Jagaran Chakma

Business leaders have called for the urgent appointment of a private-sector administrator and the swift holding of elections at the apex trade body, warning that prolonged administrative uncertainty is weakening the trade body and undermining business confidence.

Bangladesh’s net foreign direct investment witnessed a sharp 39 percent increase in 2025, reaching $1.77 billion, according to central bank data.

Say businesses, proposing shop hours from 1pm to 9pm and smart energy management

Bangladesh’s plastics industry is facing a severe disruption, as the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran rattles global energy and petrochemical markets, industry insiders say.

Sales of electronics and home appliances are witnessing an unusual slowdown even close to Eid-ul-Fitr, with demand for products such as televisions and refrigerators showing only marginal improvement and remaining near regular-day levels instead of the customary festive surge.

Bangladesh’s processed food exports to key Middle Eastern markets have come to a standstill as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz caused by the US-Israeli war on Iran have halted shipments, leaving containers stranded and exporters fearing mounting financial losses.

Bangladeshi companies are increasingly investing abroad, with net foreign direct investment (FDI) outflows soaring more than ninefold in the July-September quarter of 2025 compared with the same period the year before.

Despite a slight improvement toward the end of the year, Dhaka’s luxury hotel industry struggled through much of 2025 amid political uncertainty, economic slowdown and declining foreign tourist arrivals.