Weak law enforcement and a lack of accountability among individuals and institutions, along with negligence in fire safety, gas cylinder management, electrical systems, and chemical control, are the key causes of recurring industrial accidents in Bangladesh, speakers at a discussion said yesterday.

The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) yesterday proposed reducing the corporate tax rate for non-listed companies to 25 percent from the current 27.5 percent in the upcoming budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Experts at an international conference have underscored the growing economic ties between South Asia and the global economy, while calling for greater trust, policy transparency and stronger investment cooperation across the region.

Electro Mart Limited recently won three accolades in separate categories at the Bangladesh Retail Awards 2026.

While oil demand destruction deepens with each passing day the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, the longer‑term impact of the Iran war may paradoxically work in oil’s favour. Spiking energy security concerns and greater fragmentation could lead to a less efficient, more voracious global energy system.

A handful of firms and a fistful of politicians -- this is the widely accepted description of oligarchic economic systems. It is a malevolent alliance that eventually appropriates the national economic pie through skullduggery.

Companies are deploying a range of measures to absorb the cost shock without immediately raising retail prices

Inflation is likely to remain high and reach 8.6 percent in the fiscal year 2026-27 (FY27) due to higher energy prices driven by the war in the Middle East, according to BMI, a provider of insights, data and analytics.

Foreign buyers are increasingly diverting garment work orders away from Bangladesh over concerns about energy reliability and an uncertain business climate, said Anwar-Ul Alam Chowdhury (Parvez), president of the Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI), yesterday.

Rancon Auto Industries Ltd (RAIL) has entered a strategic partnership with Japan’s Mitsubishi Corporation to manufacture vehicles in Bangladesh for sale in domestic and regional markets.

Banglalink and Elon Musk’s SpaceX have jointly applied to the telecom regulator in Bangladesh to launch trials of telecom services through satellite, allowing users’ smartphones to connect directly to satellites through a mobile operator’s network.

Bangladesh’s economy is facing renewed pressure from global geopolitical tensions and commodity market disruptions, with risks of elevated inflation, slower growth and mounting fiscal strain, according to Eric Robertsen, global head of research and chief strategist at Standard Chartered.

Bangladesh’s garment industry does not have overproduction capacity that could harm the American manufacturing sector and is free from forced labour, as exporters comply with internationally recognised labour laws, according to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).

The Workers’ Safety Forum organised the discussion at the National Press Club

The chamber submitted budget proposals to the NBR

Some orders had already been redirected to India and other competing countries

The conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel is creating the worst energy crisis ever faced by the ‌world, the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Tuesday.

Speakers at a high-level workshop yesterday emphasised the critical role of robust shariah governance in ensuring transparency, accountability, and public trust within the Islamic banking sector.

Bangladesh Finance PLC has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with 7 Ton Express Limited, a Bangladesh-based logistics and courier company, appointing it as its official delivery partner.

The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and Japan is set to serve as a precedent for future agreements with major economies such as the European Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), and the United Kingdom, as Bangladesh seeks to expand its global trade network.