes gamble

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 18:05:06 +0600

In a major move to steady the nation's fragile economic waters, Bangladesh Bank governor Md Mostaqur Rahman on Tuesday unveiled the new Monetary Policy Statement (MPS) for the July–December 2026 period. Facing stubborn inflation on one hand and a stagnant private sector on the other, the central bank opted for an aggressive dual strategy: keeping money tight for the general public while... Details

BB raises private credit growth target amid Tk60,000cr stimulus declaration

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 18:03:56 +0600

In a major shift from its prolonged contractionary stance, Bangladesh Bank has unveiled a balanced monetary policy statement (MPS) for the second half of 2026. To drive this economic recovery, the regulator announced a massive Tk60,000 crore special stimulus package. Unveiling the monetary blueprint at the central bank's headquarters on Tuesday, Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman outlined a policy... Details

BERC cuts furnace oil price to Tk109.10 per litre

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 17:58:16 +0600

The commission said on February 22, 2026, it issued an order determining the consumer price of furnace oil supplied by BPC Details

Parliament passes 9,38,000C budget for FY26-27

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 17:57:42 +0600

Parliament on Tuesday passed a Tk9,38,000 crore national budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, setting targets of 6.5% economic growth and 7.5% inflation as the government seeks to stabilise the economy and revive growth after prolonged price pressures. The budget, the first presented by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, is 19% larger than the Tk7,90,000 crore budget for the current... Details

Nagad and Rupali Bank partner to ease remittance flows

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 17:54:50 +0600

Nagad, the mobile financial service of the Bangladesh Post Office, and state-owned Rupali Bank PLC have signed an agreement to ensure the fast, secure, and hassle-free delivery of expatriate remittances to beneficiaries across the country. The agreement was signed on Tuesday at the head office of Rupali Bank in Dilkusha, Dhaka. Md Mezbaul Haque, the Bangladesh Bank-appointed administrator,... Details

JCI Dhaka East elects Salma Akter Hira local president for 2026

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 17:51:36 +0600

The general assembly of JCI Dhaka East was held on June 28 with the participation of the chapter's general members. The assembly concluded the constitutional affairs of the organization and elected the new board of directors for the 2026 term. Salma Akter Hira was elected and officially sworn in as local president of JCI Dhaka East for 2026, marking a significant milestone as she becomes the... Details

NCC Bank disburses SME loans to mark International MSME Day 2026

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 17:08:56 +0600

NCC Bank celebrated International MSME (Micro, Small, Medium and Cottage Enterprises) Day 2026 by organizing a SME customer gathering and open credit disbursement program at its head office recently. As part of the celebration, the bank handed over approved credit sanction letters amounting to Tk20.5 crore to participating SME customers, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the... Details

Idcol ‘Best Sustainable Bank in Bangladesh’ at Finance Asia Awards for 4th year

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 17:05:58 +0600

Infrastructure Development Company Limited (Idcol) has once again solidified its position as Bangladesh’s leading climate finance catalyst, winning the "Best Sustainable Bank in Bangladesh" award at the FinanceAsia Awards 2026. This marks the fourth consecutive year the institution has taken home this prestigious regional honor. M Maftun Ahmed, company secretary of Idcol, accepted the... Details

Premier Bank holds 27th AGM

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 17:01:26 +0600

The Premier Bank PLC held its 27th annual general meeting (AGM) in a hybrid format on Tuesday, June 30 at Golf Garden, Dhaka. The meeting was presided over by the bank's sponsor shareholder and chairman Dr Arifur Rahman. Among those present were Md Forkan Hossain, director and chairman of the audit committee; Syed Faridul Islam, director and chairman... Details

Md Sarwar Hossain new BB deputy governor

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:51:11 +0600

The government has appointed Bangladesh Bank executive director Md Sarwar Hossain as the new deputy governor of the central bank. He has been appointed on a contractual basis for three years on the condition of voluntary retirement from his current post and suspension of post-retirement leave (PRL). A notification in this regard was issued by the Central Bank Branch of the Financial... Details

Al Batuni Mohammad Sayed Ahmed new country managing director for Edotco Bangladesh

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:48:38 +0600

Edotco Bangladesh announced the appointment of Al Batuni Mohammad Sayed Ahmed as country managing director, strengthening its commitment to local leadership and digital infrastructure growth as Bangladesh continues its journey toward a more digitally connected future. With over 20 years of expertise in telecommunications and digital services, Al Batuni brings deep industry knowledge and a... Details

