United News of Bangladesh

The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) on Wednesday urged the newly elected government to enforce strict macroeconomic discipline and fast-track structural reforms. It warned that without decisive policy action the ongoing recovery of Bangladesh’s economy could remain fragile amid persistent inflation, weak private investment and financial sector stress. Presenting a paper titled “Bangladesh Economy: Trends, Challenges, and Policy Priorities for the Newly Elected Government” at a roundtable held at BRAC Inn Centre in the city, CPD Executive Director Dr Fahmida Khatun said the country stands at a ‘critical juncture’ as it prepares for LDC graduation in November 2026 and navigates a post-election transition. Improved law and order seen key to cutting business costs: DCCI The event, titled “Looking into Bangladesh’s Development: Priority for the Newly Elected Government in the Short to Medium Term,” was organised by CPD. According to the presentation, real GDP growth declined to 3.49 percent in FY2025 from 4.2 percent in FY2024, reflecting macroeconomic pressures and subdued investment. However, growth rebounded to 4.50 percent in the first quarter of FY2026, up from 2.58 percent in the corresponding period a year earlier, indicating a gradual recovery in economic activity. Inflationary pressure has eased somewhat. Inflation fell to 8.66 percent in January 2026 from 9.7 percent in June FY2024, driven mainly by a slowdown in food inflation, which dropped to 7.79 percent. However, wage growth remained stagnant at 8.12 percent in January 2026, continuing to exert pressure on household purchasing power, it said. Private sector credit growth dropped to a record low of 6.10 percent in December 2025, underscoring persistent weakness in private investment. In contrast, net government credit growth surged to 32.19 percent in December 2025, reflecting increased reliance on bank borrowing to finance fiscal needs. Revenue mobilisation remains a major concern. In FY2025, the tax-to-GDP ratio fell to 6.78 percent and the revenue-to-GDP ratio to 7.81 percent. At the same time, the total debt-to-GDP ratio increased to 38.61 percent, driven by rises in both domestic and external debt. Besides, total revenue growth reached 17.74 percent during July-September FY2026, signalling a positive shift compared to the same period of the previous fiscal year.  Operating expenditure growth remained above 11 percent, while development expenditure showed volatility. The paper highlighted growing stress in the banking sector. The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio rose sharply from 12.56 percent in June 2024 to 35.73 percent in September 2025, largely due to the adoption of internationally aligned loan classification standards. Although the NPL ratio declined to 30.60 percent in December 2025 following extensive loan rescheduling, CPD warned that underlying governance weaknesses need urgent attention. Meanwhile, the advance-deposit ratio declined to 78.3 percent and the liquidity coverage ratio improved to 185.3 percent, indicating improved short-term liquidity conditions. Export performance weakened during July-January FY2026, recording a negative year-on-year growth of 1.93 percent, mainly due to a slowdown in readymade garment shipments. Import payments grew by 3.91 percent over the same period, driven primarily by higher imports of intermediate goods. However, remittance inflows stood at $19.43 billion during July-January FY2026, marking a robust 21.76 percent year-on-year increase. Foreign exchange reserves provided 5.6 months of import cover as of December FY2026, with gross reserves reaching $30.36 billion as of February 26. Fahmida outlined five broad policy priorities for the short to medium term— 1. Containing inflation: Ensure coordinated monetary and fiscal discipline, stabilise the exchange rate, address supply bottlenecks and expand targeted social protection. 2. Reviving private investment: Improve access to finance for productive sectors, invest in infrastructure and skills, ensure regulatory predictability and strengthen capital markets. 3. Strengthening fiscal discipline: Broaden the tax base, accelerate digitalisation of revenue systems, enhance tax administration and prioritise high-impact development spending. 4. Restoring banking sector confidence: Deepen financial sector reforms, resolve NPLs through time-bound strategies, safeguard the independence of the central bank and strengthen oversight and transparency. 5. Enhancing external resilience: Promote export diversification beyond readymade garments, provide targeted support to emerging sectors and proactively implement a smooth transition strategy ahead of LDC graduation. CPD said that sustained macroeconomic discipline, institutional reforms and policy consistency will be critical to restoring investor confidence, safeguarding stability and steering Bangladesh towards inclusive and resilient growth in the coming years.

