United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) export earnings grew by 6.10 percent year-on-year to reach US $10.58 billion during the first quarter (July–September) of the fiscal year 2026–27, according to data released by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). During the July–September period, the European Union (EU) remained the single largest export destination for Bangladeshi apparel, accounting for 46.36 percent of total RMG exports. Earnings from the EU market stood at $4.90 billion, registering a positive year-on-year growth of 3.33 percent. The United States retained its position as the second-largest individual market for Bangladesh's RMG products. Exports to the USA amounted to $2.22 billion, representing 20.99 percent of total apparel shipments and a strong 10.40 percent year-on-year increase. Meanwhile, exports to the United Kingdom reached $1.29 billion, capturing a 12.21 percent market share with a 5.94 percent growth rate. Canada accounted for $349.65 million (3.31 percent share), posting a 3.85 percent increase compared to the same period of the previous fiscal year. Exports to non-traditional markets demonstrated robust momentum, surging to $1.81 billion. Non-traditional destinations now account for 17.13 percent of total RMG shipments, reflecting a 9.40 percent year-on-year growth. In terms of product categories within the apparel basket, the knitwear sector performed strongly with a 6.88 percent growth, while the woven segment posted a 5.11 percent increase during the July–September quarter. The EPB data analysis by Mohiuddin Rubel, CEO of Apparel Voice, a think tank on RMG market analysis. He said that despite different global and domestic challenges, Bangladesh’s export increased in a positive trend.

The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) has launched dedicated country desks for investors from China, South Korea and Japan to facilitate investment, improve services and encourage business expansion in its export processing zones (EPZs) and economic zones. The desks were inaugurated at a ‘Meet the Investors’ event in Dhaka on Saturday, attended by more than 100 local and foreign investors and representatives of business chambers from the three countries. Investors from 38 countries have invested in BEPZA’s eight EPZs and two economic zones, with China, South Korea and Japan emerging as the top three investor countries. The new desks will provide existing and prospective investors with direct assistance, investment-related information and guidance tailored to their needs, helping simplify the investment process. Speaking at the event, BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain said the initiative would help strengthen partnerships with investors, address their concerns and make the investment environment more competitive and business-friendly. Despite global trade uncertainties and economic challenges, BEPZA signed investment agreements with 36 enterprises in the fiscal year 2025-26, he said. Exports from BEPZA’s zones reached US$8.41 billion in FY26, marking a 2.22 per cent increase from the previous fiscal year. The executive chairman also cited the declaration of BEPZA Economic Zone-1, BEPZA Economic Zone-2, Jashore EPZ and Patuakhali EPZ as full-fledged zones as a major development during the year. He urged investors to expand their operations in the new zones in partnership with their supply-chain partners. Moazzem said BEPZA was promoting environmentally responsible industrialisation through the principles of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, renewable energy and circular industrial practices. The authority was also improving investor services through better power supply, Investors’ Clubs, fire stations, healthcare facilities and streamlined One Stop Service, he said. The dedicated country desks would help existing investors expand their businesses while attracting fresh investment to BEPZA’s zones, he added. During the event, BEPZA Member (Investment Promotion) Md Tanvir Hossain presented the authority’s achievements in investment attraction, export growth, employment generation and workers’ welfare during FY26. He also outlined measures to simplify investor services, improve policies and procedures, and develop the economic zones and new EPZs in Jashore and Patuakhali. Referring to limited land availability in operational zones, Tanvir said BEPZA was contributing to the national economy by ensuring the optimal use of this resource. BEPZA Additional Executive Director (Enterprise Services and Industrial Relations) Nazmul Islam Bhuiyan presented an overview of workers’ welfare, employer-worker relations, amendments to the EPZ Labour Act and emerging labour-related challenges. An open discussion followed, with investors and BEPZA officials exchanging views on investment expansion, service delivery, business challenges and opportunities. The Bangladesh EPZ Labour Act, 2019, was also discussed, with BEPZA reaffirming its commitment to protecting the interests of both investors and workers while maintaining international labour standards. Million Park, general secretary of the Korea-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Bangladesh had significant potential to expand business partnerships with South Korea. He stressed the need for infrastructure development and simpler policies to attract more Korean investment. Pintu Kumar Shaw, vice-president of EPIC Group, praised BEPZA’s support services and expressed interest in investing in the new EPZs in Jashore and Patuakhali. R N Paul, managing director of PRAN-RFL Group, shared his experience in the food-processing sector and urged investors to explore opportunities beyond ready-made garments, particularly in high-value-added industries, renewable energy and backward-linkage industries. Representatives of the Bangladesh-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Korea-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry attended the event. Established in 1980, BEPZA oversees eight EPZs and two economic zones, which have attracted around US$7.5 billion in investment and generated cumulative exports of approximately US$130 billion. The zones account for around 20 percent of Bangladesh’s total exports.

