Bangladesh Faces Rising Prices of Essential Goods Ahead of Ramadan Despite Sufficient Imports
Nearly a month remains before the holy month of Ramadan begins, but even before that, instability has appeared in the essential goods market. The prices of soybean oil, palm oil, sugar, lentils, chickpeas, and ginger have increased over the past week.
Uncertainty Grows Over Bangladesh’s LDC Graduation as UN Postpones Assessment Visit
A United Nations delegation was scheduled to visit Dhaka this month to review Bangladesh’s overall preparedness for graduation from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) list and to present its assessment of the country’s position. At the same time, a schedule had been set to present an independent preparatory assessment report on LDC graduation on January 21. However, the delegation’s visit to Dhaka has been postponed for the time being even before the trip took place. No new date has yet been fixed.
Rising Inflation, Weak Business Climate Drag Bangladesh’s Economy: UN & World Bank
Bangladesh is facing the most severe inflation crisis in South Asia, according to the United Nations, while the World Bank has also lowered the country’s economic growth forecast for the fiscal year 2025–26 due to high inflation and a stagnant business environment.
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.
Bangladesh Inflation Rises to 8.49% in December as Food Prices Surge
Bangladesh’s inflation rate continued to rise in December, fueled by a sharp increase in food prices and persistent cost pressures in non-food items.
Iran Erupts in Protests as Currency Hits Record Low and Prices Soar
Iran’s capital Tehran and various other regions of the country have been rocked for a second consecutive day by protests against the record collapse of the currency and the uncontrolled surge in commodity prices.
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.
Savings Certificate Profit Rates to Be Reduced Again from January
The Ministry of Finance has taken an initiative to reduce the profit rates on savings certificates once again starting from January. Once the proposal of the Finance Division under the Ministry of Finance receives approval from the Finance Adviser, the new rates will come into effect. Subsequently, the Internal Resources Division (IRD) will issue an official circular.
Hundreds Jobless Mid-Month as Mukul Knitwear Shuts Down in Gazipur, Despair and Tears
On Wednesday morning, workers arrived at work to find a notice at the main gate of the factory announcing its permanent closure, expressing frustration and disappointment. They are now left jobless in the middle of the month and are feeling lost.