United News of Bangladesh

Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) President Kamran T Rahman on Sunday called for a "supportive and growth-oriented" national budget for fiscal year 2026-27, warning that businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, are under severe strain from high inflation, sluggish investment, elevated interest rates and foreign exchange pressure. Speaking at a joint seminar of MCCI and the Economic Reporters' Forum (ERF) on budget priorities, he said the upcoming budget must be balanced and realistic, arguing that a sensible tax policy can simultaneously boost revenue, encourage investment and generate employment rather than punish businesses further. Private sector-led growth vital to revive Bangladesh’s economy: MCCI report Kamran proposed full integration of the National Identity (NID) and Tax Identification Number (TIN) databases to expand the tax net, noting that though over one crore taxpayers hold TINs, fewer than half file returns. He also recommended introducing a symbolic minimum tax to bring new taxpayers into the fold and simplifying return filing through mobile applications. The MCCI chief urged the government to reconsider conditions tied to corporate tax benefits, especially restrictions on cash transactions, saying many businesses are unable to avail themselves of reduced rates due to practical limitations. He further suggested cutting tax rates for both listed and non-listed companies by an additional 2.5% to stimulate investment. Kamran proposed a unified taxpayer profile covering income tax, VAT and customs to reduce administrative complexity and harassment, along with online hearings and digital notices to cut time and cost for businesses. On VAT and customs, he recommended simplifying procedures, ensuring valuation based on transaction value, strengthening automation and allowing disclosure of quantity instead of value in certain VAT forms to protect business confidentiality. The MCCI President called for special policy support for SMEs, including separate tax treatment, input tax credit facilities and reduced duty and VAT on raw materials. Comprehensive reform roadmap presented The policy recommendations were formally presented by Md Shahadat Hossain, former President of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) through a paper titled “National Budget 2026-2027: Private Sector Priorities & Perspectives”, which laid out a wide-ranging roadmap covering corporate tax, VAT, customs and capital market reform. Shahadat said the national budget should be seen not merely as a revenue-and-expenditure statement but as a comprehensive policy framework encompassing economic growth, investment, employment and inflation management. He flagged Bangladesh's tax-to-GDP ratio hovering between 6.5% and 7.3% in FY2024-25 as among the lowest globally, well below the 15% threshold considered necessary for sustainable development. Shahadat noted that around 66% of total tax revenue comes from indirect taxes, disproportionately burdening lower-income groups and widening inequality. On corporate tax, the paper recommended rates of 20% for publicly traded companies with a minimum 10% IPO, 22.5% for those with less than 10% IPO, 25% for non-publicly traded firms, 20% for one-person companies, and 25% for trusts, associations of persons and firms. For individuals, it proposed a tax-free threshold of Tk 5 lakh, with graded rates from 5% to 30% on higher income slabs. The paper also called for rationalising withholding taxes, including a 0.3% tax on gross receipts, TDS on supply between 1% and 3%, and import-stage tax reduced from 5% to 3% to ease compliance and prevent double taxation. On administration, the recommendations included limiting reopening of tax files to within six years, prohibiting estimated profit assessments, mandating written reasons for disallowances, and digitising hearings and notices. On capital markets, the paper stressed reducing overdependence on bank financing and proposed tax exemptions on zero-coupon bond investments, tax-free capital gains on treasury instruments in secondary markets and removal of the super tax on stock dividends. Shahadat concluded that Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture, and that a budget reflecting private sector priorities will broaden the tax base, reduce compliance burden, attract investment and strengthen investor confidence.

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) has signed Memoranda of Cooperation (MoCs) with three leading Chinese business chambers to strengthen bilateral relations and expand trade and investment cooperation. The agreements were signed on Saturday in Guangdong, China, with the Guangdong Chamber of Commerce of Importers & Exporters (GDCCIE), the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronics Products (CCCME), and the Guangzhou Chamber of Commerce for Outbound Business, according to a DCCI press release. DCCI Senior Vice President and delegation leader Razeev H Chowdhury signed the MoCs on behalf of the chamber, while representatives of the respective Chinese organisations signed for their sides. As part of the visit, DCCI delegation members also joined the “Trade Bridge–Bangladesh Matchmaking Event” held at the China Foreign Trade Centre during the 139th Canton Fair, where they participated in B2B meetings with around 270 Chinese companies. Speaking at a business session, Razeev said China remains a driving force in global trade and a major source of Bangladesh’s imports, which stood at around $18 billion in the last fiscal year. He noted that China is the fifth-largest foreign investor in Bangladesh, with investments of about $1.7 billion across multiple sectors. Razeev highlighted significant opportunities for bilateral collaboration in agro-processing, infrastructure, renewable energy, shipbuilding, automotive, light engineering, semiconductors and other high-tech industries. Director of CCPIT Qiu said Nansha holds strategic geographic importance and recorded a regional GDP exceeding RMB 240 billion in 2025, offering strong prospects for joint ventures in industrial clusters including automobiles, shipbuilding and biomedicine. Guangdong Chamber President Wu Shaowei said Bangladesh could serve as a gateway for Guangdong-made products to South Asian markets and stressed the need to deepen business linkages. CCCME Vice President Shi Yonghong described the 139th Canton Fair as a major platform for global business engagement, noting that it would help strengthen connections between Bangladeshi entrepreneurs and Chinese manufacturers.