Ocean Aid Services Ltd (OASL) is positioning itself as a bridge between international financiers and Bangladesh's priority energy projects, targeting ventures worth above US$ 50 million under an EPC+F (engineering, procurement, construction and finance) model. OASL Managing Director AHM Manzoor Alam said the Chattogram-based company will arrange financing for bankable projects by connecting them with qualified foreign investors and financing groups, but will not invest in the projects itself. "We see energy security and the clean-energy transition as complementary priorities," he said, adding that Bangladesh needs long-term capital, technology and project expertise to meet its growing infrastructure demand. OASL is pursuing opportunities in power generation, renewable energy, and energy infrastructure. The areas include utility-scale solar, gas-fired and hybrid fast-track power plants, transmission lines and substations, grid automation, SCADA and smart metering, battery energy storage and strategic facilities such as fuel storage and LPG terminals. According to the financing criteria OASL is working with, the international financing groups prefer projects above USD 50 million. Such projects should have a medium implementation period of about two to three years and an import component. Manzoor Alam said no project should be treated as a committed investment until it is formally confirmed. He said specific projects will be settled through official discussions with the relevant ministry, agency, or state entity. OASL's immediate goal is to open official dialogue with ministries, agencies and state bodies to identify priority projects, followed by feasibility validation, term sheets and financing structures at the appropriate stage. For EPC+F projects, government support will include naming a sponsoring ministry or state entity, confirming project priority, validating documentation and coordinating with agencies. Where the financing structure requires it, support will also include a sovereign loan arrangement through the Ministry of Finance. Manzoor Alam said local participation is central to the proposed model. Depending on the project, OASL may work with ministries, utilities, state-owned entities, Bangladeshi companies, EPC contractors and suppliers, he said. "International partners will bring technology, engineering expertise, equipment, project management and finance, while OASL will handle local coordination and stakeholder engagement," the managing director said. He said such projects could create jobs during construction and operation, bring in modern technology and knowledge, support local industry and boost economic activity around major infrastructure. The extent of the benefits, Manzoor Alam added, will depend on each project's size, structure and commercial performance. He pointed to Bangladesh's additional electricity requirements towards 2030 and the relatively small share of renewables in the current mix as creating scope for renewable generation, grid upgrades and storage. "OASL is committed to working within Bangladesh's established regulatory and procurement frameworks," he said.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Md. Mostaqur Rahman on Saturday said the banking sector will need Tk 60,000 crore annually from the national budget for the next five to eight years to assist the sector recover from massive “financial looting and structural damages”. "When I took charge as Governor, one-third of the total funds in the banking system had already been stolen," the central bank governor revealed, describing the scale of capital flight and financial irregularities in the financial sector. Governor Mostaqur Rahman made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a campaign event promoting Bangla QR transactions, organised by ONE Bank PLC at United International University (UIU) in the capital. Highlighting the massive opportunity cost of this financial drain, the Governor said, "With this amount of money, the government could have supported 2.0 crore families or constructed two mega infrastructure projects like the Padma Bridge." Severely criticizsng those responsible for the widespread systemic drain on liquidity, he emphasised that standard terminology fails to capture the gravity of the offense. "The plundering group looted public money. Calling it simple theft would be an understatement; it was outright plundering," he said. The Governor assured that stringent legal actions are already underway against those involved in the widespread financial irregularities and money laundering to hold perpetrators accountable and recover plundered assets.

