Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC has showcased remarkable resilience, achieving a 5% growth in deposits year-on-year as of December 2024. Despite challenges in the banking sector, the bank has firmly established its position as a trusted institution among depositors and investors. The financial statement of Islami Bank revealed deposits amounting to approximately Tk1.61 lakh crore in December 2024, compared to Tk1.54 lakh crore in December 2023. Investments also saw an increase, rising from Tk1.50 lakh crore in 2023 to Tk1.59 lakh crore in 2024. December 2024 proved to be a record-breaking month for remittances, with the bank receiving around Tk681,00 crore—approximately one-third of the country’s total remittances for the month. Islami Bank continues to lead the private sector in import and export finance, recording Tk648,00 crore in import financing and Tk324,00 crore in export financing for 2024. Currently serving 2.5 crore customers, the bank’s expansive network of 400 branches, 265 sub-branches, 2,800 agent banking outlets, and 3,000 ATM/CRM booths underscores its commitment to reaching every corner of the nation. A branch manager, speaking anonymously, assured, “Customers can withdraw money from branches without interruption. There are no complaints about liquidity issues, and cash transactions are operating normally.” Read: Islami Bank to issue new shares, sell S Alam Group's seized ones The bank’s RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) system has also remained fully operational, ensuring smooth and timely money transfers. Resilience Amid Challenges Despite the liquidity challenges faced by the banking sector in August 2024, Islami Bank has managed to recover swiftly. Governor of the Bangladesh Bank Dr Ahsan H Mansur recently commended the bank's important role in the country’s economy, stating, “Islami Bank is the number one bank in the country. It has turned around within the shortest time and is moving forward smoothly. This bank will not look back anymore.” Dr Shah Md. Ahsan Habib, a professor at the Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM), attributed the bank’s resilience to its deep grassroots connections and the strong social networks of its employees. Read more: Islami Bank appoints 4 audit firms to investigate irregularities post S Alam Group takeover He highlighted the role of small depositors, saying, “In the context of Bangladesh, small depositors are the assets of a bank. Islami Bank, with its vast network, has successfully gained the trust of these depositors.” Leadership and Achievements Islami Bank’s Chairman, Md Obayed Ullah Al Masud, affirmed the institution’s consistent leadership in the private banking sector. He revealed that Bangladeshi expatriates remitted $26.89 billion in 2024, with Islami Bank facilitating 21.47% of this, equivalent to remittances from 163 countries. The top remittance-sending nations included Saudi Arabia, the USA, the UAE, Malaysia, Singapore, Qatar, Italy, and Kuwait. “Our 5% deposit growth in 2024 compared to 2023 is a testament to the confidence people have in us. Islami Bank will only continue to move forward,” Masud stated confidently. The bank’s contributions to the economy are vast, with investments in over 6,000 industries, support for 20 lakh entrepreneurs, and employment opportunities for 1 crore people. Read more: No restrictions on business operations and opening LCs in Islami Bank: BB Governor Besides, its small investment schemes have benefited 18 lakh marginal families, further cementing its role as a driver of socio-economic development. As the leading private sector bank in Bangladesh, Islami Bank’s robust performance, grassroots connections, and unwavering customer trust place it firmly on the path to continued success.

