United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s economy is estimated to grow by 4.0% in fiscal year (FY) 2025, rising to 5.0% in FY2026, according to the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) September 2025, released today by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Although garment exports remain resilient, the slower growth estimate reflects subdued domestic demand amid ongoing political transitions, recurrent flooding, industrial labor disputes and persistently high inflation.  The economy expanded by 4.2% in FY2024. ADB Country Director for Bangladesh Hoe Yun Jeong Future growth will depend on improving the business environment to boost competitiveness and attract investment, and on ensuring reliable energy supplies. “The impact of US tariffs on Bangladesh’s trade remains to be seen, and vulnerabilities in the banking sector persist. Addressing these challenges is essential to achieving higher economic performance.” He said that some downside risks to the FY2026 outlook persist. Trade uncertainty, banking sector weaknesses, and potential policy slippages could impede progress. Maintaining prudent macroeconomic policies and accelerating structural reforms are critical to strengthening resilience.” Inflation is estimated to rise from 9.7% in FY2024 to 10.0% in FY2025, driven by limited competition in wholesale markets, inadequate market information, supply chain constraints, and the weakening of the taka. The current account is expected to post a small surplus of 0.03% of GDP in FY2025, up from a deficit of 1.5% of GDP in FY2024, supported by a narrowing trade gap and robust remittance inflows. Looking ahead, the ADO September 2025 forecasts that consumption will remain the primary driver of growth in FY2026, spurred by robust remittance inflows and election-related spending. However, contractionary monetary and fiscal policies, along with heightened investor caution, are expected to dampen investment. Global tariff hikes, including a 20% tariff on Bangladesh exports to the US, and stiffer competition in the EU are expected to weigh on exports and growth. Exporters may be compelled to reduce unit prices in response to this heightened competition. On the supply side, services are expected to expand, driven by improved household purchasing power. Agricultural growth is likely to normalise, contingent on favorable weather and effective government policy support. In contrast, industrial growth may slow as US tariffs constrain economic activity.  

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked second on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 160 at 09:02 am this morning. Today Dhaka’s air was classified as ‘unhealthy,’ referring to an alarming threat to health, according to the AQI index. Pakistan’s Lahore and Karachi and Senegal’s Dakar occupied the first, third and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 214, 157 and 155, respectively. When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.    

Jamuna Bank and Pubali Bank have received approval from the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) to raise capital through subordinated bonds. Jamuna Bank will issue its Non-Convertible, Unsecured, Fully Redeemable, Floating Rate Subordinated Bond-V worth Tk 8,000 million under private placement. The issue will comprise 16,000 bonds with a face value of Tk 500,000 each, carrying a coupon rate based on the reference rate plus margin. The bank had earlier disclosed its plan to the Dhaka Stock Exchange on April 21, with BSEC granting consent on September 28. Pubali Bank has also secured BSEC approval for its 5th Subordinated Bond worth Tk 5,000 million, to be raised through private placement. BSEC takes action against ACME, Genex, auditors over irregularities The Unsecured, Non-Convertible, Redeemable Floating Rate bond will consist of 50,000 units at Tk 100,000 each. BSEC’s approvals are conditional on compliance with relevant regulations. Both banks said the funds will strengthen their capital base.

