Jagaran Chakma

When the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, the first signs of trouble in Bangladesh were felt at airports. Flights to several Middle Eastern destinations were suspended, leaving migrant workers stranded and creating chaos at Dhaka airport.

Bangladesh’s plastics industry is facing a severe disruption, as the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran rattles global energy and petrochemical markets, industry insiders say.

Bangladesh’s exports have become a powerhouse for its economy, increasing by some $10 billion over the last six years.

Jetro survey finds improving confidence lifts outlook to highest level since 2019

Economists have urged the government to adopt a conservative approach in preparing the upcoming budget for the next fiscal year, taking into consideration the impact of the US-Israel war on Iran, implementing electoral pledges, and boosting investment.

The country’s merchandised shipments of processed foods and agricultural products to Gulf nations are facing a serious shock from the war in the Middle East, with freight charges soaring fourfold and new orders plunging.

Amid long queues at refuelling stations, trucks carrying perishable vegetables, food items and factory raw materials are charging at least Tk 5,000 more than pre-war rates per trip to Dhaka from different parts of the country.

Bangladesh will import two liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes from the spot market at prices lower than its recent purchases, as global fuel rates ease amid diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the US-Israel war on Iran.

Runner Group’s subsidiary, Runner Automobiles PLC, is set to assemble electric vehicles (EVs) of Chinese automaker BYD in Bangladesh, marking a significant step forward for the country’s automobile industry.

Sales of electronics and home appliances are witnessing an unusual slowdown even close to Eid-ul-Fitr, with demand for products such as televisions and refrigerators showing only marginal improvement and remaining near regular-day levels instead of the customary festive surge.

Motorcycle sales ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr initially surged but have recently slowed as uncertainty in global energy markets -- triggered by the US-Israel war on Iran escalating -- has raised concerns over fuel availability and costs, dampening consumer enthusiasm.

Bangladeshi cement manufacturers have dismissed claims by the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) last week over alleged industry overcapacity, insisting that the sector’s production reflects growing domestic demand driven by a decade of major infrastructure projects and the needs of a rapidly expanding economy.

The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) signed between Bangladesh and Japan on February 6, in Tokyo is poised to transform the trajectory of bilateral trade between the two countries, said Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan (Jun), president of the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI).

Bangladesh’s processed food exports to key Middle Eastern markets have come to a standstill as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz caused by the US-Israeli war on Iran have halted shipments, leaving containers stranded and exporters fearing mounting financial losses.

Bangladeshi companies are increasingly investing abroad, with net foreign direct investment (FDI) outflows soaring more than ninefold in the July-September quarter of 2025 compared with the same period the year before.

Across the three hill districts of Bandarban, Rangamati, and Khagrachhari, women are the visible driving force of local commerce

Despite a slight improvement toward the end of the year, Dhaka’s luxury hotel industry struggled through much of 2025 amid political uncertainty, economic slowdown and declining foreign tourist arrivals.

The country’s furniture industry is showing signs of stabilisation after nearly two years of decline, though recovery remains fragile and uneven across segments, according to leading manufacturers.

Private passenger car sales in Bangladesh have plunged to the lowest level in 13 years, reflecting persistent economic headwinds, high import costs and tightening consumer purchasing power, according to market insiders and official data.

The government’s abrupt cancellation of Ahsan H Mansur’s appointment as governor of Bangladesh Bank (BB) yesterday has drawn sharp criticism from stakeholders, including economists and bankers.