The Business Standard
Why our technical training centres failing to deliver
At the Feni Technical Training Centre, three computer numerical control (CNC) machines were installed in 2018 at a cost of Tk20-30 lakh each to train workers for modern industry. But the systems, which control machine tools for precise cutting and...
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Most listed manufacturers record losses on high interest, weak demand
Manufacturing firms posted a modest growth in net profits last year, yet most of the sectors, including paper, tannery and cement faced massive declines due to soaring cost of finance and slowing demand, according to an analysis of listed firms. Data...
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Govt moves to reopen airports to boost economy, exports in North
The government has taken an initiative to gradually reactivate closed domestic airports in northern districts to boost regional economic activity through improved connectivity. Bogura Airport tops the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (Caab)’s...
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Supply up but relief limited as fuel distribution stays uneven
Even though fuel supply in the country has increased, with higher allocations and improved depot dispatches easing some of the earlier pressure at filling stations, persistent gaps in supply management and uneven distribution continue to blunt the...
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Fuel chaos drags on: Plans like odd-even rationing yet to be considered
Despite official assurances of adequate fuel stocks, underpinned by Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) data, long queues and intermittent supply disruptions continued at filling stations across the country yesterday. While analysts and experts...
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Dhaka-ctg corridor: 10-lane highway or fully elevated?
A deep policy divide has emerged over the future of Bangladesh’s most critical economic artery as two state agencies are pursuing competing visions for the 231km Dhaka-chattogram corridor. The Roads and Highways Department (RHD) has finalised a plan...
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No real fuel shortage in Bangladesh, crisis artificially created: Energy minister
ENERGY – DHAKA
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How defaults and delayed justice trap bond investors
Bangladesh’s bond investors are caught in a prolonged limbo, facing stalled coupon payments and expired tenures without redemption, while recovery efforts often drag on for years, typically starting only after the issuers collapse. The crisis has...
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Tehran declares Strait of Hormuz completely open
Iran ‘in full force’ until Iran has announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz following a ceasefire agreement linked to Lebanon, while US President Donald Trump said a broader deal to end the conflict could come “soon,” though no timeline has...
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IMF blocks pending loan tranches for now, citing reform failure
The International Monetary Fund has declined to release the next tranche of Bangladesh’s existing loan programme by June, citing that the country has failed to implement agreed reforms in the revenue and banking sectors, and has instead proposed...
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Real estate sinks deeper as booking cancellations surge, defaults hit 26.7%
Bangladesh’s real estate sector is facing one of its deepest downturns in recent years, marked by a wave of booking cancellations following the political shift on 5 August 2024, while rising construction costs, high interest rates, and global...
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Govt plans big-spend budget for jobs, growth amid revenue doubts
The newly elected BNP government is preparing a large expansionary budget in its first fiscal plan, aimed at meeting public expectations, accelerating development activities to create jobs, and restoring the economy to a higher growth trajectory...
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Fiscal pressure builds as Bangladesh faces $26B DEBT servicing in next five yefrs
Bangladesh is entering a period of intense fiscal pressure, with external debt servicing set to surge sharply over the next five years, exposing the limits of its already weak revenue base. According to an Economic Relations Division (ERD) report, the...
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Govt considers not raising fuel taxes even if prices rise
As part of efforts to stabilise the market, the government is considering retaining existing taxes and duties on fuel imports even if retail fuel prices are raised. For instance, the government currently earns around Tk38 per litre of petrol priced at...
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Govt eyes $3.25b budget support to secure energy, food supply
The government is seeking to secure $3.25 billion in budget support from development partners to tackle potential economic stress and ensure energy and food security amid the ongoing Middle East tension. Officials at the Economic Relations Division...
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Ahead of talks in Pakistan, Israeli strikes on Lebanon threaten Iran truce
As Pakistan is getting ready to host the “Islamabad Talks”, scheduled to begin tomorrow with high-level participation from Washington and Tehran, Israeli strikes continue to pound Lebanon, which Iran says breach the ceasefire. In Pakistan, authorities...