China and the European Union have reached a broad preliminary trade agreement following two days of negotiations aimed at easing growing tensions over trade imbalances, the EU’s trade commissioner said on Friday. Although neither side disclosed full details of the proposed agreement, European Commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefčovič said it includes reduced tariffs on certain European products entering China and measures to improve the stability of rare earth supply chains. According to Šefčovič, the arrangement could reduce Chinese electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle exports to the EU by as much as 50%. It could also lower tariffs on products from nearly every EU member state. However, the agreement must first receive approval from leaders of the bloc’s 27 countries. He said the arrangement would prevent millions of Chinese vehicles from being exported to the European market. The negotiations focused on addressing the factors contributing to China’s expanding trade surplus with the EU, which reached 360 billion euros (approximately $403 billion) last year. In a statement published online, China’s Commerce Ministry said Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao had expressed concern over the EU’s recent restrictive trade measures. Wang argued that China was not responsible for Europe’s economic challenges but should instead be viewed as a partner in addressing them. Sigrid de Vries, head of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, welcomed the apparent progress, saying the agreement could help prevent further uncertainty in the European market. She added that it could support an orderly transition to a new phase of Chinese participation in the European automotive sector, benefiting all parties over the long term. Šefčovič said he would present the agreement to EU leaders at a meeting in Brussels next week and seek their approval. He stressed that European leaders would need to be convinced that the arrangement was sufficiently effective before agreeing to further steps. He warned that Chinese competition could threaten entire European industrial sectors and thousands of jobs, adding that governments and the public expected a swift response. Šefčovič also said the two sides had reached an understanding on improving China’s export licensing procedures for rare earth elements and permanent magnets. Additionally, the agreement could improve access to the Chinese market for a range of European products through lower most-favoured-nation tariffs. These products include automotive components, olive oil and footwear, representing nearly 4 billion euros (around $4.5 billion) in current annual export value. The next meeting between the two sides is scheduled to take place by video in January, followed by an in-person meeting in March. Trade tensions continue to intensifyChina has been urging the EU to end restrictions on imports of advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment from China. These measures were introduced on national security grounds following pressure from Washington. Šefčovič previously described this week’s negotiations as the culmination of three months of intensive discussions. He had set an October deadline for achieving meaningful progress towards balancing trade relations. Earlier in the week, China’s Commerce Ministry called on the EU to avoid protectionist policies, warning that such measures could produce unintended consequences. Trade friction between the two economic powers has increased in recent months, with both sides imposing or considering restrictions on imports from the other. The EU has introduced measures to restrict imports of Chinese-made electric vehicles and EV batteries while also taking steps to protect its domestic steel industry. The bloc is further tightening rules on duty-free imports of small e-commerce parcels, a move largely affecting Chinese fast-fashion businesses. Last week, China launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of p-nitrotoluene from the EU, a chemical used in the production of dyes and pharmaceutical products. Chinese officials and businesses have also expressed concern over reports that some EU member states are considering additional measures to shield domestic industries from foreign competition. China's global trade surplus exceeds $1 trillionConcerns about the rapid growth of Chinese exports to Europe and other international markets have intensified. Some analysts have described the trend as a potential second wave of the so-called “China shock,” referring to the economic impact of a surge in Chinese manufactured goods. The concerns have grown as the United States, particularly since President Donald Trump returned to the White House, has increased tariffs and introduced other measures intended to reduce its substantial trade deficit with China. Despite mounting resistance from trading partners, China recorded a global trade surplus of $1.2 trillion in 2025. Forecasts suggest the surplus could exceed $1 trillion again this year. According to EU statistics, the bloc’s trade deficit with China widened to 103.3 billion euros (approximately $116 billion) in the second quarter. Imports from China reached 153.6 billion euros (about $172 billion), while European exports to the Chinese market totalled 50.3 billion euros (around $56 billion). Meanwhile, Germany blocked the proposed sale of a major logistics company operating in the Port of Hamburg to Chinese state-owned shipping giant Cosco on Wednesday, citing national security concerns. Germany’s economic ministry said the country welcomed foreign investment as Europe’s largest economy but warned that certain transactions could threaten national security. It argued that the proposed acquisition could increase economic dependence on China and weaken the resilience of supply chains in Germany and across the EU.    

