IMF raises global growth outlook and flags rising economic divergence

Global growth is expected to increase slightly this year while remaining stuck below its pre-pandemic average, the IMF said Friday, flagging the growing economic divide between the United States and European countries..In an update to its flagship World Economic Outlook report, the Interna
17 January 2025, 15:31 PM

Bangladesh economy to grow 4.1% in FY25: World Bank report

Bangladesh’s economy may grow 4.1 percent in FY25, the WB said in its latest Global Economic Prospects released Thursday
17 January 2025, 13:11 PM

Govt to retract VAT decisions on some items, services

The National Board of Revenue is set to revise down the value-added tax (VAT) and supplementary duty (SD) on a number of items including mobile phone usage, internet services, medicine, clothes and restaurants as public outcry became deafening.
16 January 2025, 18:00 PM

Professional exam not mandatory for bankers’ promotion

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has relaxed the requirement for bankers to pass a professional exam or diploma for promotions, according to a circular issued yesterday.
16 January 2025, 18:00 PM

Future of jobs: Are we ready?

In Bangladesh, human resources (HR) often feel like driving a car without an engine—lots of noise, no progress. By 2030, 39 percent of core job skills will be obsolete, yet we’re stuck debating Excel training. Heads of HR, treated as attendance monitors, lack the tools to tackle this shift. Automation looms, poised to replace jobs faster than Dhaka traffic consumes patience. Without urgent reskilling, our demographic dividend risks becoming a liability. With machines learning faster than humans, the future won’t wait for us to catch up over endless cups of cha. It’s time to act before it’s too late.
16 January 2025, 18:00 PM

US consumer inflation rose in Dec but underlying pressures eased

US consumer inflation rose for a third straight month in December as energy prices jumped but a widely watched measure eased slightly, raising hopes that underlying inflation may be moderating.
16 January 2025, 18:00 PM

Labour leaders call for easier union rules

Labour union leaders yesterday suggested that the government amend the labour law, easing the condition of a 20 percent workers’ participation threshold to only 20 workers to facilitate freedom of association.
16 January 2025, 18:00 PM

Food processors protest tax hike

Food processors have urged the interim government to withdraw the increased value-added tax (VAT) and other taxes imposed on agro-processed food products within the next seven days.
16 January 2025, 18:00 PM

HC extends status quo on Nagad’s internal affairs

The High Court (HC) has extended an order that directed the authorities concerned to maintain the status quo in the internal affairs of beleaguered Nagad Ltd until January 30 this year. 
16 January 2025, 18:00 PM

Ex-secretary still chairman of Sonali’s UK subsidiary

Md Asadul Islam, former senior secretary of the Financial Institutions Division of the finance ministry, is still serving as chairman of Sonali Bangladesh UK Ltd, a subsidiary of state-run Sonali Bank, despite retiring from government service in 2021.
16 January 2025, 18:00 PM

Inflation biggest concern for Bangladesh: WEF

Inflation has been identified as the biggest risk to Bangladesh in 2025, according to a World Economic Forum (WEF) report released on Wednesday.
16 January 2025, 18:00 PM

BTRC tightens rules for telcos to improve services

The telecom regulator has drafted stricter quality of service (QoS) benchmarks for mobile operators to better protect users’ interests though the companies fared badly in previous metrics.
16 January 2025, 18:00 PM

Excessive taxation barrier to affordable internet in rural areas: experts

The government's excessive taxation is the primary barrier to affordable internet access for rural communities in Bangladesh, experts said yesterday..When a mobile phone user buys a Tk 100 worth internet package, over Tk 60 goes directly into the government's pocket, they said..Since
16 January 2025, 15:10 PM

Rules relaxed to import 3 lakh tonnes of rice

50,000 tonnes of white rice will also be purchased from Pakistan
16 January 2025, 14:56 PM

Inflation biggest concern for Bangladesh in 2025: WEF

The World Economic Forum (WEF) releases Global Risks Report 2025
16 January 2025, 13:13 PM

DCCI wants lower interest rates for private-sector credit growth

The leading chamber also demanded a loan classification deadline extension by 3 to 6 months
16 January 2025, 12:27 PM

Food processors protest tax hike

They also urge govt not to raise gas prices
16 January 2025, 11:54 AM

Holding diploma not mandatory for bankers’ promotion: BB

Even bankers appointed or promoted before February 8, 2023, will be considered for promotion if they fail professional exams
16 January 2025, 11:38 AM

Navana Pharma to invest Tk 21 crore to set up herbal division

The new division will have 10,000 square feet area
16 January 2025, 11:05 AM

HC extends status quo on Nagad’s internal affairs 

The status quo will be in place until January 30
16 January 2025, 10:52 AM