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A sigh of relief for Bangladesh
The announcement of a two-week ceasefire in the Us-israel war on Iran war came as a welcome respite for Bangladesh, easing fears of prolonged disruption in energy supply chains and bringing a sharp fall in oil prices. For Bangladesh – heavily reliant...
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Trump says ‘whole civilisation will die tonight’ if Iran fails to make deal
US President Donald Trump threatened that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” as Iran showed no sign of accepting his ultimatum to open the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday evening, Washington time (this morning, Bangladesh time). Trump has given Iran...
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Govt considers EV duty cuts to ease fuel import pressure
Facing persistent energy pressures and rising fuel import costs, the government is moving to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVS), particularly in commercial transport, by proposing significant duty reductions on their imports. In a...
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Fuel supply rises across segments; why then long queues at filling stations?
Despite a steady increase in fuel supply in recent days – surpassing average daily consumption levels of the past two fiscal years – motorists across the country continue to endure long waits at filling stations. Industry insiders said this mismatch...
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PM hears businesses, assures tax, credit, logistics reforms to unlock investment
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has initiated a reform drive aimed at removing longstanding barriers to investment and improving the ease of doing business, signalling a policy shift towards a more facilitative economic environment. The move came at a...
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Russia, China, France oppose UN resolution to use force to reopen Hormuz
Russia, China and France have opposed efforts by Arab nations to obtain United Nations Security Council (UNSC) approval for military action against Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The three permanent members, all wielding veto power, opposed any...
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Surging freight costs threaten Exports, stoke ISFLATIOS FEARS
Shipping costs are rising fast as capacity tightens and risks mount in the Gulf. Many vessels are idling in safer waters to avoid potential attacks, while others are taking longer, costlier detours. At the same time, tighter oil flows have driven up...
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Though non-existent
The Association of Bankers Bangladesh Limited (ABB) has proposed removal of the investment cap on government securities for individuals and exemption of capital gains from treasury bills and bonds to encourage more investment in these safe...
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Govt clears $76 diesel purchase from Kazakhstan after US sanction waivers
The government yesterday approved the procurement of 1,00,000 tonnes of refined diesel from Kazakhstan at a competitive rate of $76.41 per barrel to safeguard domestic supply against a volatile global market triggered by the Iran war. The procurement...
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Rooftop solar tops 500MW as factories hedge against fuel risks
Rising Group, one of the country’s leading composite garment manufacturers, relied equally on grid and captive power two years ago. It now sources around 15% of its electricity from a 9MW rooftop solar installation, allowing it to scale back captive...
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ADB to provide $1 billion as Dhaka seeks to cushion Mideast war shocks
The Asian Development Bank will provide Bangladesh with $1 billion in budget support to help the country cope with economic pressures arising from the ongoing Us-israel war against Iran. The funds are expected to be released between May and June,...
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BGB deployed at depots, ‘tag officers’ for pumps to ensure smooth supply
In a bid to ramp up fuel sector monitoring amid the chaos of supply shortage, the government has deployed Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel at key depots and decided to introduce “tag officers” for every filling station. Energy Division...
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Where money will come from for govt’s extra spending on safety net schemes
When the money market is already stressed by high government borrowing, newly introduced programmes such as the Family Card and farm loan waivers are likely to create additional fiscal pressure, potentially crowding out the private sector. The extra...
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Independence Day celebrated in renewed spirit
Bangladesh marked its 56th Independence and National Day with grand festivity yesterday as citizens, officials, and foreign dignitaries all came together to honour the nation’s hard-won independence. This year, the Independence and National Day parade...
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Tehran seeks Bangladesh energy shipment details
The Energy Division yesterday provided the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a detailed list of six Bangladeshbound vessels to facilitate diplomatic communication with Tehran regarding their safe transit through the strategically important Strait of...
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Eid bank closure chokes fuel supply from depots, sparks panic buying at pumps
Filling stations across the country received far less supplies than required as prolonged bank closures during Eid-ul-fitr disrupted fuel distribution from depots, leaving motorists grappling with long queues and intermittent shortages. Officials from...