Stock markets mostly advanced in Europe and Asia on Friday, while oil prices fell after recent gains. US stock futures also edged higher following an unsettled session on Wall Street. In early European trading, Germany’s DAX rose 0.7% to 24,975.62, France’s CAC 40 gained 0.8% to 7,789.91, and Britain’s FTSE 100 advanced 0.7% to 10,515.43. Futures for the S&P 500 climbed 0.4%, while those for the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.1%. In Asia, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 closed almost unchanged at 69,030.92. The Shanghai Composite edged up 0.1%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng jumped 1.6% to 24,152.44. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 gained 0.6% to 8,716.60, and India’s Sensex rose 1.2%. Markets in South Korea and Taiwan remained closed. China is scheduled to publish its latest economic growth figures next week. US stocks fluctuated on Thursday as oil prices climbed and bond yields surged before easing later in the day. The S&P 500 fell 0.5%, marking its second consecutive loss after reaching a record high a day earlier. The Dow rose 0.1%, while the Nasdaq Composite dropped 1.3%, with technology stocks suffering the biggest losses. Brent crude, the international benchmark, surged 4.1% to $104.28 a barrel. Prices have fluctuated between $96 and nearly $110 over the past month amid uncertainty over when the war with Iran will allow global energy supplies to return to normal. Brent approached $106 a barrel on Thursday morning before retreating after US President Donald Trump said “productive discussions” were taking place with Iran. He also said the US military would not attack Iran before the November US elections. Early Friday, Brent fell 1% to $103.28 a barrel, while US benchmark crude declined 0.8% to $90.75. Bond yields have remained near their highest levels in years or decades, raising concerns about a potential slowdown in economic activity. The yield on the 10-year US Treasury initially climbed to 5.35% on Thursday before falling to 5.23%. Yields eased after the US government sold $22 billion in 30-year Treasury bonds at an auction with a yield below 5.62%. The 30-year Treasury yield subsequently fell to 5.60% from 5.73% earlier in the morning. The US federal budget deficit, which approached $2 trillion in the fiscal year ending September 30, has also weighed on markets amid concerns over rising government debt. Among individual stocks, PepsiCo gained 3.7% after reporting quarterly revenue and profits that exceeded analysts’ expectations. However, losses among major technology companies offset those gains. Nvidia, the world’s largest publicly traded company by market value, fell 2.9%, making it the biggest drag on the S&P 500. Broadcom dropped 4.3%, while Micron Technology declined 4.8%. Artificial intelligence-related stocks face growing pressure to deliver strong growth to justify their high valuations following the sector’s recent surge. “What was once a broad, buy-anything-with-an-AI-label momentum trade is becoming a much tougher contest between balance-sheet strength and ambition,” said Steven Innes of SPI Asset Management. In currency trading early Friday, the US dollar rose to 158.37 Japanese yen from 157.89 yen. The euro traded at $1.1228, up from $1.1211.

Türkiye has expressed a keen interest in bolstering energy ties with Bangladesh by offering efficient and cost-effective power solutions, including cheaper Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), and Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO). The offer was extended when Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Şen paid a courtesy call on Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood at his Secretariat office on Thursday. During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on deepening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Türkiye, focusing heavily on expanding technical and commercial cooperation in the power and energy sector. Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood emphasized the urgent need for affordable and sustainable energy inputs to help operationalize Bangladesh’s idle power plants and enhance overall national energy security. Ambassador Ramis Şen was accompanied by Bilal Belyurt, Commercial Counsellor of the Turkish Embassy in Dhaka, alongside a delegation from Turkish energy firm Karpowership, including Jad El Sebaaly, Asli Kilic, and Emma Wahlberg. The Turkish delegation expressed its readiness to present detailed proposals to ministry officials at the earliest opportunity to support Bangladesh’s energy transition efficiently. Welcoming the initiative, the Minister agreed to hold comprehensive follow-up discussions to examine the technical proposals and identify specific areas of mutual cooperation. Reaffirming Bangladesh's commitment to expanding bilateral energy partnerships, he assured the delegation of continued dialogue. Ambassador Şen reiterated Türkiye's strong commitment to strengthening multi-sectoral ties with Bangladesh, particularly within the strategic energy landscape. Md. Ziaul Huq, Secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, along with other senior officials of the ministry, was present during the meeting.