Customers can enjoy discounts and cashback of up to Tk 10,000 on payments made through bKash during Ramadan and ahead of Eid, as part of special festive campaigns launched by the mobile financial service provider. Under the campaign, shoppers will receive a range of benefits on purchases at selected outlets, including clothes, footwear, electronics, groceries, ordering iftar-sehri, ticketing, hotel bookings, etc. with bKash payment. The offers include instant discounts as well as cashback on payments made using bKash through QR code, app payment and other designated methods, according to the company. All discount and cashback offer will remain valid until March 21, 2026. Superstores: Throughout Ramadan and ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, customers can use the ‘D2’ coupon in the bKash app to get up to Tk 500 discount at various superstores including Agora, Meena Bazar, Unimart, Prince Bazar, Bengal Meat, Wholesale Club, Khulshi Mart, Utsab Super Market, and more. Besides, using coupon ‘D3’, Tk 300 discount can be availed at superstore chains Shwapno and Daily Shopping. Additionally, online grocery platforms- Chaldal,Daily Shopping, Meena Bazar, and Paragon also offer up to Tk 200 cashback. Lifestyle Brands: Using coupon ‘S3’ in the bKash app, customers can avail Tk 300 discount at Sailor and Tk 200 discount at Sara Lifestyle.   With coupon ‘D1’, customers can get up to Tk 1,000 discount across a wide range of brands including MR. DIY, Artisan, Country Boy, Dorji Bari, Ecstasy, Fabrilife, Freeland, Yellow, Illiyeen, Kay Craft, Bishworang, Anjan’s, Raw Nation, Shoilpik, Smartex, Texmart, Hoor, Goyna Baksho, Sunvee’s, and many others. Coupon ‘D5’ offers Tk 200 discount at Takdum, Miniso Bangladesh, and several other merchants. Meanwhile, using coupon ‘D8’, customers can get Tk 300 discount at Easy Fashion, Gentle Park, Infinity Mega Mall, Lubnan, Richman, Top Ten Fabrics and Tailors, and several other outlets. Additionally, customers can enjoy up to Tk 200 cashback at Aarong when paying through bKash. Online Marketplaces: This Ramadan, customers can get Tk 60 discount voucher on bKash payments at Daraz. Also, Star Tech-Online, Othoba, Robishop, Lubnan, Aromatica, and various other online stores are offering 10% to 20% cashback, up to Tk 300. This cashback is also applicable when ordering pet care items from Amar Pet, Pet Food BD, and Pet Mama. Restaurants: Customers can enjoy up to Tk 750 discount using the ‘D4’ coupon at more than 2,000 restaurants nationwide. In Dhaka, discounts are available at outlets including Galito’s, Burger King, CP Five Star, Chili’s Restaurant, Delhi Darbar, among others. In Chattogram, customers can enjoy the discount at Pizza Lounge, Secret Recipe, Bay Leaf Restaurant, Kutum Bari, Papa Chinos, and several more. Besides, Tk 50 cashback can be availed on bKash payments of at least Tk 600 made at KFC self-checkout. At outlets of Decent Pastry Shop, Star Bakery, and Star Hotel & Restaurant, customers can enjoy Tk 1,000 discount throughout Ramadan on iftar purchases. Moreover, over 250 other food shops and bakeries are offering an additional Tk 500 discount on iftar orders. Electronics & Furniture: Using coupon ‘D6’, customers can get Tk 200 discount at over 1,200 outlets nationwide, including Walton Plaza, Haier, Singer, Vision Emporium, Apple Mart BD, and Gadget & Gear. Meanwhile, furniture brands such as Akhtar Furniture, Brothers Furniture, Hatil, Hi-Tech Furniture, Nadia Furniture, Navana Furniture, Otobi, and Tanin Bangladesh are offering up to Tk 600 discount. Ticketing and Hotel Booking: Ahead of Eid holidays, customers can get Tk 200 cashback on bus tickets from Imperial Express, Seba Green Line, Shyamoli Paribahan and several others through bKash payment. Besides, air tickets from Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla, Air Astra, and Novoair booked with bKash payment offer up to Tk 1,000 cashback. Customers can also enjoy Tk 600 cashback when booking selected hotels and resorts across the country. All Ramadan and Eid shopping campaigns with bKash payment can be seen at this link: https://www.bkash.com/en/campaign/ramadan-offer-payment-hero-2026.    

