Trading on the country’s stock markets resumed on Tuesday after the Bengali New Year holiday, but investors saw no signs of recovery as both major bourses witnessed a fall in indices, with most company share prices declining. All key indices of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) dropped within the first two hours of trading. Asian shares mostly gain as Trump temporarily eases tariffs The benchmark index, DSEX, fell by 19 points. The Shariah-compliant index, DSES, lost 6 points, while the DS30 index, which comprises blue-chip companies, declined by 11 points. A majority of companies saw their share prices slide. Out of the securities traded, the prices of 207 companies dropped, while only 114 advanced. The prices of 74 companies remained unchanged. By midday, the total turnover on the DSE had exceeded Tk 240 crore in shares and units. Similar trends were observed at the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), where trading also took a significant hit. The overall index of the CSE fell by 54 points during the first two hours of the session. Of the 135 companies that participated in trading at the CSE, prices rose for only 35, dropped for 78 and remained unchanged for 22. Do you consider Bangladesh as a cashless economy? During the first half of the session, the CSE recorded over Tk 3.5 crore in share and unit transactions. Despite hopes of a post-holiday rebound, market sentiment appears to remain subdued, reflecting continued caution among investors.

Highlighting Singapore as a key source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin has invited more investment in priority sectors like energy, ICT, telecommunications, port and airport infrastructure, urban development and agro-processing. The Foreign Secretary particularly drew the attention of Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and stressed on cooperation in the health sector in terms of capacity building, sharing of expertise and development of health infrastructure in Bangladesh catering to the growing demand for quality health services. Bangladesh, Türkiye eye stronger ties through enhanced collaboration Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin met Dr Vivian Balakrishnan on Monday in Singapore, following the Foreign-Secretary level bilateral consultations between Bangladesh and Singapore. The Foreign Secretary informed him that both sides had very productive discussions on a number of important issues during the consultations. Dhaka signs OIC Statute for promoting labour rights He praised Singapore’s leadership for championing economic development, good governance and free market economy, standing as an example for the Asian countries, including Bangladesh. The Foreign Secretary also appreciated Singapore for its excellent migrant workers’ regime and thanked the Singapore government for taking care of Bangladesh’s expatriates who are contributing to both the economies. Noting the growing bilateral trade, Jashim Uddin highlighted the import-potential of Bangladeshi products particularly pharmaceuticals, leather goods, RMG, ceramics, bicycles, home textile and footwear in the Singapore market and beyond. He underlined the importance of concluding the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Singapore, under negotiation, to boost bilateral trade. Foreign Minister Balakrishnan heard updates in detail on the Rohingya crisis from Foreign Secretary and reiterated Singapore’s support to Bangladesh on this issue, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In regard to Bangladesh’s bid for Asean sectoral dialogue partner status, he reaffirmed Singapore’s support to Bangladesh saying that two friendly countries would continue to support each other on the regional and global issues of mutual interest. Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin thanked the Foreign Minister and hoped that Singapore would play its role within the Asean platform to build consensus on this matter as a close friend of Bangladesh. Bangladesh, Singapore to finalise FTA by 2026 The Foreign Secretary underlined the significance of regular interactions at the political level and exchange of high-level visits including Foreign Minister’s visit to Bangladesh to further strengthen bilateral ties between two friendly countries.

