Sohel Parvez

Net foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh plunged to a five-year low in 2024, according to provisional figures released by Bangladesh Bank, raising concerns over investor confidence amid growing economic headwinds and policy uncertainties.

In the past two years, the NBR brought down tariffs on 60 items within the bound tariff rates based on the panel's suggestion.

The United States is losing its market share in cotton exports to Bangladesh amid concerns about logistics and the lengthy shipment duration for American cotton, according to a recent report by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

High tariffs, investment hurdles and entrenched corruption continue to undermine American businesses operating in Bangladesh, according to the latest report by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

As the United States moves to impose reciprocal tariffs, concerns are mounting among Bangladeshi exporters, particularly in the footwear and pharmaceutical sectors, over potential implications for the country’s trade prospects.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has detected tax anomalies amounting to over Tk 58 crore involving five individuals and their companies, including a former president of the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE).

Bangladesh’s soybean production and imports are increasing steadily as demand from the poultry, livestock, and aquaculture sectors continues to grow alongside rising domestic consumption, according to the latest report by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Acreage and production are expected to continue increasing in MY26, with Bangladesh likely to produce 1.60 lakh tonnes of soybeans next year, according to the report released last week.

Bangladesh’s toiletries market is growing and there is a significant potential for further expansion as incomes rise alongside increasing awareness and lifestyle changes.

The tax target for the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has become more daunting against the backdrop of slowing collection as the economy continues to grapple with worsening consumer purchasing power due to stubbornly high inflation and declining private and public investment.

Bangladesh requires around 100,000 new apartments every year. Despite having the capacity to meet this demand, realtors can only supply 8 percent of the required units, leaving a substantial gap.

Maize, a little-known crop three decades ago, continues its triumph over wheat, paddy and other crops due to its higher yield and profitability.

Although the interim government is focusing on reforms and new measures, corruption remains a major concern for businesses. Instead of waning, demands for undue payments by public officials have increased in some cases, said a top industrialist.

Depositors continued to move their funds out of full-fledged Islamic banks in the October-December period last year, a sign that many savers have yet to regain confidence in the Shariah-compliant banks due to alleged irregularities.

This growth was largely supported by a 30 percent year-on-year surge in imports in December 2024.

Bangladesh is growing horizontally and vertically, with new multistoried complexes being erected on fresh land in suburbs and towns to replace more modest structures.

Cultivation of wheat has hit the lowest on record in the current season in Bangladesh as many producers opted to grow potato and other high-value crops on land previously used for the second most important staple food after rice.

Local air conditioner (AC) manufacturers in Bangladesh are pushing for “fair” government procurement policies, arguing that existing rules favour foreign brands despite local companies meeting global standards.

Over the last several years, Ahsan, a rickshaw puller in his 50s, has been eagerly waiting for relief from the high prices of food and other essentials. Days and months have passed, but his pursuit of a better living by escaping the curse of elevated inflation has remained a distant dream. 

Bangladesh remained the global shipping industry’s first choice for scrapping vessels in 2024, even though the overall import fell to a six-year low amid dollar constraints and subdued demand due to economic woes.