United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s economy posted a stronger performance in the first quarter (Q1) of the 2025-26 fiscal year, with gross domestic product (GDP) growth accelerating to 4.50 percent on a point-to-point basis in constant prices, according to provisional estimates. The latest quarterly figures show a notable improvement compared to the same period of the previous fiscal year, when GDP growth stood at 2.58 percent, reflecting a broad-based recovery driven mainly by the industrial sector alongside improvements in agriculture and services. In current prices, the size of GDP in Q1 of FY26 has been estimated at Tk 13,853,433 million (Tk 13,853 billion), up from Tk 12,401,032 million (Tk 12,401 billion) recorded in the first quarter of FY25, indicating a substantial expansion in nominal economic activity year-on-year. According to quarterly-based estimates, the growth rate of gross domestic product at constant prices for the entire FY25 has been placed at 3.72 percent. Read more: Bangladesh sees $1.12bn in remittances in first 10 days of January The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) noted that this quarterly-based estimate differs from the provisional annual GDP estimate for FY25 prepared on a yearly basis. The discrepancy will be addressed through internationally accepted benchmarking methods once the final annual GDP figures for FY25 are compiled, ensuring consistency between quarterly and annual national accounts. The agriculture sector returned to positive territory in Q1 of FY26, registering a growth of 2.30 percent at constant prices on a point-to-point basis. This marks a significant turnaround from the contraction of 0.60 percent recorded in the same quarter of FY25. The improvement in agricultural output suggests a degree of stabilisation following earlier disruptions, supported by better crop performance and a gradual recovery in allied activities such as livestock and fisheries. The rebound in agriculture is expected to provide some relief to rural incomes and food supply dynamics. The industrial sector emerged as the strongest performer, posting a robust growth of 6.97 percent in Q1 of FY26, nearly double the 3.59 percent growth recorded in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal year. Analysts view the sharp acceleration in industrial growth as a key driver of the overall economic upturn, reflecting improved manufacturing activity, gradual easing of energy-related constraints and a modest pickup in domestic demand. Export-oriented industries, particularly manufacturing, are believed to have contributed significantly to the sector’s stronger performance. Bangladesh’s GDP growth slows to 3.97% in FY2024–25 The services sector also recorded improved growth, expanding by 3.67 percent in Q1 of FY26 compared to 2.96 percent in the same quarter of FY25. The expansion in services indicates a gradual revival in trade, transport, communications and other service-related activities, which had remained under pressure amid economic uncertainty and subdued consumption in the previous year. The stronger GDP growth in the first quarter of FY26 points to early signs of economic recovery, supported by improved sectoral performance across agriculture, industry and services. However, economists caution that sustaining this momentum will depend on continued policy support, stability in the macroeconomic environment and progress in addressing structural challenges. The provisional nature of the quarterly estimates also underscores the need for careful interpretation, with revisions expected as more comprehensive data become available. Nonetheless, the Q1 figures provide an encouraging signal at the start of the fiscal year, suggesting that growth is gradually gaining pace after a period of slowdown. Read more: Forex reserves hit 3-year high as December remittances cross $3bn

The Padma Bridge will add 1.2 percent to the country's gross domestic product (GDP) in a year by easing connectivity between the capital and Mongla and Payra ports.According to Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) the bridge will add Tk 42,362.21 crore to the GDP, which is equal to1.2 percent of GDP.The bridge Division of government took loans of Tk 30193 crore from the finance division which is estimated to be paid by 36 year along with 1 percent interest. The money will be collected as tolls from the vehicles that travel through the Padma Bridge.Since the inauguration of the Padma Bridge, the bridge authorities have set a target of collecting a toll of Tk 133.66 crore per month. That money will be repaid in 140 installments. For this, the government wants to collect a toll of Tk1, 603.97 crore annually. Also read: Padma Bridge to transform Bagerhat into a new economic hub The government has already fixed toll rates on vehicles. There are two types of toll collection on the largest bridge in the country. One of these is that tolls can be paid directly. Drivers will be able to pay the toll by showing the card by recharging in advance. Vehicles do not have to stop for this at the toll plaza.The Padma Bridge Project Director Shafiqul Islam told the UNB the Padma Bridge, a biggest project ever of the country, was built with the money of the people of the country.“After the inauguration, the toll of the bridge will be collected by Korea Express Corporation and China Major Bridge Company. The government has already appointed them,” he said.Besides collecting tolls, the companies will also repay the loan of the bridge, management and maintenance works will also be done by them.Shafiqul said the money spent to construct the bridge would come up in 30 to 35 years.However, if the estimated toll collection target is achieved timely, it will be possible to collect the full cost of the bridge by 20 to 25 years. Also read: Padma Bridge is a befitting reply to conspirators, PM tells a huge rally after its opening

The Bangladesh government has decided to fix the public expenditure at 17.1% and 17.2% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in the next two fiscals (2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively), as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina seeks to pull the economy out of the Covid-19 pit.

China's gross domestic product (GDP) expanded 2.3 percent year on year in 2020, exceeding the 100-trillion-yuan (15.42 trillion U.S. dollars) threshold to 101.5986 trillion yuan, official data showed Monday.

The government must outline a “proper strategy” to reap the advantages that will be on offer particularly for the south-western region of the country, upon completion of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge.

The government has projected a marginal improvement in the tax to gross domestic product (GDP) ratio in the 2022-23 fiscal, despite the Covid-19 taking a toll on the country's revenue collections this financial year.