The DSE Brokers Association of Bangladesh (DBA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Japan Securities Dealers Association (JSDA) aimed at fostering sustainable development, improving efficiency and strengthening international cooperation in Bangladesh’s capital market. The agreement was signed on April 9 by Takashi Hibino, chairman and CEO of JSDA, and Saiful Islam, president of DBA, on behalf of their respective organisations, according to a press release issued on Saturday. The MoU marks DBA’s first formal agreement with an international self-regulatory organisation (SRO), representing a significant milestone for the association and its efforts to strengthen Bangladesh’s capital market through global collaboration. Under the agreement, both organisations will work together in several key areas to support the development of the securities market. These include exchange of laws and regulations related to financial investment business and capital markets, development of governance frameworks, policy-making processes and operational practices of SROs, and strengthening supervision and compliance mechanisms. The cooperation will also focus on enhancing efficient and effective financial transaction systems, promoting innovation in new investment instruments and services, and expanding investor education programmes. Both sides also agreed to extend cooperation and consultation on other areas of mutual interest as required. Commenting on the agreement, DBA President Saiful Islam said the MoU represents a significant advancement for Bangladesh’s capital market. “Partnering with a well-established and experienced self-regulatory organisation like JSDA will play a crucial role in strengthening our market structure, governance and institutional capacity,” he said. The press release also noted that the Asia Securities Forum (ASF), established and operated by JSDA, is a prominent international platform for the securities industry in the Asia-Pacific region. Since becoming a member in 2023, DBA has been actively participating in various international meetings, seminars and initiatives organised by the forum, contributing to the development of Bangladesh’s capital market.  

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has emphasized that Bangladesh requires extensive reforms across three critical sectors, including financial, fiscal, and foreign exchange. According to the global lender, significant work remains to be done in each of these areas to ensure economic stability. Krishna Srinivasan, Director of the IMF's Asia and Pacific Department, made these remarks on Thursday while responding to questions from Bangladeshi journalists at a press conference in Washington, D.C. The briefing was attended by media representatives from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and South Korea, among other nations. The briefing took place on the sidelines of the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings, which commenced on April 13 and are scheduled to conclude on April 18. A 14-member Bangladeshi delegation, led by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Bangladesh Bank Governor Md. Mostaqur Rahman, is currently attending the meetings. Reflecting on his visit to Bangladesh on March 24, where he met with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and the Finance Minister, Srinivasan shared his impressions of the new government's capacity for reform. "I visited Bangladesh and held meetings with the Prime Minister and other high-level officials. We discussed the challenges ahead," Srinivasan stated. "I noted that a government with a strong majority has the opportunity to undertake ambitious reform agendas. They have listened to our suggestions; now we must wait and see how they respond," he opined. The IMF Director expressed concern over Bangladesh's revenue collection performance. "In terms of revenue mobilization, Bangladesh has not performed well. It remains at a low level and has seen further deterioration over the last three years," he noted. Regarding the release of the next loan tranche, he mentioned that discussions are ongoing, and updates would be provided in due course. Highlighting the situation in Sri Lanka, Srinivasan pointed out that under its IMF-supported program, the country has made significant strides in increasing its tax-to-GDP ratio over the last three years, gradually building financial buffers. He noted that Sri Lanka is now in a relatively better position to support citizens affected by energy price shocks. Srinivasan warned that because Bangladesh has a small revenue base, the government faces greater pressure when trying to provide social safety nets. "The people of Bangladesh are suffering. Therefore, it is crucial that whatever resources Bangladesh possesses are utilized with maximum target-based efficiency," he urged. He advised Bangladesh to focus on increasing revenue collection while addressing other barriers in the financial sector to boost both short-term and long-term growth. Like other Asian nations, Bangladesh has been impacted by global energy shocks, and Srinivasan concluded that policy support and program discussions are active, with the outcome depending on how effectively these dialogues progress.