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Eid spirit firm despite war and worries
At Gabtoli bus terminal and Kamalapur railway station, the familiar pre-eid surge is in full swing. Buses and trains are packed, journeys are long and uncomfortable, and ticket prices are steep. Yet, as always, people are going home. For Eid, that...
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Biia to open China office to woo investment
The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) is set to open its first overseas office in China within six months, aiming to capture a share of shifting Chinese investment flows and address long-standing investor bottlenecks at source. The...
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PM calls for meaningful parliament, opposition MPS walk out on first DAY
NCP activists stage sit-in outside parliament demanding impeachment of president, reform MPS mourn Khaleda Zia, Manmohan Singh, Khamenei, Pope Francis The nation witnessed an eventful first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad yesterday as Prime...
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Exporters alarmed as energy costs dampen global demand
With rising fuel prices, transportation, production costs to rise Bangladesh’s exporters are increasingly concerned that the ongoing war in the Middle East could slow new export orders as rising fuel prices push up living costs in major consumer...
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Iran won’t block Bangladesh oil tankers
Iran has agreed to provide Bangladeshi oil ships with safe passage as the Bangladesh government has intensified efforts to maintain a stable fuel supply through multiple strategic measures amid escalating conflict in the Middle East. Bangladesh has...
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Israel hits Tehran oil depot; Iran damages desalination plant in Bahrain
Israeli forces expanded their bombardment of Iran yesterday, striking fuel depots near Tehran, while Bahrain said an Iranian attack had damaged one of its desalination plants, signalling a widening assault on vital infrastructure across the...
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Energy crisis averted for now as more oil, gas on the way
Bangladesh has moved quickly to avert potential fuel and gas shortages triggered by the Middle East war, securing critical imports from alternative markets to keep national energy demand met throughout March. Officials said the government finalised...
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Iranian missiles hit Tel Aviv, Trump demands Tehran’s unconditional surrender
The war between Iran and the United States-israel coalition entered its seventh consecutive day yesterday, as military operations intensified across Iran and regional tensions escalated, with effects rippling across the Middle East and beyond. Tehran...
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Fuel rationing begins as govt hunts for energy
A war thousands of miles away is rapidly turning into an energy emergency for Bangladesh. Disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz caused by escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran have forced Dhaka to ration fuel...
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US sending more troops, sinks Iranian warship
Israel strikes Tehran, Beirut, Iran vows ‘complete destruction’ in region A United States submarine torpedoed and sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean on Wednesday, in a dramatic escalation of the expanding conflict between Washington and...
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Strikes rock Gulf, Hormuz closes
into deadly strike on The conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran further escalated yesterday, with explosions reported across several Middle Eastern cities, drone and missile attacks targeting Us-linked sites in Gulf states, and Iran A...
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HSBC highlights Bangladesh’s growth outlook, global opportunities at CFO Connect
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Limited in Bangladesh organised an event on 2 March titled “Bangladesh and the World: Economic Prospects for 2026 and Beyond”, highlighting the latest developments in global and Asian markets and...
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Khamenei killed, Iran vows revenge
A mourning, yet defiant Iran has vowed to avenge the killing of its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei, after his death was confirmed by the country’s state media yesterday. The country has formed an interim Leadership Council to carry...
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Us, Israel strike Iran; Tehran retaliates
The United States and Israel have launched coordinated strikes on multiple locations across Iran, including the capital Tehran, in what US President Donald Trump described as “major combat operations”. Iran has retaliated with missile attacks...
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Rail to revive as govt eyes major transport reset
The Planning Commission is finalising a multimodal transport roadmap that prioritises the railway sector. The strategy aims to alleviate pressure on the road network and bolster regional connectivity, sources in the Planning Commission and review of...
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‘Conflict of interest’
The appointment of Md Mostaqur Rahman, a cost and management accountant and garment factory owner, as governor of the Bangladesh Bank, has sparked sharp debate. The reaction is hardly surprising. A central bank is not just another regulatory outpost;...
