Sohel Parvez

TakaPay card, the first-ever national debit card, has failed to secure a significant foothold in the two years since its launch by the central bank, aimed at reducing dependency on global payment networks such as Visa and Mastercard.

Bangladesh has met the criteria to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, but serious gaps in trade readiness, macroeconomic stability and institutional strength could threaten a smooth transition in November 2026, according to a new independent assessment commissioned by the United Nations (UN).

Bangladesh has recorded a sharp jump in hybrid rice coverage as many farmers gradually move away from farming inbred and local varieties, looking for higher yields and profits.

The reciprocal trade deal signed by the interim government with the United States has raised questions regarding the economic sovereignty of Bangladesh, especially in decisions on trade, energy and security.

Over the past three and a half decades, Bangladesh has seen the entry of several dozen private airlines and helicopter operators, driven by the ambition to capture a share of the country’s growing passenger and cargo market.

The interim government’s net borrowing from the banking system rose almost fivefold in the first seven months of the current fiscal year 2025-26, as spending raced ahead of sluggish revenue collection.

Banking is no longer limited to brick-and-mortar branches. People are banking remotely using the internet more and more. Of late, mobile applications have come up as a new and inviting option, and a growing number of customers are using apps for banking in Bangladesh.

Production remains over 10 lakh tonnes thanks to improved varieties

Record remittances and recovering foreign-exchange reserves offer a rare cushion, but weakening exports expose vulnerabilities

Tents and camping gear exports are showing signs of revival, with global buyers placing fresh orders after selling off pandemic stockpiles.

Bangladesh remains heavily dependent on imports for sugar, palm oil, soybean oil and wheat

Recovery began in July, following an overall export decline of 4 percent in FY2024-25

India was the second-largest supplier with 1.4 million bales, followed by Benin

The decline is owed to a reduction in Aush rice acreage, which is harvested during the monsoon

Banks’ lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has fallen to a four-year low, putting the brakes on the rising trend in loan disbursements, as political uncertainty and the economic slowdown have dampened borrowing appetite among entrepreneurs.

Farmers and agriculturists said repeated floods and unfavourable weather affected Aman season paddy last year

The long queues at OMS trucks depict a harsh reality as Bangladesh continues to struggle with high inflation

Bangladesh Bank has hiked the policy rate on 11 occasions since May 2022

Bangladesh Bank has been maintaining a contractionary monetary policy stance for nearly two years to bring down inflation

The yield on 10-year bond dropped below 10%