Islami Bank Bangladesh is currently facing an internal crisis following a mandatory special competency assessment examination for a large number of its employees, most of whom were allegedly appointed irregularly over the past seven years. The bank organised a competency exam through the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) at Dhaka University on September 27. But a portion of employees were absent to attend the examination. As a result, Islami Bank management dismissed the jobs of the employees who did not join the examination for disciplinary and misconducts with the jobs. Islami Bank, which has approximately 21,000 employees, is facing allegations that since the S. Alam Group took control in 2017 up to August 2024, it secretly hired 7,224 people in various positions without issuing circular in newspapers, said member of current board of director of the bank. Critics allege that a vast majority of these employees more than 4,500 people were hired solely from Patiya Upazila of Chattogram, excluding qualified candidates from 63 other districts and severely undermining the bank's discipline, he opined. The recruitment process allegedly involved widespread corruption, with S. Alam’s personal secretary Akiz Uddin and his associates reportedly collecting several hundred crore of taka in exchange for the jobs, which also revealed in Bangladesh bank’s investigation, said the board of director. Furthermore, it is claimed that around 2,500 of the recruited officials submitted fake certificates, primarily from Chattogram-based institutions like BGC Trust, Port City, and Southern University. The bank alleges that when it tried to verify the certificates with BGC Trust and Port City, they refused to cooperate. Some officials have already faced action for submitting fake certificates. These officials are also blamed for a sharp decline in customer service, unprofessional conduct, lack of skill, and in some cases, embezzlement of customer funds, revealed in the investigation. To justify the competence and skill, the bank arranged a special evaluation test through the IBA at Dhaka University on September 27. A total of 5,385 employees were scheduled to sit for the exam. However, only 414 officials eventually participated. It is alleged that many candidates were dissuaded by a group of officials who threatened those attempting to travel to Dhaka for the exam with violence, arson, and death. Following the low attendance, the bank instructed the non-participating officials to refrain from all operational activities until further notice. On September 28, a group of these officials attempted to create disorder at the bank's Patiya branch, which was subsequently managed by the police. In response to the protests and "misinformation" being spread by the officials through various media outlets, Islami Bank issued an official statement. The bank confirmed that several officials had filed a writ petition against the exam, but the High Court directed Bangladesh Bank to resolve the matter. The BB's Banking Regulation and Policy Department (Division-2) subsequently clarified that: "Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, being a private sector profitable institution, its officers/employees' service is governed by the country's prevailing laws, rules, and terms of appointment... the bank has the independent authority to make decisions while adhering to the country's laws and regulations. Therefore, the decision to hold the special competency assessment exam and whether or not to retain someone's service falls under the bank's own jurisdiction." Islami Bank stressed that by conducting the special competency evaluation test through IBA, DU, no contempt of court or legal violation has occurred. The bank, which operates as a Shari'ah-compliant institution, urged its customers and well-wishers not to be misled by the recent "misinformation" being spread by the irregularly recruited personnel, said in the statement.  

The working women will get legal rights to take their children to the workplace, said Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud on Monday. “The working women will soon have the legal right to bring their children to the workplace and the interim government is actively working to implement it,” he said while speaking at an event titled ‘Recognition: A First Step Towards Gender Equality’, held at a hotel in the capital. He also said that allowing working mothers to bring their children to the workplace would be a transformative step for the future. "This would create a pressing need for mandatory daycare facilities in every office," he added. Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) organised the programme. The women in Bangladesh are not only shouldering the burden of unpaid domestic work but also increasingly surpassing men in various workplaces, said speakers at the event. Findings from the Household Production Satellite Account (HPSA) report by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) were presented for deliberation According to the report, the economic value of unpaid domestic work amounts to Tk 6,70,000 crore which is 18.9% of the GDP, with women contributing 85% equivalent to 16.14% of the GDP. The adviser said that women are making relatively greater contributions than men in the workforce. “Development becomes truly meaningful only when women’s roles are fully acknowledged,” he added. MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam reflected on the organisation’s advocacy efforts spanning over a decade. “We envisioned a society where women are respected at home and are free from domestic violence. Recognising unpaid domestic work was a key part of that vision. Today’s government recognition is a milestone in the journey of advancing women's rights,” she said. Asma Akhtar, Deputy Director of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) expressed hope for more frequent data updates in the future. Presenting the keynote, Banshree Mitra Neogi, Director of Rights and Governance Programs at MJF, said many crucial surveys are often funded by international development partners. “They may not always be able to do so. The government should step up and take ownership of such initiatives,” she said. Nusrat Aman, CEO of Ayat Foundation, said that men’s participation in caregiving should not be seen as commendable but rather as shared responsibility. Nasiba Selim, Principal Social Development Specialist at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), said that society often assumes that women will automatically take on domestic responsibilities. “This mindset must change and we must establish gender-balanced roles,” she said. Additional Secretary of the Department of Women Affairs, Kazi Golam Tausif, said, “Men and women must work together for the welfare of society. That is our shared principle.” Geetanjali Singh, Country Representative of UN Women Bangladesh, said, “Joint efforts by men and women in unpaid care work could be a game-changer.” Stéphanie St-Laurent Brassard, Second Secretary (Development – Gender Equality) at the Canadian High Commission in Bangladesh, said, “Today we reaffirm that household work is not an expense, but an investment—an investment in potential, equality and a prosperous, just future.” Katharina Koenig, Deputy Team Leader of the CEF Citizenship Project, said, “We give utmost importance to the issue of women’s unpaid care work and will continue to run advocacy and awareness campaigns in the future.” Chairperson of MJF’s Governing Board, Parveen Mahmud FCA, said that recognizing women’s unpaid care work is a significant achievement, reflecting the long-standing advocacy of MJF. Stakeholders across society must change their mindset regarding gender equality, she added. This achievement marks an important milestone for MJF’s campaign “Morjaday Gori Somota” (Dignity for Equality), launched in 2013, which aims to increase recognition of women’s contributions, enhance their dignity in families and society and reduce violence and discrimination.