A three-day international exhibition titled “11th Safecon 2026” has begun in Dhaka to enhance international cooperation in the renewable energy and infrastructure sectors. The exhibition was inaugurated at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) the capital’s Kuril on Thursday. Organized by Savor International Limited, the exhibition will remain open to all visitors from 16 April to 18 April every day from 10 am to 7 pm, said a media statement. Postmaster Communication is serving as the Event Partner of the exhibition. The event was inaugurated by the Special Guest Mostafa Al Mahmud, President, Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA).   Bilal Belyurt, Commercial Counsellor, The Embassy of Türkiye in Dhaka, Arefeen Raafi Ahmed, 2026 National President, JCI Bangladesh, Sunghoon Lee, Deputy Director, Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), Wang Hongbo, Vice President, Chinese Enterprises Association In Bangladesh (CEAB), A.Z.M. Azizur Rahman, Senior Vice President, Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCCI), and Md. Faizul Alam, Managing Director of Savor International Limited, were also present at the programme. The objective of the “11th SAFECON 2026” exhibition is to enhance facilities and opportunities in the infrastructure construction materials, water management, timber, engineered wood and technology, power industry sectors. “SAFECON 2026” serves as a business platform where companies from both local and international markets have the opportunity to showcase their products, technologies, and solutions, which will contribute to the development of the country’s infrastructure. The exhibition aims to strengthen B2B collaboration and the exchange of experience, and to inspire policymakers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and foreign investors involved in national development to explore new avenues for a progressive and sustainable future.  The event will play a significant role in expanding business networking, facilitating technology exchange, and creating new investment opportunities. It will also strengthen collaboration among policymakers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and foreign investors. A total of 400 stalls from more than 10 countries including Bangladesh, China, Korea, Turkey, India, Malaysia, and Singapore are taking part in the expo. The domestic and international companies related to infrastructure construction, power generation, renewable energy, water management, infrastructure equipment and machinery, timber, engineered wood, and technology are participating in the exhibition.

Bangladesh's capital market closed the week on a cautious note on Thursday, with both Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) recording marginal index gains while the majority of listed companies saw their share prices decline. At the DSE, the benchmark DSEX index edged up by just one point, the blue-chip DS30 rose six points, while the Shariah-based DSES remained flat. This offered little comfort to investors as decliners significantly outnumbered gainers. Of the total companies traded on the DSE, 201 saw price falls against 131 gains, while 62 remained unchanged. Turnover also slipped with total transactions falling Tk 30 crore from the previous session to stand at Tk 806 crore, compared to Tk 836 crore the day before. In the block market, shares worth Tk 26 crore changed hands across 38 companies, with Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC topping the block board at Tk 3.80 crore. Legacy Footwear Limited led the gainers' chart with a 6.25% price increase, while Premier Leasing and Finance Limited bore the steepest loss, shedding over 7% of its value. The CSE mirrored a similar trend, the CASPI gained nearly five points yet failed to reflect broader market health. Of the companies traded, 88 recorded price declines against 86 that advanced, while 34 remained unchanged. Daffodil Computers PLC surged nearly 10% to top the gainers' list, whereas Apex Tannery Limited shed close to 10% to finish at the bottom. Market analysts note that the divergence between index movements and broader price declines suggests selective buying in heavyweight stocks, with overall investor sentiment remaining subdued.