BB governor calls for calm regarding Islami Bank situation

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:07:46 +0600

Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman called for a break from the ongoing speculation and rumors surrounding Islami Bank. He said that excessive speculation or speculative discussions about the bank could further complicate the situation. Therefore, he requested everyone to patiently monitor the situation. The governor said these in response to a question from journalists at a press... Details

AIUB leads Bangladesh at GSDC 2026 in Jakarta

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:05:37 +0600

The American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) appeared at the Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC) 2026, organized by Times Higher Education (THE) at the Indonesia Convention Center in Jakarta on June 22-25. AIUB earned the distinction of being the only exhibiting university from Bangladesh at the prestigious congress, which brought together hundreds of universities,... Details

BB reintroduces exit facility to reduce default loans

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:46:29 +0600

Bangladesh Bank has once again introduced the 'Special Exit' facility to reduce the pressure of increasing defaulted loans in the country's banking sector and to increase the capacity of banks to distribute new loans. Under this facility, defaulted borrowers will get the opportunity for special settlement including interest waiver if they repay the entire loan in one go by fulfilling certain... Details

BB limits loan-deposit interest rate spread to maximum 4%

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:42:39 +0600

Bangladesh Bank has once again ordered banks to keep the intermediation spread of loans and deposits within a certain limit. According to the new directive, the weighted average interest rate spread of loans and deposits for all types of loans except credit cards and consumer finance should be limited to a maximum of 4%. On Monday (June 29), the Banking Regulation and Policy Division-1 (BRPD)... Details

Gross reserves hit $37bn after four years

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 20:03:22 +0600

After almost four years, Bangladesh's gross foreign exchange reserves have again reached $37 billion. According to the latest data from Bangladesh Bank, the country's foreign exchange reserves stood at $37.053 billion as per the central bank's own (gross) account at the end of the day on Monday (June 29). The amount of reserves under the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) BPM-6 calculation... Details

Finance Bill 2026 passed with structural revisions

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 20:01:01 +0600

The Jatiya Sangsad on Monday formally passed the Finance Bill 2026, codifying a series of critical structural amendments aimed at easing the tax burden on ordinary citizens while sharpening institutional enforcement. The legislative consensus emerged after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman recommended key re-calibrations to protect consumer liquidity and manufacturing competitiveness, which were... Details

BB governor: Capital market should be developed as strong source of financing

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 19:04:41 +0600

Governor of Bangladesh Bank Md Mostakur Rahman has emphasized gradually increasing credit and investment growth in the private sector to 10% to achieve the desired economic growth of the country. He said that to implement this goal, it is essential to develop a strong, deep and dynamic capital market along with the banking sector. He said these things during a meeting with a delegation of... Details

Bank Asia, Radisson Blu Chattogram to offer exclusive stay privileges for credit cardholders

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 18:57:34 +0600

Bank Asia has partnered with Radisson Blu Chattogram Bay View Hotel to offer exclusive stay privileges for its credit cardholders. As part of this exciting collaboration, cardholders can now enjoy a special “Pay 1, Stay 2 Nights” offer at the luxury resort. This offer will remain valid till July 31, 2026. The signing ceremony took place recently at Chattogram. The agreement was... Details

Banglalink's parent company Veon to make new investments in Bangladesh

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 18:54:35 +0600

Augie K Fabela II, founder and chairman of the board of Veon Group, met with the Honorable Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, at the PMO in Dhaka Monday to discuss new investment opportunities designed to bridge the country's digital and financial divide and fuel its journey toward a trillion-dollar economy. Also present at the meeting were Faqir Mahbub Anam, Minister for Posts,... Details

Kitchen markets, grocery shops to remain out of VAT net

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 18:47:09 +0600

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury on Monday told the parliament that the revenue collection of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has crossed the milestone of Tk4 lakh crore for the first time, as a historic success in the country's revenue management. Stating that this momentum in the revenue sector has come due to various steps taken just four months after the current government... Details

IFIC Bank holds 49th AGM

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 17:04:03 +0600

The 49th annual general meeting (AGM) of IFIC Bank PLC was held on Monday, June 29. The meeting was organized in a hybrid mode at the Army Golf Club in Dhaka, while shareholders also joined virtually. The meeting was chaired by Md Mehmood Husain, chairman and independent director of the bank. Among others, Md Ebtadul Islam, chairman of the risk management committee and independent director;... Details

