Brent rises to $104

Oil prices rallied on Monday, a day after President Donald Trump said Iran’s response ‌to a US peace proposal was “unacceptable,” raising supply fears as the Strait of Hormuz stayed largely closed, which kept the global market tight.
12 May 2026, 00:00 AM

DCCI calls for stronger inland waterway infrastructure

The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) yesterday urged the government to accelerate the development of inland waterway infrastructure to reduce the cost of doing business and improve trade logistics across the country.
12 May 2026, 00:00 AM

China trade beats forecasts in April despite Mideast war

China’s trade grew faster than expected last month, official data showed Saturday, withstanding pressure from war in the Middle East and reversing a decline in exports to the United States.
12 May 2026, 00:00 AM

When numbers dilute progress

Population alone does not determine a nation’s future, but unchecked growth quietly intensifies almost every existing challenge.
12 May 2026, 00:00 AM

Low maize prices shrink profits for char farmers

In the once-barren northern chars of Rangpur, maize has become a lucrative cash crop. But low market prices this year have left farmers disappointed despite expanded cultivation.
12 May 2026, 00:00 AM

BTRC to resume drives against illegal handsets

Alongside mobile phones, the regulator will also take action against other illegal radio and telecom devices
12 May 2026, 00:00 AM

Banks cleared to launch ‘e-loan’ up to Tk 50,000

Banks have been instructed to include the term “e-loan” in the service name and ensure that all stages of lending are conducted digitally
12 May 2026, 00:00 AM
12 May 2026, 00:00 AM

Garment exporters press for uninterrupted power, customs reforms

BGMEA, BKMEA leaders sit with the premier in separate meetings
12 May 2026, 00:00 AM

BAB opposes allowing former owners to reclaim banks

The owners’ association tells BB governor that the banking sector is going through one of its most challenging periods
12 May 2026, 00:00 AM

The 6.5% trap: how a national fiscal data centre can save our economy

Bangladesh currently languishes at the bottom of the global ranking with a mere 6.5 percent tax-to-GDP ratio. For a nation whose citizens hold profound aspirations for development, peace, and prosperity, this chronic revenue deficit poses an existential threat to future growth.
11 May 2026, 21:01 PM

Banks cleared to launch ‘e-loan’ up to Tk 50,000

The Bangladesh Bank (BB) has allowed scheduled banks to launch fully digital “e-loan” services of up to Tk 50,000, stepping up efforts to widen financial inclusion and support the transformation towards digital transactions.
11 May 2026, 20:40 PM

Garment exporters meet PM, demand uninterrupted power supply

The BGMEA and BKMEA sat with the premier in two separate meetings
11 May 2026, 19:02 PM

BSIA kicks off South Korea roadshow to forge semiconductor ties

Running from May 11-14 in the Republic of Korea, the roadshow will see the Bangladesh delegation engage with major players across Korea’s semiconductor ecosystem
11 May 2026, 17:19 PM

Depositors stage sit-in at Chattogram EXIM Bank branch

The protest disrupted normal banking operations at the branch
11 May 2026, 14:36 PM

Bring down corporate tax for private sector

The corporate tax rate for the private sector should be reduced to remain competitive in attracting foreign investors and supporting industrial growth, business leaders said yesterday.
11 May 2026, 00:00 AM

Restaurant owners demand tax relief

The Bangladesh Restaurant Owners’ Association (BROA) has called on the government to keep VAT and tax rates at a reasonable level in the upcoming national budget while also expanding the tax net to ensure wider compliance.
11 May 2026, 00:00 AM

Asean eyes oil reserve, shared grid

Southeast Asian nations hit by soaring fuel and food prices caused by the Middle East war are weighing solutions that include setting up a regional oil reserve, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said on Friday.
11 May 2026, 00:00 AM

TCB to start truck sales of essentials today

The state-run Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will begin selling three essential commodities to low-income and poor people through mobile trucks today.
11 May 2026, 00:00 AM

Effective governance needs honest dissent

Good governance is not about ticking boxes or following a prescribed set of rules. It is reflected in the decisions made every day; decisions that require clarity, integrity and the courage to confront reality.
11 May 2026, 00:00 AM