US President Donald Trump declared a complete halt on all “reciprocal” tariffs that took effect at midnight, with the exception of those imposed on China. Trump announced that tariffs on China would rise from 104% to 125%, reports CNN. Meanwhile, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has expressed his gratitude to President Trump for his decision. "Thank you, Mr. President, (@POTUS) for responding positively to our request for 90-day pause on tariffs. We will continue to work with your administration in support of your trade agenda," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said quoting Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. In a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump stated that he had “authorized a 90-day PAUSE, and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10%, also effective immediately.” “Due to the lack of respect China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125%, effective immediately,” Trump wrote on his social media. “At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realize that the days of ripping off the U.S.A., and other Countries, is no longer sustainable or acceptable,” he added. The decision to raise tariffs on China followed Beijing's announcement of new retaliatory tariffs on the United States, set to take effect on Thursday. The Trump administration has specifically targeted China's trade practices, said the report. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent praised Trump’s resolve, stating on Wednesday that Trump had “great courage to stay the course until this moment.” The administration has warned countries worldwide, “do not retaliate and you will be rewarded,” and expressed willingness to negotiate with any nation seeking to engage in talks, Bessent noted. Bessent emphasized that the move “signals that President Trump cares about trade and that we want to negotiate in good faith.” Both Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick were with Trump when he posted his message on Truth Social, Lutnick confirmed on a post on X,added the report. “Scott Bessent and I sat with the President while he wrote one of the most extraordinary Truth posts of his Presidency,” Lutnick wrote. “The world is ready to work with President Trump to fix global trade, and China has chosen the opposite direction.” Stocks surged following the announcement, with the Dow climbing 2,200 points, or 5.9%. The S&P 500 gained 6.5%, and the Nasdaq rose by more than 8%. The markets had been under pressure due to the potential for significantly higher tariffs, as outlined by Trump last week, the report also said. However, Trump did not indicate that he was pausing the 10% universal tariff on all trading partners, except for Canada and Mexico, which took effect over the weekend. As a result, countries that had reciprocal tariffs imposed on them would still face a 10% tariff, Bessent confirmed.

The Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 kicked off in Dhaka on Monday marking a milestone event aimed at reinforcing the country’s commitment to economic progress, investment-friendly policies, and sustainable growth. At the opening session of Bangladesh Startup Connect 2025, Tanveer Ali, Chairman of Constellation Asset Management Company Ltd, delivered the keynote address. Shift towards renewable energy both urgent necessity and strategic investment opportunity: BIDA The session featured a high-level plenary moderated by Sadia Haque, Co-Founder and CEO of Sharetrip, with panelists including Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of BIDA; Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, ICT Division; Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, Governor of Bangladesh Bank; Dr. Md. Khairuzzaman Mozumder, Secretary of the Finance Division; and Shish Haider Chowdhury, Secretary of the ICT Division and Chairman of Startup Bangladesh Ltd. The summit seeks to present a “genuine view” of Bangladesh to global investors by showcasing real stories of investment opportunities across various sectors, according to the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). Delegations from China, the UK, the US, Singapore, South Korea, and India are among the international participants attending the summit, organisers said. Key global figures participating include Baroness Rosie Winterton, UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh; Jarno Syrjälä, Under-Secretary of State for International Trade at Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs; Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World; Óscar García Maceiras, CEO of Inditex; Mike Orgill, Senior Director of Public Policy & Government Relations, APAC at Uber; Kyeongsu Lee, Vice President of Samsung C&T; Jon Omund Revhaug, Executive Vice President and Head of Telenor Asia; and Han Jun-seokt, CEO of Giordano Korea. On the opening day, a delegation of investors visited the Korean Export Processing Zone. They will also visit Mirsarai Economic Zone in Chattogram.  On April 8, participants will tour the Japanese Economic Zone in Araihazar. Tapping US energy market key to easing energy supply shortage: BIDA chief Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will join the summit as chief guest on April 9. Additional highlights include a matchmaking session and a roundtable discussion on global best practices in investment. Key partners for the event include the UNDP, FCDO, Grameenphone, the World Bank, and FICCI—underscoring the collaborative push to drive foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh. An agreement is set to be signed with NASA during the summit, and five domestic and international investors will be honored for their contributions. Stock Market endures worst week since 2020 as China retaliates against Trump’s Tariffs Over 550 top-level officials from more than 40 countries, including Bangladesh, are participating in the event, converging to explore opportunities, share innovative ideas, and celebrate milestones in the country’s investment landscape.