The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA), a pioneer investment promotion agency, stepped into its 46th year of operations on Wednesday, marking four and a half decades of transformative impact on industrialisation, exports, and employment. Operating under the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), BEPZA’s journey began following the BEPZA Act 1980, an initiative aimed at attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) during the post-independence economic reconstruction. The entity officially commenced its journey via a gazette notification on April 15, 1981, eventually ushering in a new era of export-led growth with the launch of Chattogram EPZ in 1983. Chinese firm to invest $15.34m in garment factory at BEPZA Economic Zone Economic Giant on Minimal Land BEPZA has set a global benchmark for achieving high economic returns from limited land resources. Occupying only 3,550 acres – less than 0.001% of the country’s total land mass – the EPZs contribute nearly 15%-20% of Bangladesh’s total national exports. In the fiscal year FY2024-25, BEPZA’s contribution to national exports stood at 17.03%. Over the last 45 years, the authority has attracted cumulative investments worth US$7.29 billion and facilitated the export of goods valued at more than $125 billion. Current Footprint and Expansion Currently, BEPZA manages eight EPZs: Chattogram, Dhaka, Mongla, Cumilla, Uttara, Ishwardi, Adamjee and Karnaphuli, alongside the BEPZA Economic Zone in Mirsharai, Chattogram. Work on establishing new EPZs in Jashore and Patuakhali is also progressing rapidly. The agency famously revitalised the national industrial landscape by converting non-profitable state enterprises, such as the Adamjee Jute Mills and Chattogram Steel Mills, into high-performing EPZs. Employment and Women Empowerment The zones currently employ approximately 5.5 lakh Bangladeshi citizens. A significant majority of this workforce consists of women, playing a pivotal role in the country’s social development and female empowerment. Beyond employment, BEPZA ensures worker welfare through dedicated hospitals, day-care centres, and educational institutions within the zones. Diversification and Green Industrialisation While the ready-made garment (RMG) sector remains a core component, BEPZA has successfully diversified the "Made in Bangladesh" portfolio. High-value products manufactured in the zones now include automobile parts and electronic components, camera lenses and eyeglasses frames, bicycles, and high-end footwear. Furthermore, BEPZA is leading the way in sustainable manufacturing with 27 LEED-certified green factories (including eight Platinum-rated). As of March 2026, the zones produce 32 MW of solar power, with a target to meet 25% of their total electricity demand from solar energy by 2030. The ‘Brand’ of Trust With its long-standing "One Window Service" model, BEPZA has become a symbol of reliability for both local and foreign investors. By ensuring strict compliance, a safe working environment, and efficient management, the authority continues to serve as a successful model for global industrialisation. As it enters its 46th year, BEPZA remains committed to driving sustainable and inclusive economic growth for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) on Wednesday raised the price of gold by Tk 2,216 per bhori, setting the new rate for 22-carat gold at Tk 2,50,193 per bhori, effective immediately. In a morning statement, BAJUS said the price revision was made in light of the overall market situation following a rise in the price of pure (tejabi) gold in the local market. Under the revised rates, 21-carat gold will be sold at Tk 2,38,820 per bhori, 18-carat at Tk 2,04,703, and traditional-method gold at Tk 1,66,737 per bhori (1 bhori = 11.664 grams). The last adjustment was made on the morning of April 9, when BAJUS had cut the price by Tk 4,432 per bhori, setting the 22-carat rate at Tk 2,47,977. So far in 2026, gold prices in the domestic market have been revised 55 times; raised on 32 occasions and reduced on 23. Silver prices also revised upward Alongside gold, BAJUS also raised silver prices on Wednesday, increasing the rate by Tk 350 per bhori. The new price of 22-carat silver has been fixed at Tk 6,065 per bhori. Other revised silver rates include: 21-carat at Tk 5,774 per bhori, 18-carat at Tk 4,957 per bhori, and traditional-method silver at Tk 3,732 per bhori. Silver prices have been adjusted 34 times so far this year; increased on 19 occasions and reduced on the remaining 15.

A 22-member delegation of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) will leave here for Guangzhou, China on Wednesday on a five-day visit aimed at strengthening Bangladesh-China economic engagement and expand bilateral trade and investment cooperation. The delegation, led by DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H Chowdhury, comprises exporters and importers involved in food manufacturing, ceramics, information technology, automotive, industrial oil and grease, shipping and logistics services, electrical and electronics, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, defence equipment and ready-made garment sectors, according to a press release issued on Tuesday. During the visit, the DCCI team will participate in a series of business forums and B2B networking sessions with leading Chinese trade promotion organisations and chambers, including CCPIT Guangzhou, CCPIT Guangzhou Nansha, Guangzhou Nansha Association of Trade in Services, Guangdong Chamber of Commerce of Importers & Exporters, China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronics Products and Guangzhou Overseas Enterprises Chamber of Commerce. The programme will also feature participation in China’s premier international trade exhibition, the Canton Fair, where the delegation will engage in structured buyer-seller matchmaking sessions and on-site business exploration. The team is also scheduled to attend the Guangzhou Sourcing Fair. Through the visit, DCCI aims to promote international trade, strengthen private sector collaboration and support Bangladeshi enterprises in integrating more effectively into global supply chains, the release added.

