Exports Down 7.43% in October: Bangladesh Faces Deepening Trade and Currency Crisis
The downward trend in Bangladesh’s export earnings continues, creating fresh concerns for the economy. According to the latest data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), the country’s total exports in October fell by 7.43 percent, dropping to 3.63 billion USD. This marks the continuation of a two-month decline, heightening fears among exporters of further contraction. Meanwhile, import volumes are also gradually decreasing — a reflection of the ongoing foreign currency crisis and growing economic uncertainty.
Private Sector in Crisis Amid Contractionary Monetary Policy
The General Economics Division (GED) of the Planning Commission, in its Economic Update and Outlook for October 2025, has reported that although inflation has slightly eased, a contractionary monetary policy has led to stagnation in private sector credit and investment. The agency also warned that economic volatility could intensify ahead of the national elections.
1.6 Crore People in Bangladesh Likely to Face Food Crisis by December: UN-Backed Report
Nearly 16 million people across Bangladesh’s disaster-prone districts are likely to face a major food crisis by December, while around 1.6 million children may suffer from severe malnutrition, according to a new joint analysis report conducted by the Food Planning and Monitoring Unit (FPMU) under the Food Ministry and three UN agencies.
Instability Fuels Poverty Surge in Bangladesh | Asian Lite Report Criticizes Yunus Government
Poverty levels in Bangladesh are rising sharply as political instability under the post-Sheikh Hasina interim administration, led by Muhammad Yunus, continues to stall investment and industrial growth, according to a recent Asian Lite report.
‘Monga’ Fear Returns as Seasonal Job Crisis Grips Rangpur’s Farm Workers
Thousands of agricultural workers in the river basin and remote rural areas of the Brahmaputra, Dudhkumar, Ghaghot, Teesta, and Dharla rivers in Rangpur Division are struggling amid a seasonal employment crisis. With two to three weeks still left before the Aman paddy harvesting season begins, day laborers are facing an acute shortage of work. The combined effect of river erosion and lack of employment opportunities has made the situation even more severe.
Trading of Six LR Global Mutual Funds Suspended Indefinitely
Trading of six mutual funds managed by LR Global Bangladesh Asset Management Company has been suspended indefinitely after the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) ordered the removal of the fund manager for allegedly misusing investors’ money.
Bangladesh Taka Falls to Record Low of Tk 122.75 per Dollar
The value of the U.S. dollar has risen again against the Bangladeshi taka. On October 23, the highest selling rate of the dollar across various banks stood at Tk 122.75, up from Tk 122.30 last week. Bank officials said the increase is due to a rise in the number of import LCs being opened, among several other factors.
U.S. Shutdown Increases Uncertainty in Global Economy
The ongoing shutdown in the United States has created risks not only for the country itself but also for the global economy. Due to the shutdown, the publication of key U.S. economic indicators has been halted. Major economies such as Japan, the United Kingdom, and others rely on this data. As a result, these countries are facing difficulties in formulating economic policies.
IMF Sets Foreign Loan Cap for Bangladesh for the First Time
For the first time, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has set a limit on how much foreign loan Bangladesh can take. In the current fiscal year (2025-26), Bangladesh cannot take more than USD 8.44 billion in foreign loans. Previously, there was no such restriction from the IMF on Bangladesh.
NASSA Group Closes 16 Factories, Over 12,000 Workers Affected
NASSA Group has decided to permanently shut down 16 of its factory units located in Dhaka, Gazipur, Chattogram, and Cumilla export processing zones.