Bangladesh on Thursday conducted its first-ever auction to buy back government securities before their maturity, marking a new step in the country’s public debt management. The Bangladesh Bank conducted the buyback operation on behalf of the Finance Division as part of the government’s efforts to make debt management more active, modern and market-oriented, according to a press release issued by the Finance Minister’s Office. Under the buyback mechanism, the government can repurchase existing government securities from the market before their maturity. The method is internationally recognised as an important tool of Liability Management Operations (LMO). The Finance Division said the initiative would help reduce the pressure of making large one-off payments when government debt matures and help manage refinancing risks. It would also allow the government to make the repayment schedule of its debt more balanced while improving the efficiency of the government securities market. The first buyback operation is part of a series of reforms being undertaken by the Finance Division to balance the cost and risks of government borrowing, ensure sustainable debt management and develop the government securities market, the release said. The government may conduct similar operations in the future in line with the objectives of its Medium-Term Debt Management Strategy (MTDS), it said. Future buyback auctions will be considered based on market conditions, the government’s cash position and debt management requirements. The government will also take into account market liquidity, investor demand and the structure of public debt when deciding whether to conduct further buyback operations, according to the release. The move gives the government an additional instrument to manage the timing and structure of its domestic borrowing and repayment obligations.

The government is taking coordinated measures to provide policy and infrastructural support to the shipbuilding and ship recycling sectors to increase exports and tap growing demand in international markets, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said Thursday. He said the government is prioritising the two sectors to expand Bangladesh’s export potential while efforts are underway to enhance domestic capacity and resolve bank guarantee-related complications faced by private shipyards. The minister made the remarks as the chief guest at an exchange meeting with senior officials of Chattogram Drydock Limited (CDDL) and relevant stakeholders at the CDDL conference room. Muktadir said several thousand old ships are expected to come under recycling globally over the next five to seven years, creating a major opportunity for Bangladesh. The government is increasing the number of environmentally friendly green shipyards to tap the market, he said, adding that several green yards have already been approved while some others are awaiting approval.  

Aligning with Bangladesh Bank’s vision to build a "Cashless Bangladesh," Islami Bank Hospital has officially launched its Bangla QR code-based transaction system to streamline medical service payments and reduce reliance on physical cash. The announcement was made following a discussion meeting titled "Cashless Payment in Healthcare Services," held at the Islami Bank Foundation Auditorium in the capital on Thursday (October 8). Md. Jahir Hossain, Chairman of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, attended the program as the Chief Guest and formally inaugurated the Bangla QR transaction system at Islami Bank Hospital. "A cashless Bangladesh and digital transactions are not merely the demand of the times, but the cornerstone of building a modern and efficient economy," Hossain said while addressing the gathering. "Thanks to Bangladesh Bank's timely Bangla QR initiative, the hassle and risks of carrying physical cash in healthcare facilities and other institutions are reducing significantly,” he added. He highlighted that QR-based payments will make counter transactions faster, easier, and more seamless for patients. Furthermore, ensuring digital transactions creates reliable financial records, enhancing transparency and accountability across the healthcare and financial sectors. Presided over by Islami Bank's Managing Director (Acting) Md. Altaf Hossain, the event was also addressed by Bangladesh Bank Directors A.N.M. Moinul Kabir, Additional Directors Md. Parvez Anjam Muneer and Mohammad Moin Uddin, and Islami Bank Foundation Executive Director KM Munirul Alam Al-Mamun. Islami Bank Additional Managing Director Dr. M Kamal Uddin Jasim, Deputy Managing Directors Mahmudur Rahman, Md. Rafiqul Islam, Md. Maksudur Rahman, Abu Sayed Md. Idris, and Md. Zakir Hossain, alongside senior officials of both the bank and the foundation, were also present at the inauguration, according to a press release.