The newly sworn-in government faces a daunting economic landscape characterised by fragile macroeconomic stability, stagnant private investment, and a shrinking fiscal capacity, according to the Citizen's Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh.

The observations were shared at a media briefing titled "Starting Point of the New Government: An Economic Review," held at the BRAC Centre Inn, Dhaka today (19 February) where Towfiqul Islam Khan, additional research director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), presented the findings.

The civil society platform emphasised that addressing these structural bottlenecks is critical for stabilising the economy and steering it back toward sustainability.

Towfiqul highlighted that despite a decline in global inflation, domestic levels remain stubbornly high.

The 12-month average inflation rate reached 8.77% in January, significantly exceeding the central bank's target of 7%.

Slow-paced wage growth

Towfiqul noted that while food inflation showed slight signs of easing, non-food sectors provided little relief.

Furthermore, the slow pace of wage growth continues to erode the real income of the working class, worsening the cost-of-living crisis.

The event also pointed out that while a relatively stable exchange rate and a modest rise in foreign exchange reserves have reduced some pressure on the balance of payments, other risks remain.

The government's heavy reliance on bank borrowing to finance the budget deficit, combined with Bangladesh Bank's foreign currency collection from the open market, is contributing to an increased money supply.

The ongoing stagnation in private investment has also led to a decline in employment.

According to a presentation shared during the event, approximately 21 lakh jobs were lost during the first half of the 2025 fiscal year.

New loans to repay old

Highlighting the shrinking fiscal space, Towfiqul stated that internal revenue collection is no longer sufficient to cover recurring expenditures, leading to an increasing trend of taking out new loans to repay existing debt.

Weak revenue collection and pressure of expenditures outside the Annual Development Programme (ADP) are further constricting policy options.

Notably, according to the CPD researcher, ADP spending in fiscal years 2025 and 2026 has dropped to historically low levels.

In light of these challenges, the platform recommended the adoption of an economic stabilisation plan, including strict budget ceilings for the remainder of the current fiscal.

It also urged the formulation of a realistic budget framework for the next fiscal, the formation of a multilateral development forum, and the implementation of a reform roadmap with specific timelines.

Citizen's Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh states that achieving macroeconomic stability will be difficult without a clear LDC graduation strategy and a medium-term plan based on realistic targets.

President Donald Trump said Saturday he is raising the worldwide tariffs on goods entering the United States from 10 percent to 15 percent "effective immediately," a day after the Supreme Court largely struck down his sweeping duties.

Trump said on his Truth Social platform that after a thorough review of Friday's "extraordinarily anti-American decision" by the court to rein in his tariff program, the administration was hiking the import levies "to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level."

Bangladesh’s economy last week witnessed a mix of post-election gains in the capital market alongside data underscoring underutilised development spending. While investors regained confidence following the national polls, systemic challenges in fiscal management and trade readiness remain pressing.

The following is a recap of major stories covered by Star Business:

Rebuilding business confidence cannot wait (Feb 15)
Business leaders and economists urged the government to restore investor trust to revitalise the private sector. They noted that persistent law-and-order challenges and weak institutional coordination have eroded confidence, making immediate policy interventions essential for a sustainable turnaround.

Stocks jump to 18-month high after vote (Feb 16)
The Dhaka Stock Exchange surged following the national election, with indices hitting an 18-month high. Investors displayed renewed optimism as political clarity returned, sparking a buying spree across sectors and sharply increasing daily turnover.

US trade deal overshadows Bangladesh’s economic freedom (Feb 17)
A newly signed trade agreement with the US offers a 19 percent reciprocal tariff but imposes restrictive clauses. Critics argue that the requirement to use US-origin cotton for duty-free access may benefit Washington more than Dhaka’s garment industry.

Development spending plunges to 16-year low (Feb 17)
Implementation of the Annual Development Programme fell to a 16-year low due to political unrest and bureaucratic delays. Only a fraction of the allocated budget was utilised, threatening GDP growth targets and slowing critical infrastructure projects nationwide.

Interim govt stopped macro bleeding but couldn’t reignite growth (Feb 18)
While the interim administration stabilised foreign exchange reserves and narrowed the current account deficit, industrial growth remains stagnant. High inflation and energy shortages continue to hamper manufacturing, preventing full recovery.

Legal fights heat up in telecom sector (Feb 19)
Major telecom operators are locked in intensifying legal disputes with the regulator over audit claims and spectrum fees. These courtroom battles risk disrupting future investment and service quality in one of the country’s most dynamic sectors.

‘Substantial gaps’ found in LDC readiness (Feb 20)
A recent assessment revealed significant shortcomings in Bangladesh’s preparation for graduating from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. Experts warned that without addressing supply chain weaknesses and securing GSP+ benefits, the export sector faces a steep competitive cliff.

Rising costs of consumer goods and industrial materials are being driven by delays and lack of coordination at Chattogram Port, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said today (20 February).

