Infrastructure Boom Faces Scrutiny in Bangladesh’s Changing Political Context
In Bangladesh, large-scale infrastructure projects implemented over the past decade continue to generate discussion and debate in the political arena. These projects were initiated or completed under previous governments, particularly the Bangladesh Awami League, and are now being reassessed in the current political context.
12 lakh more people will remain below the poverty line in Bangladesh: World Bank
The World Bank has stated that due to the impact of the Iran and US-Israel conflict, 1.2 million people in Bangladesh will remain below the poverty line.
The Government Continues to Increase Its Debt Burden
The government had planned to borrow a certain amount from the banking system in the current fiscal year, but within nine months it has already borrowed more than that.
Commodity prices will rise, there is no doubt: Finance Minister
The global energy crisis has created a situation like “a blow on top of a dying person,” commented Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury. He said that it is not only energy; its impact is being felt on all kinds of goods, food items, and the entire supply chain. As a result, there is no doubt that commodity prices will increase in the coming days.
People’s daily living expenses have started to increase
Daily living costs in the country have started to rise again. From edible oil, vegetables, and cooking gas to transportation expenses are increasing in almost every sector, creating new pressure. Due to global instability, uncertainty in fuel supply, and rising transportation costs, price pressure on essential commodities is gradually increasing. As a result, even though incomes remain unchanged, rising expenses are making life more difficult for ordinary people.
Foreign debt increased by 1.30 billion dollars in three months
The country’s total foreign debt has increased significantly within a span of three months. According to the latest data from Bangladesh Bank, by the end of December 2025, the outstanding external debt of the country, combining both public and private sectors, stood at approximately 113.52 billion US dollars.
Bangladesh’s GDP Growth Slumps to 3.49% in 2024‑25 Fiscal Year, Lowest in Five Years
Bangladesh’s economy faced a significant setback in the 2024‑25 fiscal year. According to the final figures released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth stood at just 3.49 percent during this period, marking the lowest in the past five fiscal years.
Debapriya Bhattacharya Criticizes Bangladesh’s Request to Defer LDC Graduation
Debapriya Bhattacharya has commented that the BNP government has effectively pressed the “crisis button” following Bangladesh’s recent request to postpone its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by three years. He said the United Nations will not make a final decision immediately, as the process is time-consuming.
Essential Food Items See Sharp Hike at Onset of Ramadan
The holy month of Ramadan has begun. Even before it started, the prices of broiler and Sonali chickens have increased in the capital’s markets. On Wednesday, it was seen in different markets of the capital that broiler chicken was being sold at 200 to 220 taka per kilogram. Sonali chicken was being sold at 320 to 350 taka per kilogram.
Bangladesh Must Purchase U.S. Agricultural Products Worth 42 Thousand Crore Taka Annually
Discussions have begun in the country regarding the recently signed reciprocal tariff-related trade agreement with the United States. Under the agreement, garments made from U.S. cotton will receive duty-free access to the U.S. market. At the same time, the reciprocal tariff imposed on Bangladesh has been reduced from 20 percent to 19 percent. However, in return, Bangladesh will have to purchase agricultural products worth 42 thousand crore taka annually. In other words, in the name of tariff concessions, a new pressure has actually been created on Bangladesh.