Economy at Risk: Foreign Debt Surges Despite Lack of Focus on Development

Despite lower spending on development projects, foreign debt in Bangladesh is increasing rapidly. To meet the budget deficit and protect foreign exchange reserves, the government is relying on quickly disbursable budget support loans instead of project loans. The depreciation of the taka has further compounded the situation. As a result, the country’s foreign debt has nearly doubled in just three years.

Sajeeb Wazed Joy Calls Awami League-Free Election a ‘Staged Drama’ in Al Jazeera Interview

In an interview with Al Jazeera journalist Srinivasan Jain in Washington DC, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of Bangladesh Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, shared his views on Bangladesh’s current political crisis, the July–August 2024 mass uprising, the role of the Awami League, the party’s ban, election boycotts, allegations of violence, and claims of corruption.

Bangladesh Faces Rising Economic Risks from Crime and Illicit Economy: WEF

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has identified crime and the illicit economy as the foremost economic risks that could impact Bangladesh over the next two years. According to experts, these challenges have the potential to destabilize the economy, undermine development initiatives, and create uncertainty for businesses and households alike.

Export growth in the country continues to decline and has entered negative territory

In the first half of the current fiscal year (July–December), the country’s export sector has faced negative growth. According to statistics published by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), exports worth USD 23.99 billion were made in the first six months of the 2025–26 fiscal year, compared to USD 24.53 billion during the same period of the previous fiscal year. As a result, exports declined by 2.19 percent.

Market Capitalization Falls by Tk 21,231 Crore in One Year

In 2025, among the top 10 companies by market capitalization, the capitalization of seven companies declined, while that of three increased. During this period, the overall market capitalization of the country’s capital market increased by Tk 5,339 crore.

Export slump continues for 5 months, earnings drop again in November

In the last four months of the current fiscal year, the country’s economy has witnessed a downward trend in export earnings.

Bangladesh Now Has the Highest Non-Performing Loan Rate in the World

Bangladesh’s banking sector is currently facing an unprecedented crisis. As of the end of September this year, nearly 36 percent of bank-distributed loans have become non-performing. According to the latest data from Bangladesh Bank, the volume of non-performing loans (NPLs) stands at 644,515 crore taka. In just nine months, NPLs have increased by nearly 300,000 crore taka, an extraordinary rise in the country’s history.

Bangladesh Faces Economic Risk Amid Surge in Non-Performing Loans

As of September, Bangladesh’s banking sector is grappling with an alarming Tk 6.45 lakh crore in non-performing loans (NPLs), posing a serious threat to the economy, slowing job creation, and ultimately transferring the cost of financial failure to the public.

Revival, Ecomilli urge authorities to halt Janata Bank’s auction of Beximco assets

Japan–Bangladeshi ethical fashion and sustainability venture Revival and US-based platform Ecomilli have urged the government and the Janata Bank authorities to reconsider the decision to auction off Beximco’s assets, citing potential risks to workers’ welfare, shareholder rights, and future foreign investment.

World Bank Report: 62 Million People in Bangladesh at Risk of Falling into Poverty

A new World Bank assessment states that nearly 62 million people in Bangladesh—about one-third of the total population—are at risk of falling back below the poverty line due to illness, natural disasters, or any sudden shock. The report titled “Poverty and Inequality Assessment 2025: Bangladesh” was released on Tuesday (25 November) at an event in the capital.