The withdrawal of the income tax exemption on returns from zero-coupon bonds under the Finance Bill FY2026-27 sits uneasily with the country’s efforts to develop a vibrant corporate bond market.

Bangladesh’s banking sector is facing one of its most serious challenges in recent history.

Alignment is often achieved the way we achieve traffic discipline: everyone honks, nobody moves, and yet each driver is fully confident that the jam is caused by someone else.

The budget projects GDP (gross domestic product) growth of 6.5 percent and inflation of 7.5 percent for 2026-27 fiscal year. Both targets warrant serious scrutiny.

The personal income tax structure proposed under the Finance Bill 2026 has been presented as a progressive reform, offering relief to lower-income earners while helping the government mobilise much-needed revenue.

Governor Mostaqur Rahman has remained true to his announcement. He committed to helping reopen closed factories and has launched stimulus packages to create synergy in the economy, though much depends on commercial banks, government guarantees and, more importantly, entrepreneurs themselves.

Every budget tells a story. Some focus on spending, some on growth and some on reform.

In Bangladesh, we have a special talent for feeding the stable owner, polishing the saddle, praising the horse and then wondering why the rider is still walking barefoot.

Bangladesh is at a moment of silent but significant transformation. One driven by technology, skills development and industrial diversification amid economic pressures and global uncertainty. This is the time to think clearly and plan ahead.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has prescribed tax deduction at source (TDS) on interest earned from savings and fixed deposits under the Income Tax Act 2023, as amended by the Finance Ordinance 2025

As Bangladesh Bank prepares its next Monetary Policy Statement, expected by the end of June, one question looms over the entire exercise: should the policy rate remain at 10 percent, or is it time to begin easing?

A national budget is more than a statement of revenue and expenditure. It reflects a government’s economic philosophy, political priorities and development strategy.

We have a tradition. When we cannot solve a problem, we form a committee. When we do not want to solve it, we form an inquiry committee.

The latest USTR proposal on forced-labour-related import restrictions raises issues that go well beyond Bangladesh’s immediate export interests.

Bangladesh is one of the fastest-growing economies, with expanding trade and GDP growth of around 4 percent.

The UN CDP’s recommendation to consider an extension of Bangladesh’s preparatory period for LDC graduation is a highly significant development

In the first days of March, Petrobangla went looking for an emergency cargo of liquefied natural gas (LNG), and no seller would bid.

The recent decline in the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio, from 35.73 percent in September 2025 to 30.60 percent in December, may appear encouraging.

The World Bank recently released two important reports. One is Industrial Policy for Development: Approaches in the 21st Century.

For many middle-class families in Bangladesh, especially in Dhaka, buying a flat is seen as a safe and respectable financial achievement.