MTB Foundation completes 15 ‘Eyesight Restoration Camps’ in Rangpur division

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 17:00:43 +0600

As part of its commitment towards the healthcare sector of the country, MTB Foundation, in partnership with Quasem Foundation, has completed 15 eye camps under the project titled ‘Eyesight Restoration Camps’ in Rangpur division. The program was attended by Samia Chowdhury, chief executive officer, & Nazmus Sakib, associate from MTB Foundation, and Md Abdul Hamid, branch... Details

bKash & Bishwo Shahitto Kendro expand book reading program in Faridpur and Madaripur

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 16:58:33 +0600

In a continuous effort to foster reading habits and enlightened thinking among the students, Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in association with bKash, has expanded its nationwide book reading program in Faridpur and Madaripur districts. This year, the program will distribute 40,000 books to different educational institutions across the country. As part of this effort, books were handed over to... Details

Prime Bank holds ‘Empowering Youth’ seminar at IUBAT

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:24:05 +0600

Prime Bank PLC, in collaboration with the International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT) and its IUBAT Business Society, recently organized a seminar titled “Financial Inclusion: Engaging & Inspiring Youth in Banking” under its flagship industry-academia collaboration initiative, ‘PrimeAcademia. The program reaffirmed the bank’s commitment... Details

NBR makes online filing of income tax return mandatory

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:49:28 +0600

From now on, all individual taxpayers, except for certain specified exceptions, will have to file their income tax returns online. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has taken this decision to make the income tax system more digital and transparent. The directive was issued by NBR chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan on Sunday (June 28) through Special Order No. 1/2026. The order has been... Details

Al-Arafah Islami Bank, BB sign cluster financing refinance agreement

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:26:27 +0600

Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC has signed a refinance agreement with Bangladesh Bank under the Cluster Financing Scheme, supervised by the SME and Special Programs Department (SMESPD) of Bangladesh Bank. The agreement was signed on June 28, 2026, at Bangladesh Bank Headquarters. Director of SMESPD of Bangladesh Bank Naoshad Mostafa and managing director & CEO of Al-Arafah Islami Bank Mohd... Details

EBL reaffirms commitment to empowering SMEs

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:23:11 +0600

Eastern Bank PLC (EBL) marked International SME Day by hosting a special event for SME entrepreneurs, reaffirming its commitment to fostering the growth and development of small and medium enterprises in Bangladesh. Held recently at EBL’s principal branch in Dhaka, the event celebrated the entrepreneurial spirit, recognized the achievements of SME customers, and highlighted the vital... Details

Govt raises Tk5,500cr from maiden short-term Sukuk

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:10:41 +0600

The government has raised Tk 5,500 crore by issuing the first-ever short-term Bangladesh Government Investment Sukuk (BGIS). However, the interest of Islamic banks and financial institutions in this Sukuk was much higher than expected. Bids of about Tk56,607 crore have been received against the money called by the government, which is more than 10 times the target. Bankers say that Islamic... Details

Proposed Tk500, Tk1,000 note scrapping may jeopardize economy

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 20:32:14 +0600

A lawmaker’s bill tabled in the Jatiya Sangsad proposing the temporary demonetization of Tk500 and Tk1,000 banknotes has reignited intense structural debates. While the legislative proposal aims to force unmapped, undisclosed liquid wealth back into the regulated banking system and curb trade-based money laundering, macroeconomic experts warn that the potential damage to the real economy... Details

Standard Islami Bank holds 428th board meeting

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 19:25:37 +0600

The 428th board meeting of Standard Islami Bank PLC was held on June 28 at the bank’s head office, Dhaka. Vice chairman of the board of directors Gulzar Ahmed presided over the meeting. It was attended by directors Kamal Mostafa Chowdhury, Ashok Kumar Saha, Ferozur Rahman, SA MD Hossain, Mohammed Shamsul Alam, Md Zahedul Hoque, Ferdous Ali Khan, Ashit Kumar Saha, Jhahedul Alam, and... Details

24 Walton customers win dinner with cricketer Taskin, actress Mim

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 19:22:52 +0600

Twenty four customers of the Walton spent a wonderful time with national team star pacer Taskin Ahmed and popular actress of Dhaka cinema Bidya Sinha Mim at a grand dinner. They received this benefit under Walton's digital campaign Season-24, which is running across the country. Under the 'Next Level Deal' offer in the digital campaign Season-24, buyers can get a millionaire or cash of Tk10... Details