Breaking news, industry insights, policy updates, and market intelligence on Bangladesh's export economy — RMG, pharmaceuticals, leather, jute, agriculture, and emerging sectors. Curated for trade professionals, exporters, buyers, and policymakers.
⚖️ Policy & Regulation
Bangladesh finalised a national roadmap for LDC graduation, targeting 7% GDP growth, 6% inflation, and 20% NPL ratio by 2029. Dhaka will lobby UN members ahead of UNGA session in September for a three-year deferral.
⚖️ Policy & Regulation
Bangladesh 1% turnover tax on SMEs under Finance Act 2026 can absorb 30% of net profit for low-margin traders. Tax applies even on losses. International comparison: UK, Canada, Australia, Japan tax on net profit. Author proposes 6 reforms.
⚖️ Policy & Regulation
Economists from CPD, Policy Exchange Bangladesh, and RAPID urge Bangladesh to accelerate domestic gas exploration. Gas crisis cutting production 30-50% in garments, textiles, steel, ceramics. FSRU fix only restores prior shortage.
⚖️ Policy & Regulation
Non-tariff measures now drive most trade costs globally, with developing countries facing a double burden of higher tariffs and increasingly complex regulatory compliance requirements.
⚖️ Policy & Regulation
PM Tarique Rahman has pledged a dedicated FSRU for industrial gas supply, 14-day business approvals, 24/7 customs at Chattogram Port, and e-visas for investors. The announcements came at a meeting with business leaders targeting $100 billion exports by 2030.
⚖️ Policy & Regulation
Petrobangla has denied plans to increase gas prices, issuing a public notice urging people not to be misled by speculative reports. The clarification comes amid the ongoing gas crisis and rising LNG spot prices.
⚖️ Policy & Regulation
Bangladesh's LNG struggle has deepened as long-term suppliers suspend cargoes and spot prices surge 34%. Petrobangla paid $22.35/MMBTu for spot LNG, compared to $11-12/MMBTu from contracted suppliers. Only 2 of 5 spot tender attempts succeeded.
⚖️ Policy & Regulation
The Bangladesh government is planning to introduce an AI-based data analytics system to forecast essential commodity shortages by analysing 10 years of data. Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said the platform would enable faster, better-informed decisions on commodity management.
⚖️ Policy & Regulation
Bangladesh must continue preparing for LDC graduation even if the transition is deferred by a few years, CPD economist Mustafizur Rahman has warned. The UNGA is scheduled to decide on Bangladesh's deferral request in September 2026.
⚖️ Policy & Regulation
A BUILD study reveals that Bangladeshi businesses in some sectors need up to 31 licences, 235+ documents, and 650 days to start operations. The study proposes a Single Digital Business Identity Number and one-stop licensing platform to reduce compliance costs by 30-50%.
⚖️ Policy & Regulation
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed authorities to complete the reopening and privatisation of long-closed state-owned industrial units by 2026. The directive came at a high-level meeting attended by key ministers and BIDA chairman.
⚖️ Policy & Regulation
Bangladesh has approved a 13-year LNG import deal with US-based Gunvor USA LLC worth approximately Tk 714.95 billion. The deal will supply 78 cargoes of LNG from 2026 to 2039 under a government-to-government framework to meet the country's growing energy demand.