Bangladesh is poised to become the world's largest cotton importer in the current fiscal year, driven by its strategic geopolitical position and a shifting global trade environment, according to industry insiders and trade experts. They, however,  caution that the ongoing geopolitical challenges may threaten a steady cotton supply, potentially disrupting the country’s vital export sector. Educated but unemployed; joblessness soars among graduates in Bangladesh   In this context, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said, “We are considering importing cotton from the US, to minimise the trade gap with the country and encourage the US agriculture production.” He noted that increased cotton imports from the US could mutually benefit American suppliers and Bangladeshi businesses, while also safeguarding Bangladesh from potential tariff pressures under a Trump administration. “The US government will hesitate to impose tariffs on goods made in Bangladesh, while Bangladesh imports more cotton from the country,” he said during a recent discussion meeting. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has forecast that Bangladesh will overtake China in cotton imports during FY2024-25.  Cotton is a crucial raw material for Bangladesh’s ready-made garment and textile sector. According to the USDA’s latest report, Bangladesh is expected to import 7.8 million bales of cotton this year, up from over 7.5 million bales in FY2023-24. Globally, cotton imports are projected to reach 42.4 million bales during FY2024-25, with Bangladesh, China, Vietnam, and Pakistan accounting for 65 percent of that total. China is expected to import 8 million bales, Bangladesh 7.8 million, Vietnam 7.1 million, and Pakistan 4.8 million bales. Despite the optimistic import forecast, local textile mill owners report that many factories are operating below capacity due to a persistent gas crisis. Showkat Aziz Russell, President of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), said Bangladesh has reduced incentives for parts of the garment sector and suspended Indian yarn imports through land ports.  He believes this will bolster domestic textile production in the coming months. “Bangladeshi textiles are producing world-class yarn, which is best for good quality fabrics. So stopping low-quality yarn through land ports was a threat to domestic textiles and Bangladesh to compete with global producers,” Russell said. Speaking to UNB, he stressed that a stable cotton supply chain is essential to maintaining Bangladesh’s export flow, and that the US market could serve as a strong option. Russell added that as Bangladesh leads the world in cotton-based manufacturing, it is natural that the country will also be the top global cotton importer. Muhammad Ayub, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Cotton Association, emphasised the need for uninterrupted cotton import sources to ensure timely delivery of export orders. “Our country is importing around 50 percent of cotton from African countries, but war and other crises are increasing in the African countries,” he said. NBR looking for expansion of base of VAT payers “The US will be a good source of importing cotton if the price is competitive to avert the difficulties of tariff war or trade war,” Ayub added. He further stressed the importance of diversifying sources and boosting domestic cotton production through high-yield varieties to cushion against future global supply shocks. Dr Md Fakhre Alam Ibne Tabib, Executive Director of the Cotton Development Board, told UNB that cotton is being cultivated on 46,000 hectares of land this year, with a production target of 228,000 bales (each weighing 182 kg). Last year, 210,000 bales were produced from 45,150 hectares. He noted that Bangladesh’s annual cotton demand stands at around 8.5 million bales, with approximately 8.3 million bales requiring import each year. This import volume costs the country roughly Tk35,000 crore. Highlighting the sector’s scale, Tabib said that primary investment in Bangladesh’s textile and clothing industry exceeds US$22 billion, contributing 13 percent to GDP.  BNP mulls fresh protests as Chief Adviser's speech 'lacks election roadmap' The sector includes 1,849 BTMA-member mills and accounts for over 86 percent of national export earnings. Cotton fibres make up 71 percent of materials used, with non-cotton fibres comprising the remaining 29 percent.

