Halal export potential trapped in regulatory maze: businesses

Exporters discuss 'halal for export diversification' at event organised by Bangladesh Chamber of Industries
18 July 2026

BSEC eyes direct listing for big firms: commission chairman

BSEC chairman announced the plan at a shadow parliament organised by Debate for Democracy on regulatory oversight of the capital market
18 July 2026

5 key events of the economy last week

The following is a recap of those major stories as covered by Star Business
18 July 2026

Ctg port protection committee holds hunger strike against leasing key terminals

The programme was held in front of Chattogram Press Club from 11am to 4pm
18 July 2026

Chinese firm to invest $30m in Bepza zone

The factory will be built on a 36,000-square-metre site
18 July 2026

EU and G77 express support for Bangladesh's smooth and sustainable LDC graduation

The assurances came during separate meetings at the United Nations Headquarters
17 July 2026

BB frames import rules for free trade zones

The Bangladesh Bank (BB) has introduced rules for banks to facilitate import into free trade zones (FTZs), aiming to support trade flows by allowing manufacturers to import raw materials and other items and store them for up to 60 months.
17 July 2026

Slow reforms may weigh on Bangladesh’s growth: Fitch

Bangladesh’s long-term economic growth could slow if the government delays key economic and institutional reforms, Fitch Ratings has cautioned, saying such delays would also leave the economy more vulnerable to external shocks.
17 July 2026

Apparel exports to EU, US tumble in Jan-May

Bangladesh’s apparel exports to its two largest markets -- the European Union (EU) and the United States -- declined sharply in the first five months of 2026 as weaker global demand reduced export volumes and prices.
17 July 2026

Big firms look overseas as local credit costs too much

As local borrowing costs hover high, some of the country’s largest conglomerates are turning to foreign lenders for financing, and Bangladesh Bank (BB) is moving on multiple fronts to make that path easier.
17 July 2026

BB relaxes deposit cap for healthy NBFIs

The central bank has allowed financially sound non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) to accept deposits above the Tk 50 lakh limit set by law for individual depositors.
17 July 2026

The cost of neutrality

Two neighbours went to a village elder with a dispute. After hearing the first man, the elder said, “You are right”.
17 July 2026

Uber launches $15b bid for Delivery Hero

Uber launched a takeover bid for Delivery Hero on Thursday, giving the German ​firm a $14.8 billion equity value in a move that would create the largest food-delivery group outside China as competition with US and European rivals ‌heats up.
17 July 2026

After banks, BB offers one-time exit to NBFI borrowers

The Bangladesh Bank has extended a one-time loan settlement facility to borrowers of non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) whose businesses have become distressed due to “circumstances beyond their control,” following a similar scheme for bank borrowers.
17 July 2026

Bangladesh Bank relaxes deposit cap for healthy NBFIs

The central bank has allowed financially sound non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) to accept deposits above the Tk 50 lakh limit set by law for individual depositors.
16 July 2026

Bangladesh Bank unveils import trade framework ahead of free trade zone launch

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has introduced rules for banks to facilitate import trade into free trade zones (FTZs), aiming to support trade flows by allowing manufacturers to import raw materials and other items and store them for up to 60 months
16 July 2026

Biman invites global bids to dry-lease three 787-9 Dreamliners by early 2027

The national carrier has invited bids for 6-year leases, with proposals due by Aug 9
16 July 2026

Al-Arafah Islami Bank's share soars after board restructuring

Shares of Al-Arafah Islami Bank surged 7.45 percent after the banking regulator reconstituted the bank's board of directors with representatives of its founding sponsors
16 July 2026

IMF projects 3.5% growth for Bangladesh economy this year

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that Bangladesh's economy will grow by 3.5 percent in the current fiscal year (2026-27) amid continued fiscal and financial sector pressures
16 July 2026

Cashless Bangladesh begins with Bangla QR

Bangladesh’s transition to a digital economy is no longer a distant ambition. Mobile financial services, internet banking, e-commerce and instant payments are already changing how millions of people conduct everyday transactions. The introduction of Bangla QR is another important step towards a cash-lite, inclusive and interoperable payment system
16 July 2026