Bangladesh’s potential accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) could deliver positive trade and welfare gains, but also pose significant fiscal and structural challenges, according to a new study. The analysis, conducted by the Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID) and published recently, suggests that while joining the world’s largest trade bloc may not immediately transform Bangladesh’s export performance, it could act as a long-term catalyst for economic diversification, regional integration and investment inflows. RCEP, the world’s largest free trade agreement, was signed in November 2020 and came into force on January 1, 2022. The bloc brings together 15 Asia-Pacific economies, comprising the 10 ASEAN member states along with Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea, and accounts for nearly 30% of global GDP and population. The agreement aims to lower tariffs, harmonise trade rules and facilitate more efficient regional supply chains. Bangladesh has expressed interest in joining RCEP and has sought New Zealand’s support to secure membership in the world’s largest trade pact. The request was made in March during a bilateral meeting between Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir and New Zealand Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on the sidelines of a World Trade Organization conference. The study finds that Bangladesh’s exports to RCEP markets could rise modestly, reflecting the country’s existing preferential access as a Least Developed Country (LDC) in several member economies. Simulation results show exports could increase by about $415 million, with an additional $80 million diverted from non-RCEP markets, amounting to less than 1 percent of total exports. “This relatively small gain should not be misinterpreted as a lack of potential,” the report notes, highlighting that Bangladesh already enjoys duty-free access in key markets such as China, Japan and Australia. However, the broader significance lies in positioning Bangladesh within the fast-growing production networks of East and Southeast Asia, where trade is increasingly driven by integrated value chains rather than standalone exports. Currently, Bangladesh’s trade with RCEP is heavily import-dependent, with nearly 70% of total imports sourced from the bloc, while exports remain limited and concentrated in ready-made garments. One of the most immediate risks identified is a sharp decline in tariff revenue following liberalisation. The study estimates that Bangladesh could lose around $4.2 billion in tariff revenue under full liberalisation, equivalent to roughly 1.7% of GDP and nearly 75% of current tariff income. The largest losses are expected from imports originating in China, followed by India and Japan, as tariff elimination and trade diversion shift sourcing patterns. Key affected sectors include electrical machinery, industrial inputs, metals and motor vehicles – products that currently generate a substantial portion of government revenue. Despite these losses, the study notes that consumer welfare will improve due to lower import prices, generating a net welfare gain of over $950 million. The modelling results indicate that Bangladesh will experience a net positive trade effect, driven primarily by increased imports from more efficient RCEP suppliers. Trade creation is expected to exceed trade diversion, although the margin remains relatively narrow. China is projected to capture the largest share of increased trade flows, followed by countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand, reflecting their strong industrial base and competitiveness within the bloc. At the same time, non-RCEP partners such as India, the European Union and the United States could face reduced market share in Bangladesh due to shifting import patterns. The report emphasises that Bangladesh's real opportunity lies beyond immediate trade gains, particularly in integrating into regional value chains. Lower-cost imported inputs and improved trade facilitation could enhance competitiveness across multiple sectors, including textiles, leather goods, footwear, pharmaceuticals, plastics and light engineering. Footwear and selected non-RMG products show particularly strong growth potential, with some items projected to see export increases exceeding 100% under tariff liberalisation scenarios. Such diversification is critical as Bangladesh prepares for LDC graduation, which will gradually erode its existing preferential market access. The study also highlights opportunities in digital trade and services, supported by RCEP provisions on e-commerce, paperless trade and data flows. RCEP accession could also serve as a signal to global investors that Bangladesh is ready to operate within a rules-based trade framework. The agreement’s investment provisions covering transparency, investor protection and capital flows could help attract foreign direct investment, particularly in export-oriented manufacturing sectors. However, realising these benefits will depend heavily on domestic reforms, including improvements in infrastructure, logistics, regulatory consistency and energy supply. “RCEP can act as a strategic catalyst, but only if complemented by strong domestic policy adjustments,” the report suggests. Beyond tariffs, Bangladesh will need to align with a wide range of non-tariff measures under RCEP, including standards on customs procedures, sanitary and phytosanitary rules, and technical regulations. While these changes could reduce trade costs and improve market access, they would require significant institutional upgrades and regulatory capacity. The compliance burden is expected to be substantial, particularly given existing constraints in administrative and technical capabilities. The study recommends a phased approach to tariff liberalisation, allowing Bangladesh to manage revenue losses while strengthening domestic tax systems. High-revenue sectors such as fuels, machinery and chemicals may require longer transition periods to avoid abrupt fiscal shocks. At the same time, broader tax reforms, including improvements in VAT administration, will be necessary to offset declining border taxes. Overall, the report concludes that RCEP accession presents a mixed but potentially transformative opportunity for Bangladesh. While short-term export gains may be limited and fiscal risks significant, the long-term benefits – ranging from industrial upgrading to deeper regional integration – could be substantial. As Bangladesh navigates its post-LDC transition, joining RCEP could help secure more stable market access, attract investment and integrate into global production networks. However, the success of such a move will depend on careful policy design, institutional preparedness and the ability to manage the economic adjustments that come with deeper trade liberalisation.