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Wednesday said the recently signed trade agreement between Bangladesh and the United States is not irreversible and there remains scope for amendment, addition or deletion of provisions if necessary. He said the deal contains elements that could help further strengthen bilateral trade ties in the future and should not be viewed as “wholesale negative” or “wholesale positive.” The minister made the remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur at the Commerce Ministry. He said the agreement was signed with the aim of expanding economic, trade and investment relations between the two countries. Referring to bilateral trade, the commerce minister said trade volume between Bangladesh and the United States exceeds $8.5 billion while Bangladesh imports goods worth nearly $2.75 billion from the US. As a single country, the US remains one of Bangladesh’s largest trading partners, he said. He said discussions also touched investment, digital infrastructure development and future economic cooperation, alongside trade. Responding to a question about whether the February 9 trade deal was discussed in detail at the meeting, he said it did not come up specifically. “The agreement was signed on the 9th. There was no separate discussion on it today,” he said. Large portion of workforce remains informal; Commerce Minister urges formalization Asked whether issues mentioned in a congratulatory letter from US President Donald Trump — including trade and defence-related matters — were discussed, the adviser said the trade deal was not a topic of discussion at the meeting and military issues do not fall under the Commerce Ministry’s jurisdiction. On allegations that Bangladesh’s interests were not adequately protected in the deal, he said any agreement involves two parties and typically contains provisions favourable to both sides. Responding to another question he said “If you find any problematic provision, you can raise it with us. No agreement is the end of life. Every agreement contains its own clauses for review and self-correction. If we find that any provision requires amendment or modification, there is always scope for further negotiation,” he said. He also urged all not to be overly concerned.  

Police have recovered the body of a woman with her throat slit at a rented house in Mirhazirbagh area  in the capital. The deceased is Lucky Akter,17, of Ratanpur village under Sadar Thana in Bhola district. Lucky had been living with her husband at a rented house at Mirhazaribagh under Shyampur police station. Her husband, Sajeeb, is currently on the run. The body was recovered around 4:30 pm on Tuesday from a tin-shed house and later sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) for autopsy, said sub-Inspector Md. Shahadat Hossain of Shyampur Police Station. Police suspect that Sajeeb killed his wife and fled the spot, leaving the body in the house.

WildTeam has begun installing solar lights in forest-edge villages of Mongla as part of the continuation of its community-based Sundarbans conservation programme. Recently, 10 solar lights were installed in South Chila and Burburia. The initiative follows the recent launch of WildTeam’s Improved Cooking Stove (ICS) Distribution Programme at the WildTeam Conservation Biology Centre (WCBC) in Joymoni. The solar light installation is being implemented in the same programme areas under the Chandpai Range, including Joymonir Ghol, South Chila and Burburia, according to a media statement. The solar lighting intervention is being introduced as a practical night-time safety and conflict-risk reduction measure in forest-edge areas where visibility remains low and human-tiger conflict risks increase after dark. Solar lights are being installed at vulnerable points to create illuminated deterrent stretches so that tiger movement toward village areas can be reduced, communities can detect risks earlier, and emergency response can be safer and more organized. Locations are being prioritized using previous human-tiger conflict patterns and local risk information. The need for stronger protection measures in these villages is linked not only to community safety, but also to broader conservation risks in the Sundarbans landscape. Poaching and illegal killing remain major threats to tigers and their principal prey species, while the forest-edge setting and night-time movement create vulnerabilities that require better vigilance, information sharing and community engagement. In this context, improved lighting at selected points is expected to support safer local movement after dark and strengthen the overall protective environment around village edges. Local residents have already started describing the immediate importance of the installation. One villager said fishermen and other villagers often fear using dark village roads at night, and that solar lights would help them move more comfortably and with less fear. Anju Begum of Burburia said, “Sometimes our cattle are at risk at night as the Sundarbans is just opposite across the river. A tiger took my cow a few years ago. We used to forbid our children from going outside after dusk. Now that the solar lights are installed, I feel more confident about the safety of our cattle and our children.” Bijoy Biswas from Joymonir Thota said, “During cyclones and other natural disasters, the whole area goes under water and there is no electricity. On a new moon night, it becomes dark like a grave, and it is impossible to distinguish the end of the village from the river boundary. These lights will help us identify the last border of the village and help us navigate better during disaster periods.”

Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has sought the bank account details of Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan, a former adviser to the interim government and a key leader of the July uprising. BFIU issued a directive to all banks and financial institutions on Monday, instructing them to submit all records related to Mahmud’s personal accounts within three working days. Asif Mahmud, a former adviser to Prof Yunus-led interim government, held portfolios in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and later the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives. He resigned on December 10 last year ahead of the 13th Parliamentary Election and is currently serving as the spokesperson of the National Citizen Party (NCP). Response from Asif Mahmud Speaking to the media on Tuesday night, Asif Mahmud said, "As far as I know, the bank account details of four advisers including myself have been sought." However, the identities of the other three advisers  could not be immediately verified. In a social media post on Tuesday night, the former adviser  said he has already submitted his wealth amstatement to the Cabinet Division before resigning from his post. "I will open my bank statements to everyone tomorrow to ensure transparency," he wrote. The BFIU’s move comes amid ongoing financial scrutiny of individuals who held high-ranking positions following the political transition on August 5, 2024.

Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khondkar Abdul Muktadir on Tuesday said a significant part of the country’s workforce still falls within the informal sector. He emphasized that bringing all sectors gradually under a formal structure is essential for achieving sustainable and balanced national growth. The minister made the remarks during separate meetings of the Tripartite Consultative Council (TCC) and the RMG TCC at the CIRDAP International Centre in Dhaka. Factory workers’ arrears must be paid before Eid: Commerce Minister Highlighting government initiatives for low-income citizens, Muktadir said preparations for the ‘Family Card’ programme, outlined in the election manifesto, are progressing rapidly. Under the programme, each family will receive a card through which support worth BDT 2,500 per month will be provided. While not a direct ration system, the scheme is expected to largely meet ration-related needs. The minister stressed the importance of regular dialogue to address industrial and labor issues and instructed the labor secretary to hold TCC meetings consistently. He said, “Debates or heated exchanges during discussions are part of the democratic process. There is nothing to fear; sustainable solutions can be reached through dialogue.” Decision on US tariffs, trade deal after review: Commerce Minister Muktadir also warned that unless the labor sector is formalized, ensuring compliance with international standards and protecting workers’ rights would be difficult. The meetings, chaired by Labor and Employment and Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, also discussed timely payment of wages and allowances and granting holidays to factory workers ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. The minister urged effective measures to prevent labor unrest in the RMG sector. State Minister for Labor and Expatriates’ Welfare Md Nurul Haque and Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin attended as special guests. Other participants included Fazle Hasan Shamim of the Bangladesh Employers’ Federation and TCC Vice President Anwar Hossain. The sessions were conducted by Labor Secretary Md. Abdur Rahman Torfadar and attended by representatives of both employers and workers.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Md. Mustaqur Rahman on Tuesday affirmed that the operations of Sammilito Islami Bank, formed through the merger of five Shariah-based banks, will continue as planned. The Governor also sent a stern warning to those involved in the misappropriation of funds from these banks during the tenure of the fallen Awami League government, stating that the government will ensure they face legal punishment. Bangladesh Bank buys $25 million from banks to stabilize market Governor Rahman shared these directives during a meeting with the newly appointed administrators of the five banks and senior officials of the central bank at his office on Tuesday, according to meeting sources. During the meeting, the Governor instructed officials to expedite the appointment of a Managing Director for Sammilito Islami Bank. He confirmed that the current Board of Directors will remain in place to oversee the transition. In a move to stabilize the economy, the Governor emphasized the revival of industrial units under the jurisdiction of these five banks. New Bangladesh Bank Governor outlines vision for investment-led growth "Initiatives must be taken to restart factories that are currently non-functional. We must ensure these units return to production," he reportedly said, adding that the central bank would assist in clearing any outstanding foreign dues of these institutions to facilitate operations. Officials present at the meeting noted that the Governor’s clear stance has dispelled the prevailing confusion and rumors regarding the future of the merger. This follows a similar message delivered by the Governor on Sunday during a meeting with representatives from the Association of Bankers, Bangladesh (ABB). In that meeting, he asserted that ongoing reforms in the banking sector would continue unabated and that he would not succumb to any political pressure. Furthermore, in alignment with the current government’s electoral pledge to create 10 million jobs within the first 18 months, the Governor pledged policy support to revive factories that were shut down due to recent political shifts. Following the fall of the Awami League government, the interim administration merged five struggling banks—EXIM, Social Islami, First Security Islami, Union, and Global Islami Bank—to form Sammilito Islami Bank. The new entity began its journey with a total capital of Tk 35,000 crore. Of this, the government provided Tk 20,000 crore, while the remaining Tk 15,000 crore will be sourced from a dedicated fund for depositors. Additionally, an initiative is underway to pay out Tk 12,000 crore from the Deposit Insurance Fund to approximately 78 lakh depositors, with each receiving up to Tk 2 lakh.

