After rebounding strongly over two years, the non-leather footwear exports lost momentum in the last fiscal year, logging only 1.6 percent growth as manufacturers grappled with high borrowing costs, capacity constraints and lingering political uncertainty.

Commercial banks have proposed introducing extra and some new charges for 14 services, including fees on frequent cash withdrawals, reactivating dormant accounts and higher account maintenance charges.

Nader Ali Mondal, a farmer from Jadurchar village in Kurigram’s Roumari upazila, expanded jute cultivation from eight to 10 bighas this season after earning good returns last year. But heavy rainfall during April and May reduced yields, and he now fears losses.

Huarun Tex Co Ltd, a Chinese company, will invest $30 million to build a textile manufacturing plant at the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza) Economic Zone in Mirsharai, Chattogram.

As Bangladesh prepares for LDC graduation and works to meet sustainability goals for 2030, businesses must make sustainability a core part of their strategies to remain competitive in global markets, said Shariful Islam, founder and managing director of Bangladesh Brand Forum.

Oil prices climbed more than 4 percent to their highest in more than a month on Friday. This came after the US and Iran stepped up attacks across the Gulf. Shipping was also threatened by a potential Red Sea closure.

Renowned multinational and large corporations will be brought to the stock market through direct listing, eliminating unnecessary delays for well-established firms, Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) chairman said yesterday.

Customers question higher withdrawal charges as businesses fear rising costs

Exporters discuss 'halal for export diversification' at event organised by Bangladesh Chamber of Industries

BSEC chairman announced the plan at a shadow parliament organised by Debate for Democracy on regulatory oversight of the capital market

The following is a recap of those major stories as covered by Star Business

The programme was held in front of Chattogram Press Club from 11am to 4pm

The factory will be built on a 36,000-square-metre site

The assurances came during separate meetings at the United Nations Headquarters

Two neighbours went to a village elder with a dispute. After hearing the first man, the elder said, “You are right”.

Uber launched a takeover bid for Delivery Hero on Thursday, giving the German ​firm a $14.8 billion equity value in a move that would create the largest food-delivery group outside China as competition with US and European rivals ‌heats up.

The Bangladesh Bank has extended a one-time loan settlement facility to borrowers of non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) whose businesses have become distressed due to “circumstances beyond their control,” following a similar scheme for bank borrowers.

The Bangladesh Bank (BB) has introduced rules for banks to facilitate import into free trade zones (FTZs), aiming to support trade flows by allowing manufacturers to import raw materials and other items and store them for up to 60 months.

Bangladesh’s long-term economic growth could slow if the government delays key economic and institutional reforms, Fitch Ratings has cautioned, saying such delays would also leave the economy more vulnerable to external shocks.

Bangladesh’s apparel exports to its two largest markets -- the European Union (EU) and the United States -- declined sharply in the first five months of 2026 as weaker global demand reduced export volumes and prices.