The number of Tk1.0 crore and above has increased by 4,954 in three months, reflecting a regained confidence in the banking system.Banking sector experts say that money outside the banking system has started returning to the bank again. Wall Street edges lower ahead of US inflationAs a result, the number of deposits in the bank has increased. At the same time, the number of bank accounts of the wealthy has also started increasing.According to Bangladesh Bank's latest financial update, the number of accounts of individuals and institutions with more than Tk 1.0 crore and above has increased by 4,954 in three months. Currently, there are a total of 1,22,081 such account holders.According to the Central Bank, the total number of accounts in the banking sector up to December 2024 was 16.32 crore. The total deposit balance in these accounts stood at Tk18,83,711 crore. Stock market trends maintain upward momentum in Dhaka, ChattogramAt the end of September last year, the total number of accounts in the banking sector was 16,2028,155. These accounts had deposits of Tk18,250,33 crore. Accordingly, the number of accounts in the banking sector increased by 12,19,277 in three months. The volume of deposits increased by Tk45628 crore.The report said that at the end of December 2024, the number of bank accounts with deposits of more than Tk1.0 crore stood at 1,22,081, which was 1,17,127, three months ago in the September quarter. Bangladesh Bank reconstitutes boards of three private banksAccordingly, the number of accounts above Tk1.0 crore increased by 4954 in three months. Earlier, in the June quarter of last year, there were a total of 1,18,784 accounts deposited Tk 1.0 crore and above.

Bangladesh's economic growth has slowed in recent months due to high interest rates, expensive energy supply and political uncertainty, according to trade body leaders and economists. They highlighted that costly funding and inadequate energy supply are hindering business expansion despite the country’s large workforce. Zakir Hossain Nayan, the Convener of the Anti-Discrimination Business Forum at the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), told UNB that the domestic business sector is struggling due to high interest rates and the rising exchange rate of the US dollar. “People have reduced their consumption due to high inflation within their income limitations. As a result, Bangladesh's internal trade suffered severely in July and August last year, though it is now slowly gaining pace,” he said. He explained that banks are facing a liquidity crisis, as the past government and their affiliated businesses misused banking policies to secure large loans. This has left over a dozen banks unable to make new investments, while others remain cautious about injecting fresh funds into businesses. Given these conditions, he said that business growth will remain weak in the second half of 2024. He, however, said that the situation is improving as the government has increased money flow in the banking sector, the dollar crisis has eased, and inflation is trending downward. He also mentioned that the export sector remains resilient despite challenges such as unrest in the garment sector, with export orders increasing by 10–15% in 2025. Second report of committee to reform NBR expected next month, focusing on automation Taskeen Ahmed, President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI), said that GDP growth in the first quarter of the current fiscal year was only 1.8%, while the manufacturing sector grew by just 1.43%. He noted that Bangladesh’s economy continues to face various challenges, even as it prepares to graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category in 2026. To address these challenges, he emphasised the need for skill development in the SME sector, long-term access to low-cost credit, free trade agreements to boost exports to the Middle East and South Asia, infrastructure development to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), and reforms in revenue and related policies. Ahmed also urged the government to implement policies to promote exports beyond the readymade garment sector, highlighting the potential of pharmaceuticals, leather goods, agro-processing, semiconductors, light engineering, and information technology. He stressed that a comprehensive 'Smooth Transition Strategy' (STS) is crucial, with a strong role for the private sector. Ensuring low-cost funds is essential to revive business growth, he added. Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, former President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), told UNB that the garment sector has been able to meet export targets in recent months by operating at full capacity. But he warned that sustaining this trend will be difficult if business expansion is stifled by high costs and an unreliable energy supply. He pointed out that the domestic textile sector is struggling due to shortages in working capital and energy supply. 42,000 Bangladeshi expats seek voter registration abroad The latest Bangladesh Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) report revealed a 1.1-point decline in February, recording a slower expansion rate of 64.6. The report attributed this drop to weaker expansion in construction and services, although agriculture and manufacturing continued to grow at a faster rate. The PMI, developed by the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and Policy Exchange with support from the UK Government and technical assistance from the Singapore Institute of Purchasing and Materials Management (SIPMM), provides timely insights into Bangladesh’s economic health. According to the report: The agriculture sector recorded its fifth consecutive month of expansion, with faster growth in new business, business activity, input costs and order backlogs. Employment contraction slowed. The manufacturing sector posted its sixth consecutive month of expansion, with faster growth in new orders, factory output, input purchases, and supplier deliveries. But new exports, finished goods, imports and employment grew at a slower rate, while order backlogs contracted faster. The construction sector saw its third month of expansion but at a slower pace. New business and construction activity slowed, while input costs rose. Employment returned to growth, and order backlogs contracted at a slower rate. The services sector expanded for the fifth month but at a slower rate. Growth in new business, business activity and employment decelerated. The order backlogs index turned negative, while input costs increased. Only an elected government can drive real economic growth: Abdul Awal Mintoo “Bangladesh's PMI readings indicate sustained expansion for the fifth month, driven by continued export growth and a seasonal uptick in agriculture, while construction and services posted slower expansion,” said M Masrur Reaz, Chairman and CEO of Policy Exchange. He cautioned that business confidence remains weak due to sluggish demand, energy disruptions, and ongoing protests. A sustained recovery, he argued, will depend on improved law and order, political consensus on the election roadmap, and the swift implementation of key reforms.

The leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Front of the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) have pledged that no election will be held without reforming the federation.They also promised that the anti-discrimination committee would resist any move to hold an election without reforming discriminatory rules and voter lists. FBCCI delegation to attend 5th World Fair & Fest Tampa Bay 2025 in USThey said these while speaking at an Iftar Mahfil organized by FBCCI members of the Anti-Discrimination Front held at the Officers Club in Baily Road on Saturday.For commerce adviser and BNP Vice-Chairman Barkat Ullah Bulu, Convenor of the anti-discrimination front of FBCCI Md. Zakir Hossain Nayan, Coordinators Abul Kashem Haider, Giasuddin Chowdhury, Atiqur Rahman, among others spoke at the pre-iftar discussion and Dua Mahfil.Adviser of the Religious Affairs of the interim government, AFM Khalid Hossain, attended the event. FBCCI seeks information on people making artificial crisis of chickens, eggsRepresentatives of FBCCI from different districts and divisional chambers were present at the Iftar Mahfil.

Trading at both the Dhaka and Chattogram stock exchanges began on a positive note on Tuesday, with the benchmark indices seeing an upward trend. The majority of stocks in Dhaka witnessed price gains. Asian shares rise as Trump delays Mexico, Canada tariffs At the opening of the session, the Dhaka Stock Exchange’s (DSE) key index, DSEX, rose by 12 points. The other two indices also showed positive movement, with the Shariah-based DSES gaining 3 points and the blue-chip DS30 increasing by 5 points. In early trading, share prices of 162 companies advanced, while 70 declined, and 75 remained unchanged. During the first 30 minutes, shares and units worth Tk 50 crore were traded on the DSE. Meanwhile, at the Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE), the overall index climbed by 4 points at the beginning of the session. BEPZA signs deal to set up machinery manufacturing industry in EZ Out of 33 companies traded, share prices of 11 increased, 17 fell, and 5 remained unchanged. The total trade volume in shares and units exceeded Tk 15 lakh in the opening minutes.

Bangladesh exported goods worth $4.43 billion in January 2025, marking a growth of 5.7% compared to the same period last year. Furthermore, during the first seven months (July–January) of the current fiscal year 2024-25, goods valued at $28 billion were exported, reflecting an 11.68% increase over the same period of the previous fiscal year. In FY 2023-24, exports during this period stood at $25 billion. Bangladesh's RMG exports reach $38.48 billion in 2024, with strong growth in non-traditional markets The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) released the export performance statistics for the period of July–January 2024-25 on Monday. The latest data highlights a strong upward trend, demonstrating the resilience and competitiveness of Bangladesh’s export sector. Most sectors experienced positive growth during the first seven months of the fiscal year. Exports in the readymade garment sector rose by 12%, with knitwear up by 12% and woven garments by 11.97%. Readymade garments accounted for $23.5 billion in exports during this period. Other major export sectors, including leather and leather goods, agricultural products, home textiles, frozen fish, and plastic products, also saw positive growth, reinforcing Bangladesh’s strong position in global markets. The export target for FY 2024-25 has been set at $50 billion, representing a projected growth of 12.44% over the previous fiscal year. Strengthen export base with more investment:  Dr Yunus to entrepreneurs This ambitious goal reflects the nation’s commitment to expanding its global trade footprint and strengthening its position in the international marketplace, as stated by the EPB in an official remark on exports.