The International Farakka Committee on Monday urged the government of Bangladesh to raise alarm over the issue of repeated floods and drought in the Teesta basin in Bangladesh due to control of the river's flow in India. As many as four successive waves of flash flood have devastated the Teesta basin in Bangladesh this rainy season destroying standing crops and eroding crop fields and homesteads of thousands of families in Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, Kurigram, Nilphamari and Gaibandha districts. The same river is rendered dry during the lean season every year when all its water is diverted from Gazal Doba Barrage in West Bengal, India. Leaders of the International Farakka Committee (IFC) New York and IFC Bangladesh in a joint statement on Monday said Bangladesh cannot remain silent over the man-made annual environmental disaster that affects life and livelihoods of millions of people in the northern parts of the country. Dhaka should also take proactive steps to start the process of negotiations for extending the 30-year Ganges Water Sharing Treaty that will expire in December 2026, under a system of integrated basin-wide management, IFC said. Farmers in the Teesta basin areas suffered damage in three waves of flood in August when their transplanted Aman seedlings were submerged and damaged. The mid-September floods damaged transplanted aman seedlings again. Erosion of crop lands and homesteads with dwelling houses is colossal. IFC leaders said that the problem of unilateral water diversion from 54 common rivers can never be solved without raising the issue with India and at international fora to stop the process of ecological disasters already set in motion in Bangladesh.

A 23-year-old youth died after being electrocuted while working on an internet line in the Dilkusha area of Motijheel on Monday afternoon. The victim was identified as Oliur Rahman, hailed from Rangamatia village in Feni’s Parashuram upazila. Oliur worked for an internet company and lived in Dhaka’s Fakirapul. Around 2:45 pm, he was accidentally electrocuted while working on a WiFi line and fell unconscious from an electric pole. He was immediately rescued and rushed to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Inspector Md. Faruk of the DMCH police camp said that the body is being kept at the hospital morgue and that the relevant police station has been informed.

Advocate Saifur Rahman has urged the people of Mirsarai to unite in a spirit of cooperation to build Chattogram-1 constituency as a modern and prosperous upazila. Saifur Rahman, an MP aspirant from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for the Chattogram-1 seat in the upcoming national election, made the appeal while addressing a gathering of Mirsarai residents in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. At the event, expatriates discussed development opportunities and explored ways to strengthen community engagement. Canadian investors can benefit from investing in Mirsarai: Commerce Adviser Presided over by Masud Belal, the gathering was attended by prominent members of the Bangladeshi community, including community leader Rabiul Islam, Chattogram Committee Secretary Zahed Chowdhury, and journalists Farhad Yusuf and Md Nasim. Advocate Umma Salma was warmly welcomed with flowers during the gathering, according to a press release.