Over 1.2 million investors have pulled out of Bangladesh's stock market in the past eight years, signalling a steep decline in market confidence. According to data from the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the number of Beneficiary Owner (BO) accounts has decreased significantly, with the total falling from 2.92 million in 2016 to 1.67 million in 2024. This drop represents a loss of 1.26 million investors over the past eight years. In 2024 alone, the number of BO accounts decreased by over 90,000, from 1.75 million in 2023 to 1.67 million, indicating a continued trend of investor disengagement. DSEX index gains 4.7 points in early trading Investors cite the stock market's volatility and instability as the primary reasons for their retreat. Many have been left disillusioned after suffering significant losses, particularly those who fell victim to margin loans, which often led to forced sales and financial ruin. Tariq Mahmud, a general investor, shared his concerns, saying, "Investors are losing money daily. The primary reason people invest in the stock market is for financial gain. However, continuous losses have led to a lack of trust." Altaf Hossain, another investor, highlighted the role of margin loans in exacerbating the problem, "Many took out loans to invest, hoping for high returns. But as share prices plummeted, they became trapped in margin loans. As the value of shares, including those of medium- and low-quality companies, dropped, forced sales occurred, even for good shares, resulting in severe financial losses." Bangladeshi expats set new remittance record: $2.64 billion in December 2024 Brokerage houses, once bustling with activity, now face a noticeable decline in business. The branch managers lament that there are no longer as many clients trading shares, and even expatriate investors, who once traded remotely via mobile phones, have pulled out of the market. Asad Liton, branch manager at Global Securities Limited, noted the bleak situation: "No new investors are showing interest, and many are withdrawing their funds from the market. Even those making losses are taking out their investments. Those who are leaving with bitter experiences are unlikely to return." If the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) fails to address these issues, experts warn that the market could face a permanent downturn. Mohammad Helal Uddin, an economist at Dhaka University and a member of BSEC's task force for market reforms, attributed the problem to a lack of investor confidence in the market. He said, "Many BO accounts have become inactive, and some investors have withdrawn their funds, further diminishing trust in the market." DSEX index up by 5.98 points and 184 companies’ price advance in first hour There have also been concerns about the impact of the BSEC's crackdown on market manipulation. Last year, the commission imposed fines exceeding Tk 7.2 billion on individuals and institutions involved in share price manipulation. Among the companies targeted was Beximco Limited, where the BSEC fined four individuals and five institutions a total of Tk 4.28 billion. Professor Helal noted, "Most of the fines being imposed now stem from the previous commission’s tenure. They failed to address 98% of market manipulation cases, and it is now the current commission's responsibility to bring offenders to justice. Only then will market discipline be restored." Bangladesh Bank appoints Ernst & Young, KPMG to audit 6 troubled banks An analysis of DSE's trading data reveals that not only has the number of BO accounts declined, but the DSE's main index has dropped by more than 1,000 points in the last year. Besides, the market capitalisation of the Dhaka Stock Exchange has fallen by approximately Tk 1.15 trillion, further underscoring the challenges facing the country’s stock market.  

Investors of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) have called for the resignation of Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) Chairman Khondoker Rashed Maqsood, citing his inability to manage the volatile stock market. The demands came after share prices of various companies plummeted, prompting widespread frustration among investors. Many blamed the BSEC chairman for failing to provide necessary support to institutional investors, which they claim has led to market instability. Protesters demanded a task force, like the one formed for the banking sector, to investigate the irregularities. They rallied outside the old DSE building in Motijheel on Thursday morning. Read: Stock market bullish on second day of lifting floor price Protestors marched from Motijheel to Agargaon, eventually staging a sit-in outside the BSEC headquarters, reiterating their demand for Maqsood’s resignation.  On Wednesday, at around 4:30 pm, investors from various organizations gathered outside the Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB) and announced the ‘Long March’ to pressure the regulatory body. Read more:Dhaka Stock Exchange gains Tk 6,749 crore in market capital Earlier that day, members of the Bangladesh Capital Market Investors Oikya Parishad had formed a human chain in front of the old DSE building, underscoring the growing frustration with the market regulator.     

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today (October 28, 2023) said other countries should also come up with baskets of money and affordable proposals, instead of intimidation and giving advice, if they want to beat China. "If you want to beat China, you should come with basket of money and affordable proposals like the Chinese. Only advice does not satisfy us," he said while talking to reporters. The foreign minister mentioned that he said this during both the recent US and Europe visits. Salman F. Rahman, US Under Secretary Uzra Zeya acknowledge the only means to change govt is through elections Earlier, he spoke at a seminar on “Navigating Challenges: Bangladesh’s Response to the Current Global Situation” at the Foreign Service Academy as the chief guest.  Diplomats World, a diplomatic magazine, hosted the seminar. Describing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Europe visit as “very successful,” Momen said the European countries listened to Bangladesh and they are now coming up with funds.  He said the European leaders highly appreciated Bangladesh’s leadership and development.  "This is a great achievement for Bangladesh," he said. Momen said many countries want to sell their products while trying to put pressure in the name of human rights and democracy.  He said Bangladesh does not want to purchase military equipment now as the priority is to ensure people's welfare.  US does not take a side on internal political matters: Spokesperson The Global Gateway strategy embodies a Team Europe approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States, and European development finance institutions. Together, they aim to mobilise up to €300 billion in public and private investments from 2021 to 2027, creating essential links rather than dependencies, and closing the global investment gap. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen together with Prime Minister Hasina on Wednesday launched the negotiations on a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement to expand and develop the relationship between the EU and Bangladesh at the Global Gateway Forum. USAID official highlights US support for Bangladesh’s economic development On this occasion, the EU, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Bangladesh signed agreements worth €400 million for renewable energy projects to contribute to a sustainable green transition of Bangladesh's power sector. It is also aimed at meeting the country's climate mitigation targets. Five additional cooperation actions, worth €70 million, supporting education, decent work, green construction, e-governance and the prevention of gender-based violence were also launched. President Ursula von der Leyen said: “The EU and Bangladesh have been reliable and trusted partners for 50 years. Now, we are taking this partnership even further, to reap the opportunities of the green transition under Global Gateway. The European Commission, the EIB and Bangladesh will join forces to support renewable energy and tackle climate change. This €400 million investment will make a difference for the people of Bangladesh and its economy.”