Bangladesh Imamia Ulama Society on Tuesday brought out a protest procession in front of Jatiya Press Club protesting the recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Bangladesh Imamia Ulama Society also formed a human chain in front of the Jatiya Press Club. Speakers at the rally alleged that the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in what they described as a ‘barbaric attack’ constitutes a clear violation of international law. Jamaat condemns Khamenei’s killing, holds protest rally in Dhaka They said the strikes by the United States and Israel, carried out in violation of Iran’s sovereignty and the authority of its people, pose a serious threat to global peace and stability. The ongoing spread of conflict across the Middle East could lead to devastating consequences, they said. The speakers also criticised the timing of the attacks during the holy month of Ramadan, alleging that the actions once again exposed what they termed the ‘terrorist nature’ of Israel and the United States. They described the strikes as a direct violation of international law, the UN Charter and the fundamental principles of sovereignty of independent states. The protesters urged the United Nations and other international forums to play an active role in safeguarding Iran’s sovereignty and to take immediate steps to stop the war. Later, a procession was brought out from the Jatiya Press Club which ended at Paltan.

Railway Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Tuesday announced a 25 percent fare concession for persons with disabilities, students and citizens aged above 65 on metro rail and all other railway services. “It may take some time for the concession to come into effect,” said the minister while talking to reporters at Secretariat. When asked whether freedom fighters would receive the same benefit, he said the issue was not discussed. 'Not all collections in the road transport sector is extortion': Roads, Railways and Shipping Minister Regarding online ticketing, the minister said the discount option will be available in the system. Passengers aged 65 and above will have to show their national ID card to avail 25 percent concession and they will also need to present ID during onboard checks, he said. Students must show valid student ID cards while persons with disabilities will need to display the government-issued disability card. Replying to another question, the minister said the government is working for the overall development of the railway sector including improving service quality and increasing train speeds to ensure shorter travel times. The minister said efforts are underway to operate 85 to 86 locomotives during Eid to maintain schedules and handle additional passenger pressure. “If we can operate that number of locomotives it will be possible to maintain schedules and carry extra passengers. There will be no scope for schedule disruption,” he added. The Minister also said there will be no opportunity to charge excess fares during Eid travel. He said meetings were held with bus and launch owners’ associations who pledged not to raise fares.  “We are keeping them under monitoring and this will be enforced at any cost,” he said, expressing hope that Eid travel will be comfortable with everyone’s cooperation.