Export-Driven Growth Backed by Apparel & Agro Sectors

• Ireland supports Bangladesh’s LDC graduation, eyeing deeper bilateral ties. Source

• Bay Terminal project gains momentum as World Bank-backed components move forward. Source

• Bangladesh to establish 2 more economic zones for Chinese investors. Source

• Bangladesh aims to become digital powerhouse with tech exports and policy reforms. Source

• Inflation projected to ease to 8% in FY26, says ADB. Source

• Middle-class growth, high ROI, and connectivity cited as reasons for rising FDI interest. Source

• Bangladesh aims to unlock agro-processing boom with foreign investment. Source

• Bangladesh on a path similar to 1980s South Korea, driven by exports and industrialisation. Source

• Bangladesh’s healthcare sector eyes USD 23 Bn by 2030, attracting FDI. Source

• UK firms plan USD 50 Mn investment to help recover laundered assets. Source

• Delegation to visit US next week to resolve tariff and trade barriers. Source

• Overdue import bills drop from USD 445 Mn to USD 88 Mn, easing FX pressure. Source

• Starlink applies for BTRC licence, potentially transforming rural internet access. Source

• Bepza to start allocating plots in Patuakhali EPZ from early 2026. Source

Economy & Banking

• Govt Sets BDT 4.99 Tn Revenue Target for FY26: The government has proposed a 7.6% increase in the National Board of Revenue’s (NBR) revenue collection target to BDT 4.99 trillion in FY2025–26. Source

• Budget Size to Shrink for First Time Since Independence: The upcoming budget will be BDT 7.90 trillion, down BDT 70 billion from the current fiscal—marking the first-ever budget contraction. Source

• Inflation Drives Contractionary Budget Strategy: The government is prioritizing inflation control in FY26, limiting expenditures and targeting essential spending. Source

• Inflation to Ease to 8% by FY26: The ADB forecasts a slight drop in inflation due to expected global oil price moderation and policy tightening. Source

• Short-Term Private Sector Foreign Debt Up by USD 355 Mn: Bangladesh’s private sector short-term foreign debt rose to USD 10.16 billion in February, ending a seven-month decline. Source

• Banks’ Credit Growth Drops Amid Inflation: Private sector credit growth hit a recent low of 6.82% in February, with deposit growth also declining. Source

• Overdue Import Bills Fall Sharply: Import bill backlogs dropped to USD 88 million from USD 445 million over the past five months, reflecting better payment management. Source

Trade & Commerce

• EU Delays CSDDD Implementation, Easing Pressure on RMG Sector: The European Union postponed its Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive by 2 years, offering time for exporters to prepare. Source

• NBR Plans to Roll Back Export Tax Exemptions: Export-oriented sectors may lose preferential tax rates in FY26 under IMF-driven reform. Source

• BDT 31 Bn Investment Promised at Summit: The Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 concluded with BDT 31 billion worth of pledges. Source

• China’s Handa Industries to Invest USD 150 Mn in Textiles: The Chinese apparel giant is investing USD 150 million across economic and export zones. Source

• Bangladesh Eyes FDI in Agro-Processing: With a USD 7.3 Bn food market and 70 Mn tonnes of annual production, agro-investment potential grows. Source

International

• Russia Extends Rooppur Loan Terms, Waives USD 164 Mn: Bangladesh gets two extra years and avoids a hefty penalty on its nuclear loan. Source

• Bangladesh, Singapore to Finalise FTA by 2026: Both countries committed to completing a Free Trade Agreement in the next 18 months. Source

• Ireland Pledges Support for Bangladesh’s LDC Graduation: Ireland emphasized stronger trade and development ties under its Asia-Pacific strategy. Source