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday (September 13, 2023) invited investors from the Commonwealth countries to come to Bangladesh in a bigger way. “Geographically, Bangladesh is at the center of a market of 3 billion people. We have 170 million people of our own. By 2030, the affluent population of Bangladesh will stand at 35 million. Therefore, Bangladesh will become the third largest market globally, leaving behind Germany and the United Kingdom,” she said. The prime minister said this while addressing the two-day "Commonwealth trade and investment forum Bangladesh-2023" at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC). The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, which is the Commonwealth's accredited business network, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Zi Foundation, a family-run foundation that offers support to vulnerable people, jointly organised the event. End the Ukraine war thru negotiations: PM Hasina tells Russian foreign minister The aim is to promote innovation, trade, investment and economic growth, enhance partnerships and explore ways towards sustainable and inclusive economic development for Bangladesh. The PM said that Bangladesh needs development partners for reaching its goal. “We need more high-quality and sustainable investment to accelerate the economic progress of Bangladesh,” she said. She mentioned that as a prerequisite for Biniyog Bikash, or investment promotion, her government has prioritised organisational reforms, the formation of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), which offering attractive facilities for investors, and ensuring post-investment services. Hasina said that almost all sectors are open for investment in Bangladesh. ‘Why would you call yourselves minority?’: PM to Hindu community But among those, she said, more investment is encouraged in agricultural goods and food processing, leather and leather goods processing, medical equipment, automobiles and shipbuilding, and ICT. “There are promising investment facilities in these sectors, including the easy process of taking back dividends or benefits to your home country,” she said. The premier said that some 70 percent of Bangladesh's foreign direct investment comes from reinvestment, which is a proof of the excellent investment environment that Bangladesh offers to investors. She mentioned that BIDA has started a one-stop fast-track delivery service to facilitate investors with the services of various departments of the government and through this one-stop service, 78 services from 26 departments can be received through one platform. PM Hasina offers land to Japanese businesses to set up industries Mentioning that the pre-requisite for investment is the development of infrastructure, she said that the government has established 100 economic zones, 109 hi-tech and software technology parks, and IT training and incubation centres across the country with attractive incentive packages to promote foreign investors. “We are developing our land, rail, and air connectivity. Almost all highways in the country have been elevated to four or more lanes,” she said. In this connection, she said that the Padma Bridge has connected 21 south-western districts of Bangladesh directly with Dhaka and other parts of the country. “There will be rail connectivity through the Padma Bridge between Dhaka and Khulna soon," she said. Read more: Dhaka, London plan to sign MoUs on economic cooperation, cyber security She said that soon the government will inaugurate the Karnaphuli underwater tunnel, the first such infrastructure not only in Bangladesh but in South Asia. “Work on establishing rail link between Chattogram and tourism town Cox’s Bazar is progressing fast.” Sheikh Hasina said that after winning the election in 2008 and forming the government in 2009, the government has started building the country based on short-, middle-, and long-term programmes. “A democratic environment, political stability, continuity of government, and, above all, structured development programs have helped in the quick socio-economic development of Bangladesh," she stated The prime minister said that the government is working to build a Smart Bangladesh, which will be realised by building the pillars of smart government, smart citizens, a smart economy, and a smart society. “Our goal now is to become a knowledge-based and Developed Smart Country by 2041 and a Prosperous Delta by 2100. We are working relentlessly towards that goal through the Perspective Plan, the Five-Year Plan, and the Delta Plan 2100.” Prime minister's private industry and investment adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Lokman Hossain Miah, Strategic Advisor (Bangladesh) Of CWEIC Zillur Hussain And Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) Chairman Lord Marland also spoke at the programme. PM Hasina also handed over Commonwealth Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Green Investment Award to Eco Brixs from Uganda. A video documentary was screened in the programme. Read more: Russian foreign minister’s recent comment in Dhaka is ‘not the most self-aware’: US State Dept Spokesperson