Bangladesh loses more than 21 million tonnes of food annually across the supply chain, from farms to dining tables, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter said on Monday. She said the absence of proper storage facilities, poor price management and inadequate infrastructure are the main reasons behind such massive food losses, despite farmers’ hard work in production. Farida was speaking at a seminar titled ‘Towards Zero Food Waste: Building a Sustainable Food Supply System in Bangladesh’ held at a city hotel. The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), the Royal Danish Embassy in Dhaka, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Bank, and the World Food Programme (WFP) jointly organised the event. Dr Salehuddin warns against misinformation to safeguard economy Citing World Bank and WFP assessments, she said about 15.5 to 16 million people in Bangladesh still suffer from acute food insecurity, a situation likely to persist until the end of 2025. “The government is trying to increase and ensure safe food production, but at the same time, a massive amount of food is wasted — whether it is milk, eggs, meat or fish,” the adviser said. She highlighted that indiscriminate fishing also contributes to waste. “When targeting hilsa and other species, fishing boats end up discarding nearly two-thirds of their catch back into the sea, causing serious damage to biodiversity and resources.” Anders Karlsen, Chargé d’Affaires of the Danish Embassy in Bangladesh, said globally, one-third of all food produced is wasted. “The land used to produce this wasted food is larger than China, and in the end, nobody eats it,” he said, stressing that along with food, agricultural land and greenhouse gases are also wasted in the process. “The best time to take action was yesterday. If not, then it must be today,” Karlsen urged. 5 new products to be included in TCB sales from Nov: Commerce Adviser FAO Deputy Representative Dia Sanou explained the local and global impacts of food waste. “The world produces enough food to feed 1.5 times the global population, yet due to poor distribution, weak infrastructure and, most importantly, food waste, hunger and malnutrition persist. Despite having surpluses, the most vulnerable people still go without adequate food,” he said. WFP Bangladesh Deputy Country Director Jesse Wood said studies reveal that 8–15% of paddy and 20–40% of fruits and vegetables are wasted after harvest, with an estimated financial loss of $2.4 billion annually. He noted that despite being a major producer of vegetables, fish and other essentials, Bangladesh still imports these items due to inadequate storage and cold-chain facilities. “This is a missed opportunity for both farmers and the economy,” he added. CPD Executive Director Dr Fahmida Khatun pointed to the environmental costs, saying, “When we waste food, we also deplete scarce environmental resources. As one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, Bangladesh must prioritise reducing food waste.” Government officials, private sector innovators, experts and development partners attended the seminar and stressed the need for having effective strategies to minimise food wastes in Bangladesh.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Monday warned against economic misinformation and stressed the need for greater transparency, stronger auditing and enhanced training for journalists and investigators to safeguard Bangladesh’s economic interests and bolster public trust. Addressing the inauguration of academic programmes of ‘ERF Institute’ and a seminar on ‘Financial Transparency in Corporate Sector’ at the ERF auditorium in the capital, the adviser criticised what he termed ‘clever manoeuvres’ by certain actors to divert funds and siphon them abroad. Dr Salehuddin said such practices underscore the need for robust oversight by Bangladesh Bank and other regulatory bodies, and for auditors to adopt more rigorous, evidence-based methods. “The problem is not only that money moves, but that it moves in ways that evade ordinary scrutiny.” Finance Secretary Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder, FRC Chairman Dr Md Sajjad Hossain Bhuiyan, and ICAB President NKA Mobin attended the event as guests of honour. The session was presided over by ERF President Doulot Akter Mala, with General Secretary Abul Kashem moderating. The Adviser also urged specialised social auditors and investigative teams to look beyond books and statements and develop the intuition and methodology needed to follow the money. “Audit cannot be a paper exercise — it must verify where numbers come from and how they were generated.” The adviser also criticised media coverage that, he said, sometimes amplifies narratives that weaken the government or empower fascist. He called on journalists to be constructive and measured and present verified facts rather than one-day headlines that disappear quickly. “When we speak positively about what is working, that helps build confidence; reckless narratives do the opposite.” Highlighting the importance of investigative journalism for accountability, the adviser recommended short, practical training programmes focused on verification, analytical methods and case studies. He argued that journalism education should emphasise hands-on reporting — interviewing farmers, tracing supply chains, and validating statistics — so reporters can produce credible, long-lasting stories that matter to people on the ground. Using agriculture as an example, he recalled a columnist’s field interviews with farmers and experts that revealed genuine contributions of agricultural initiatives — but also stressed that such reporting must connect numbers to their sources so readers can trust the findings. “If the numbers aren’t verifiable, the story loses credibility.” The adviser praised the dedication and patriotism of many professionals working in the country’s public and private sectors and urged institutes and media organisations to build institutional discipline and stronger verification systems. He urged leaders to foster an environment where accurate, constructive reporting and disciplined auditing go hand in hand to support national development. Finance Secretary Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mazumder lauded the role of economists and financial analysts in shaping pragmatic fiscal policies, citing their constructive suggestions during the preparation of the national budget. He recalled his longstanding relationship with the Institute of Chartered Accountants and other professional bodies, saying that expert opinions have often influenced key decisions in budget formulation. He mentioned that last year, when the government was considering whether to adopt an expansionary or contractionary approach in the face of inflationary pressures, analytical reports and suggestions from economists played a decisive role. “We had initially thought of going for a larger budget, but based on your recommendations, we opted for a more realistic and relatively smaller budget. This credit goes to you,” he said. The secretary said the government values the contribution of economic professionals, even though direct interaction with them is not very frequent. He assured that their policy inputs will continue to be taken seriously in future fiscal planning. Highlighting the establishment of a modern training institute as an example of joint progress, he said such initiatives reflect Bangladesh’s growing capacity and commitment to strengthening institutional frameworks. He also expressed optimism that closer engagement with economic experts would further enrich the country’s economic governance and policymaking.