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Mostaqur Rahman replaces Ahsan H Mansur as BB governor
Md Mostaqur Rahman FCMA, a garment exporter and cost and management accountant, has been appointed governor of Bangladesh Bank for a four-year term, replacing Dr Ahsan H Mansur. The Financial Institutions Division (FID) under the finance ministry...
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Airport cargo volumes drop 40% as export slowdown deepens
Normal: have remained subdued Current: Airport cargo movement is often a reliable barometer of a country’s manufacturing pulse. When factories hum, cargo bays fill up. When production slows, airport warehouses fall silent. Bangladesh’s airports are...
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RMG exports fear order loss as US buyers ‘sit os TME FESCE’ over tfriff smifts
Bangladesh’s export momentum braces for fresh headwinds as uncertainty over the fate of the United States’ short-term 15% tariff—whether it will be extended, increased or withdrawn after five months—has prompted American buyers to pause fresh...
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Japan talks revived, PM orders swift Third Terminal opening
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman yesterday instructed the authorities concerned to expedite the opening of the long-delayed Third Terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in a bid to boost passenger handling capacity and operational...
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Uncertainty overshadows relief as Trump now UAISHS tauiff to 15%
Bangladesh’s garment exporters welcomed short-term relief after the US Supreme Court scrapped reciprocal tariffs but uncertainty looms large as President Donald Trump increased to 15% the 10% fresh levy he announced immediately after the court...
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Nation recalls language martyrs
The language Martyrs' Day and lmernational Mother Lan · guage Day are being observed today, ma rking 74 years of the historic Language Movement. People from all walks of life will pay tributes to the !an guage martyrs - Salam, Rafiq, Shafiq, Jabbar,...
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PM Tarique fast-tracks ‘Family Card’ to pilot in 8 upazilas before Eid
Within two days of assuming office as prime minister, Tarique Rahman yesterday convened an interministerial meeting to fast-track the launch of his election pledge “Family Card”, with a pilot programme set to begin in eight upazilas during Ramadan and...
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Tarique becomes PM, envisions unity, stability
After years in exile, BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman took oath as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh yesterday, envisioning national unity, political and economic stability, and rule of law, as he said on several occasions before polls. For the first...
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Debt rises Tk2.6 lakh crore in 14 months of Yunus govt
Debt of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus increased by Tk2,60,257 crore during the first 14 months of its tenure, even though development expenditure fell to its lowest level in seven years. According to the latest debt bulletin published...
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Businesses hope for revival as new govt taking charge
“Give us energy — everything else will follow.” It was less a plea and more a prescription from Moynul Islam, president of the Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BCMEA), as the country prepares for a new government to take...
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‘No chaos, no retaliation’: Taritue’s first message after victory
Peace and law and order must be maintained at any cost, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman said yesterday, warning that his party would not tolerate any form of unrest following its election victory. Speaking at his first post-election press conference at...
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A verdict of the hour
Thursday’s high-stakes contest delivered a clear and emphatic verdict. At a time of deep economic strain, political uncertainty and fraying law and order, voters opted for change. The result reflects a public desperate for stability, security and...
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BNP candidates lead in early count across Gopalganj seats amid low turnout, sporadic violence
BNP leads in landmark polls The BNP was leading in the 13th parliamentary election as Bangladeshis exercised their most fundamental democratic right yesterday by voting in the country’s first nationwide double-ballot poll. According to the latest...
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Japan EPA widely welcomed
Bangladesh’s signing of an economic partnership agreement with Japan on Friday has drawn a mixed response from businesses and trade experts, who see both strategic gains and significant long-term risks for the economy as the country approaches...
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Bangladesh, Japan sign major trade deal to safeguard market access post-ldc
Bangladesh and Japan yesterday signed a landmark Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in Tokyo, a major step in Dhaka’s efforts to preserve export market access and attract investment as it prepares to graduate from least developed country (LDC)...
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