Angel investors are those who invest seed money into a business to kick start its operation. This investment usually comes in exchange for convertible debt or equity in the ownership of the company. From a startup perspective, angel investments are a great way to secure funds as well as mentorship from the investors working in the relevant industry. Here is how a business can raise angel investment, especially if they are from Bangladesh.  The Angel Investment Landscape of Bangladesh  Bangladesh is still in the early stages of angel investment. There were not many investors a few years back in the startup ecosystem. However, the pace is picking up. Bangladesh Startup Investment Report of 2022 shows that Bangladeshi startups were able to raise $112 million in 2022. A total of 47 startups were able to secure funds, among whom 39 brought unique service propositions. The largest funding was received by ShopUp who were able to raise $65 million from Valar Ventures and Flourish Ventures. About 8% of the total funding came from local investors. On average, the angel investment size for early-stage startups was around $588K. Bangladesh is in the lower tier when it comes to securing venture funds. Read more: How to Gain Funding for Startup: Best Practices to Attract Investors How to Get Angel Investment in Bangladesh  Getting an angel investor to invest is neither straightforward nor easy. A startup will need to put in the work, especially in Bangladesh where the investment ratio is low. There are several key things to consider when it comes to securing angel investment. Here are some of them.  Clear Business Idea and Plan  A startup should have a clear business idea backed up by a strong and detailed plan to secure angel investment. The plan should outline the startup's mission, market opportunity, revenue model, target audience, competition analysis, marketing strategy, and financial projections. A solid business plan is crucial for gaining investor confidence.  Market Validation  Investors look for product or service confidence while investing. As a result, it is important to create a market validation of the startup product or service before making the initial approach for funds.  Market validation can be done by developing a market-viable product. This product or service can be channeled to early adopters and customers. Based on their experience, a positive narrative for the product can be developed. This will play a crucial role in securing early-stage angel investment.  Read more: How to Build Social Capital to Grow Your Business

Startups are picking up pace across the globe. According to Statista, the number of early-stage venture funds for startups is growing year on year after a dip during the Covid-19 Pandemic peak stage. While a success rate of 10% is projected for all startups in 2023, there is still a silver lining in the form of increased funding. But the key challenge is to secure funding for the startup venture. Let’s explore the different factors that aid in attracting investors for startups. 13 Ways to Attract Investors for Startups  Strong Value Proposition  The main idea behind a startup is to create a solution for an existing problem. A track record of successful startups shows that they took an existing problem and created a solution for it. Then the solution was channelled as a product through the startups.  At the core of this process is a strong value proposition. Successful startups were able to secure early funds from investors because of the strong value of their product or service. Investors look for value in a project. As long as one can show the value and prospects, securing funds becomes much easier.  Read more: What to Consider Before Investing in a Startup or Company? Detailed Business Plan  Startups aren’t just about ideas. Sure enough, it starts with an idea, but implementing the idea requires a strong business plan. There are a lot of factors in a market that a startup needs to consider before scaling up its product or services. Factors like target market, competitive analysis, marketing strategy, financial projections, and growth plans should be at the centre of a solid business plan. Sharing a strong vision for the startup will help convince the investors to understand the return on investment. And that in turn will help attract investors.  Traction Generation and Milestones For an investor, numbers are the ultimate deciding factor. An investor will only invest where strong numbers support the claims of the startup. It can include factors like user adoption, revenue generation, or partnerships with key players in the industry.  Try to build up a rapport with incubators and accelerators before approaching potential high-value investors. The more positive the numbers are, the better the chances of attracting investors.  Read more: Seed Fund Raising for Startups: Things to Know About Having a Strong and Experienced Team  Another key factor that drives investment decisions is the market understanding and experience of the team members. Investors often look for people with a proven track record of managing and executing similar products or services in the market. Sometimes, the lack of early milestones like a marketable product, grants, and incubation can be offset by a strong and motivated team that shares the vision of marketing and scaling a startup.  Networking and Referrals  Beyond experience and numbers, a good way to attract potential investors is through networking and referrals. Networking and referrals help build a personal connection with the investors. A positive word-of-mouth impression or a recommendation from a trusted source helps to highlight and convince investors about the potentiality of a startup. The best way to network and gain referrals is by attending industry events, networking meetups, and startup conferences.  Read more: 7 Local Startups Get Tk 150m Funds from Startup Bangladesh Limited

