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
🤝 Trade & Commerce
Chattogram Customs House seized 467 consignments and filed 270 cases over suspected false declarations in Q1 FY27, recovering Tk 58.2 crore as enforcement jumped 83.6 percent year on year.
📊 Economy & Finance
Bangladesh Bank to withdraw administrators from merged Islamic banks by Aug 15. Sammilito Islami Bank gets new chairman and MD. Exim Bank administrator withdrawn July 30. 5 banks merged.
📊 Economy & Finance
Bangladesh "mattress money" (currency outside banks) growing, signaling weak depositor trust. Weak financial condition of some banks slows deposit rebound. Currency stays hugely outside banks.
🌾 Agriculture & Food
Power shortages threaten Khulna shrimp sector. 33,437 ha in Khulna, 38,982 ha Bagerhat, 74,249 ha Satkhira. Farmers struggle with oxygen-starved ponds. Processors use costly diesel for cold storage. Export industry at risk.
🤝 Trade & Commerce
US refunded ~$100B in Trump tariffs collected under IEEPA. Supreme Court ruled Feb 2026 president exceeded authority. $128.68B in refunds processing. Section 301 tariffs on Bangladesh remain intact. 25-state lawsuit pending.
👕 RMG & Textile
Bangladesh RMG exports to US fell 5.75% in Jan-Jun 2026 per OTEXA. June alone up 5.74% to $763.57M. Total US apparel imports down 8.04%. Cambodia +12.32%, China -37.69%. Bangladesh volume -3.69%, unit price -2.15%.
⚖️ Policy & Regulation
Bangladesh govt approved direct purchase of 8 LNG cargoes from 4 companies: Blackcube (UK), Global Fuel (Australia), Plentitude (Malaysia), Vitol (Switzerland). Also 5,000 tonnes LPG from Speed Group. DPM chosen for quick supply.
👕 RMG & Textile
Alliance Knit Composite Ltd (AKCL) in Ashulia laid off 565 workers effective August 8. Factory cites order slump and banking issues. 3,000 total workers. Section 20 Bangladesh Labour Act. Labour federation demands reinstatement.
📊 Economy & Finance
Oil prices slip as Iran cites progress with Oman on Hormuz agreement. Brent down 0.42% to $79.12. WTI down 0.56% to $74.80. Iran-Oman reach understanding on shipping route. Joint announcement being finalised.
💼 Investment & FDI
BIDA chief says policy uncertainty hurting investment confidence. Investors cite lack of policy continuity and political stability. FY27 budget opportunity. ICT and renewable energy priority. Gas and power shortages acknowledged.
📊 Economy & Finance
Gold hits 7-week peak. Spot gold $4,254.98 (+0.2%), highest since June 18. US futures $4,312.80. Biggest daily gain since February. Iran-Oman Hormuz agreement progress driving optimism.
⚖️ Policy & Regulation
Bangladesh govt drafts revised Gold Policy 2026. Commerce Minister Muktadir seeks feedback by Aug 10. Bajus president Enamul Haque Khan attends. Policy aims to formalise gold trade and reduce smuggling.
👕 RMG & Textile
Guardian Life Insurance and BKMEA partner for knitwear workers. Tk 250 annual premium. Life insurance, telemedicine, 500+ hospital discounts. Covers workers and families. BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem signed MoU.