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.
⭐ Featured Story
⚖️ Policy & Regulation
Bangladesh has introduced automated Account Verification System for savings certificates and bonds, with 9 of 11 national savings schemes now processed automatically for 39 lakh+ customers.
🌏 Diplomacy & Trade Missions
Bangladesh proposed importing gas from Myanmar via pipeline. Myanmar has 22 tcf reserves but produces 1.5 bcf/day (down from 2 bcf in 2016). Arakan Army controls border. Rohingya crisis complicates diplomacy. Pipeline proposal from 1997 revived.
📊 Economy & Finance
Bangladesh banks cut deposit rates 50-100 bps from August 1, pushing yields to 8.50-9% against 9.16% inflation. BB cut policy rate to 9.50%. Surplus liquidity rose to Tk 3,27,877 crore. BIBM former DG questions move.
🤝 Trade & Commerce
Md Fazlul Hoque appointed FBCCI administrator by Commerce Ministry. Former BKMEA President and Plummy Fashions MD. Must conduct free, fair election within 120 days. Replaces Md Abdur Rahim Khan effective June 27.
👕 RMG & Textile
At least 158 garment factories shut down in Gazipur between May 2025 and April 2026. Workers queue daily outside remaining factories seeking jobs. Women workers hit hardest, with database misuse blocking re-employment.
📊 Economy & Finance
Bangladesh taka falls to Tk 123.88 per dollar as import demand pressures forex. Imports grew 6.26% to $64B in July-May. Exports fell 2% to $40B. BB stopped buying USD since June 8 after purchasing $6.4B in FY26.
💊 Pharmaceuticals
Renata PLC entered Portugal with first shipment of 3 therapeutics: Amantadine (Parkinson's), Fludrocortisone (Addison's), Cabergoline (hyperprolactinemia). Already exports to 8 European markets including UK, France, Ireland.
⚖️ 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.
📊 Economy & Finance
Foreign loan commitments collapsed 37% to $5.24B in FY26 from $8.32B. Debt servicing rose to $4.49B. Remittances up 15% in July but below $3B benchmark. Selim Raihan warns external cushion thinning.
📊 Economy & Finance
Bangladesh foreign aid commitments fell 37% to $5.24B in FY26 from $8.32B. Debt servicing hit record $4.49B, up 11%. ERD data shows project loans halved. Grants also fell to $233.78M.
⚖️ 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.
👕 RMG & Textile
Bangladesh RMG and textile sectors face a critical phase with declining export orders, BDT 400,000 crore in bank exposure, and rising non-performing loans threatening industry stability.
🤝 Trade & Commerce
Bangladesh signs Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with the US, securing 19% tariff rate but committing to $15B energy purchases, Boeing aircraft, and policy constraints on defence procurement.