The chairman of the Bangladesh Security and Exchange Commission (BSEC) Prof Shibli Rubayat-Ul-Islam has said that the capital market regulator is working to enhance the public's financial literacy so they can invest consciously and profitably. To this effect, the BSEC is cooperating with the Ministry of Education and the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) to include a chapter on the capital market in the secondary and higher secondary levels textbooks. Talking to UNB, Prof Shibli acknowledged that sometimes people are being influenced to invest their hard-earned money or chasing misinformation.  "If they can become financially literate, then no one can cheat them," he said. Read more: Under, over-invoicing to stop if commodity exchange is launched: BSEC Chairman With a nationwide average of 24.6 percent, the financial literacy score in Bangladesh is still quite low, according to a recent survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and Brac Business School. Respondents with an educational qualification below SSC, people aged over 50, self-employed people, Dhaka natives, housewives, and farmers have the lowest scores, according to the 2022 survey report. The BSEC is working to introduce real estate investment trust, or REIT, Pink, and Orange bonds in the capital markets by 2023. Through Pink bonds, small entrepreneurs can collect money for investment while SMEs and large entrepreneurs can collect money through Orange bonds.  Both the coloured bonds will be introduced to encourage women investors as well as empowering them in the financial sector, Prof Shibli said. Read more: Visiting IMF team will meet BSEC to discuss capital market on Nov 7 Besides, the BSEC has a special bond plan for the garment and textile sector so that the entrepreneurs can collect money from the capital market to expand their business. At the same time the investors will encourage investment in this secured sector, he said. Prof Shibli said the country’s development projects cannot be completed depending on revenue only - project-based infrastructure bonds and municipal bonds for fund collection from the stock market would be a diversified funding scope for development. If the project authority provides dividends of around 12-13 percent, then people will invest money in the project-based bond market instead of depositing their money in FDRs and saving certificates, he said. He said Bangladesh’s investment demand is over USD $800 billion for infrastructure and other service sector development in line with LDC graduation, which will not be possible to collect from domestic sources. But a large portion is possible through the capital market. Read more: Takes 6-12 months to identify a share market manipulator in existing system: BSEC Chairman Replying to a question he said that investors who have the patience to invest in the capital market and who want to secure investment scope should invest in the bond market and get greater dividends than their returns from IDFs and saving certificates. Mutual funds, Treasury bonds’ and others are trading in the capital markets, where anyone or ordinary people can invest money. He said that the mutual funds are providing dividends of around 10 to 20 percent  during the last 10/12 years. "Those who have financial knowledge can invest in secondary share trading, and try to gain profit. They should prefer bonds and mutual funds," the BSEC chairman said. The regulator has pushed through dozens of reforms in the capital market, from imposing company audit systems and towards accountability of brokerage houses during his tenure. As a result, the capital market will be  well-positioned in the future. Read More: Financial literacy: BICM reduces master's program fees by 50% “We just planted the seed, from which the tree or plant will be visible within the next few years,” Prof Shibli said.

International Labour Organization (ILO) and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) have signed an agreement to promote, simplify and harmonize the one-stop service (OSS) of BIDA. Under the agreement signed on Tuesday, ILO will support the integration of safety licenses of four national regulators to BIDA-OSS. Over the course of a year, ILO will provide necessary support to Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence Department (BFSCD), Chattogram Development Authority (CDA), Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) and Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) to integrate and operate their licensing systems to BIDA OSS. Also read: Youth unemployment rate in Bangladesh stands at 10.6pc: ILO Additionally, ILO will facilitate the simplification of application and payment process in BIDA-OSS, and support an awareness campaign to promote the system among investors. These activities will be conducted under the remit of ILO’s RMG programme funded by Canada and Netherlands. The programme would also provide essential technical and financial support to BFSCD, CDA, DIFE and RAJUK to interconnect their safety licencing systems to BIDA-OSS. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Country Director of ILO Bangladesh Tuomo Poutiainen said investment in workplace safety protects businesses from occupational hazards and improves the brand image of Bangladesh. “We hope integrating relevant safety licencing systems in the BIDA-OSS and simplification of the OSS process is a necessary step to attract more local and foreign investors to apply for safety permits,” Poutiainen said. Also read: UNDP, Grameenphone, BIDA join hands to create economic opportunities for youth Executive Chairman of BIDA Md Sirazul Islam said BIDA is pleased to collaborate with the ILO to streamline one-stop service system. “We believe the harmonization and simplification of BIDA-OSS will help investors save time and cost for setting up their businesses,” he said.

mbassador of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan has said the investors of his country are keen to invest in Bangladesh. The ambassador paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen Thursday. He briefed the foreign minister about investment initiatives taken by Saudi Investors in Bangladesh. To facilitate more investment from Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh, joint sincere efforts are needed, Ambassador Essa Yousef said. Read: Saudi Arabia lifts ban on Israeli flights Momen thanked the ambassador for his dynamic role in strengthening relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia. He also appreciated the political and humanitarian support of the Saudi Arabia government for Rohingyas. Ambassador Essa Yousef thanked the Bangladesh government for extending support to Saudi Arabia in different international forums.