Budget lacks bold trade reforms amid LDC graduation, US tariff threats

Despite its potential to accelerate economic growth, Bangladesh’s automobile sector remains constrained by the absence of a conducive national policy, keeping logistics costs among the highest in the world.

Bangladesh’s economic confidence has improved following the announcement of a firm election timeline, ending political uncertainty that had been weighing on investor sentiment, according to Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed.

Officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) who are currently staging demonstrations over, among other issues, recent transfer orders, yesterday announced that they would not join a meeting called by Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed today.

A joint taskforce is going to be formed to introduce legal changes that would make it mandatory for large companies to go public if their loans or turnover cross a certain threshold, said the stock market regulator yesterday.

Bangladesh needs to expand its renewable energy capacity by 21 percent annually to meet its latest green energy target by 2030, requiring nearly $1 billion in yearly investment, according to a study by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA).

Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves hit $22.24 billion on June 24, the highest since August 2023, boosting the country’s capacity to pay import bills for over four months, as multilateral lenders released budget support funds for the government.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that China can continue to purchase Iranian oil after Israel and Iran agreed to a ceasefire, a move that the White House clarified did not indicate a relaxation of US sanctions.

In Bangladesh, we cannot think of a holistic economy without attending to the CMSME sector. From rural artisans to urban tech start-ups, CMSMEs are everywhere, creating jobs, generating income, and driving inclusive growth. Over the past decade, it is evident that the Bangladesh Bank, along with private commercial banks, has made significant strides in improving access to finance. This effort continues to evolve.

Bangladesh’s macroeconomic landscape is showing early signs of stability after months of volatility, as inflation appears to have peaked, foreign exchange reserves are steadying, the taka has firmed up, and export performance is improving, according to Standard Chartered Bangladesh.

The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) is preparing to take over the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) for now, as the current contract with private operator Saif Powertec Ltd is set to expire on July 6.

CPA floats tender for equipment as it awaits ministry's nod to operate terminal

BRRI launches 24/7 farmer hotline

The adviser, however, added that liabilities of foreign-funded projects should still be repaid

GDP growth may reach 5% in FY26, the bank predicts

Unit price will be $13.52 per million British Thermal Units

The DSEX gained 49.98 points to close at 4,767.64

A meeting will take place at 5pm tomorrow

Investors took a ceasefire between Israel and Iran as a green light to head back into riskier assets

Officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) continued their nationwide pen-down strike for a second consecutive day yesterday, demanding the removal of the NBR chairman and the cancellation of recent transfer orders.