ECONOMY

Disruptions linked to attacks on energy facilities and commercial vessels are raising freight and fuel costs in Bangladesh, putting pressure on exporters, factories, power generation and foreign-exchange management.

Bangladesh's gold prices have fallen for the second time this month, with 22-carat gold reduced to Tk 226,340 per bhori amid softer local bullion prices.

Letters of credit for petroleum and related products reached about $3.7 billion in July–September, driven by higher global oil and gas prices and increased pressure on Bangladesh's reserves and subsidies.

Bangladesh Bank's Tk 60,000 crore refinancing and stimulus schemes have released about Tk 12,000 crore, with exporters and smaller firms receiving funds faster than agriculture and other sectors.

Bangladesh Bank sold $20 million from its reserves at Tk 123.65 as rising fuel import costs and strong dollar demand pushed the exchange rate towards Tk 124.

Employment in Bangladesh's Islamic banks fell 6% to 44,782 in August 2026, as automation, restructuring and management problems reduced routine jobs across the sector.

A Bangladesh Bank study estimates that Bangladesh's continued dependence on cash costs the economy Tk 1.70 lakh crore annually through uncollected taxes, banking expenses, lost time and security risks.

Bangladesh has reopened direct listings for eligible large private, foreign-owned and selected financial companies, allowing existing shareholders to sell shares publicly without raising new capital.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury says Bangladesh may need two years to stabilise its energy crisis and five years to achieve a broader economic recovery through expanded domestic and renewable energy investment.

Bangladesh's petroleum import letters of credit rose 65% to $3.7 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2026-27, mainly because global energy, shipping and insurance costs increased.

The IMF has lowered Bangladesh's growth forecast for fiscal 2026-27 to 3.2% and projected average inflation of 10.9%, citing persistent energy, banking and investment challenges.

Bangladesh Bank's Tk60,000 crore financing package has released nearly Tk12,000 crore, with exporters and small enterprises receiving most funds while support for closed factories lags significantly.

Bangladesh Bank has warned users to avoid 22 unlicensed payment platforms and unauthorised loan apps, citing risks of financial loss, data misuse, harassment and limited legal recourse.

Banks have disbursed Tk560 crore under Bangladesh Bank's Tk20,000 crore scheme for closed industrial and service units, but concerns remain over delays and factory restarts.

Interest in electric vehicles is growing in Bangladesh, but limited charging infrastructure, after-sales support, battery services and regulatory clarity are keeping adoption gradual rather than transformative.

Bangladesh has started recruiting 10,000 workers for Malaysia under an agreed-in-principle zero-cost arrangement aimed at reducing migration debts, curbing hidden fees and creating a more regulated employment channel.

Bangladesh received more than $10 billion in remittances in the first three and a half months of FY27, helping support reserves and ease external-sector pressures.

Bangladesh has requested a new $4.5 billion IMF financing arrangement as weaker growth forecasts, high inflation, banking-sector vulnerabilities and reserve pressures shape negotiations over a possible programme.

Bangladesh has restored monthly VAT return filing after a quarterly system created compliance and revenue-monitoring concerns, extending the July–September submission deadline to 25 October without penalties.

Bangladesh's garment exporters have urged Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to intervene as imported cotton yarn remains stranded at Chattogram port, threatening factory production and delivery deadlines.

The IMF has sharply downgraded Bangladesh's 2026-27 growth forecast to 3.2% and raised its inflation projection to 10.9%, citing persistent economic and structural pressures.

Bangladesh is seeking to reduce reliance on Chinese sovereign loans by pursuing investment and joint ventures, while exploring around $10 billion in additional World Bank assistance.

Sonali Bank has provided National Bank with a Tk 7,000 crore, three-month facility guaranteed by Bangladesh Bank to support depositor withdrawals and restore normal operations.

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association has reduced the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 3,266 to Tk 228,031 per bhori, alongside cuts in other gold grades and silver.

The IMF has lowered Bangladesh's growth forecast for fiscal 2026-27 to 3.2% and raised its average inflation projection to 10.9%, citing persistent economic and structural challenges.

Bangladesh has secured a $335.78 million concessional loan from China to expand and modernise Mongla Port, including new container terminals and upgraded cargo-handling facilities.

Bangladesh's remittance inflows rose 12.3 percent to $9.581 billion, supporting foreign-exchange reserves, while weak private credit demand pushed Treasury bill yields below 8 percent.

Bangladesh's external debt reached $114.98 billion by the end of the April–June quarter of fiscal 2026, as rising debt servicing needs add pressure amid weak investment and banking-sector challenges.

Bangladesh has urged India to maintain preferential market access after its LDC graduation, while seeking fewer land-port restrictions, lower trade barriers and improved customs connectivity.