"These inefficiencies are affecting both industrial production and market prices. If port problems are addressed, cargo clearance will speed up and additional costs will decrease," he said after a meeting with the Port Users Forum at his Mehedibagh residence.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the port, customs, transport workers, and other relevant stakeholders.

The minister said each point was discussed in detail, examining where and why problems occur and the reasons behind rising costs.

Some issues were resolved immediately, while a few require further inter-ministerial coordination and will take several more days to finalise.

Khasru highlighted that different stakeholders at the port operate independently, creating a fragmented system. "Each group is running its own operations, forming separate zones of control. Responsibilities are unclear, which contributes to rising costs," he said.

He added that delays in cargo clearance, extra charges, and procedural complexities are significant factors behind increased costs.

"These additional expenses are being passed on to consumers and are reflected in both industrial production and market prices," he said.

"The impact is not limited to consumer goods. Almost all imported products, including raw materials used in industries, are affected, and the public bears the burden of these additional costs. With Ramadan approaching, special emphasis is being given to faster clearance of essential items. Delays in delivery could push up market prices, while faster clearance would help reduce these extra costs," he said.

He also said the government has taken initiatives to ease the pressure on the national economy caused by port inefficiencies.

"Some solutions have already been implemented today, and others will be finalised through discussion. We hope effective measures will be taken very soon. Once port operations speed up, cargo clearance will improve, production costs will decrease, and market price pressures will ease," Khasru added.

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) extended its losing streak today (19 February), marking the fourth consecutive session of decline since the national election.

Over the four trading sessions, the benchmark DSEX shed a cumulative 135 points, reflecting persistent selling pressure and cautious investor sentiment.

Today, the DSEX fell 53 points to close at 5,466. The blue-chip DS30 index dropped 12 points to 2,098, while the Shariah-based DSES declined 10 points to end at 1,095.

Turnover on the premier bourse plunged 40.17% to Tk560 crore, down from Tk936 crore in the previous session, indicating weaker market participation. Of the 392 issues traded, only 46 advanced, while 313 declined and 33 remained unchanged, underscoring the broad-based downturn.

Market participants attributed the slump to investor caution as they assessed the post-election political and economic landscape.

Many investors remained on the sidelines, awaiting clearer signals on policy direction and the formation of a new securities commission.

The lack of clarity regarding regulatory leadership and potential reforms continued to weigh on sentiment.

Analysts said uncertainty over possible regulatory changes and expectations surrounding appointments at the securities regulator contributed to subdued trading activity. Institutional investors, in particular, appeared reluctant to take fresh positions without greater visibility on policy continuity and market-stabilisation measures.

Over the past year, prolonged political uncertainty and regulatory decisions that failed to restore investor confidence have driven a sustained market downturn. A significant number of retail investors exited the market, while institutional and high-net-worth investors largely stayed inactive, leading to notable declines even in fundamentally strong stocks.

All major large-cap sectors closed in the red. The NBFI sector posted the steepest loss, falling 1.75%, followed by Engineering (1.46%), Fuel & Power (1.23%), and Telecommunication (1.20%). Pharmaceuticals declined 0.94%, Food & Allied lost 0.67%, and the Bank sector edged down 0.12%.

Block market transactions accounted for 3.5% of total turnover, reflecting limited negotiated large-volume trades.

Analysts believe the market may gradually stabilise in the coming months if policy consistency and investor-friendly measures are ensured.

Robi Axiata, the country's second-largest mobile network operator, posted a net profit of Tk937 crore in 2025 – its first annual profit since listing on the stock exchange five years ago. The earnings represent a 33.3% year-on-year growth compared to 2024.

Riding on improved profitability, the board recommended a 17.5% cash dividend – Tk1.75 per share – the highest since its market debut in 2020. The proposed payout accounts for 97.8% of the company's total profit for the year. In 2024, Robi declared a 15% cash dividend.

The board approved the financial statements and dividend at a meeting held today (19 February).

Managing Director and CEO Ziad Shatara said that despite a continued decline in voice revenue, the operator managed to deliver positive revenue growth driven by strong expansion in data services. Growth was supported by a substantial increase in data and 4G users, alongside higher data consumption per subscriber.
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He noted that sustained high inflation and challenging macroeconomic conditions constrained subscriber spending, moderating overall revenue growth. He also highlighted that 62% of total revenue was contributed to the government exchequer through various taxes, describing the tax regime as excessively burdensome for industry progress.

However, with nearly 70% of active subscribers now using 4G, Shatara said Robi is positioning itself as the preferred operator for digitally savvy consumers.

The company credited its operational excellence strategy for strengthening financial resilience amid a challenging revenue environment. Disciplined capital allocation ensured network investments aligned with demand growth, service quality improvements, and long-term efficiency gains.

In 2025, Robi deployed an additional 4G sites across 40 districts, expanding coverage in underserved areas.

According to a press release, total revenue rose marginally by 0.4% year-on-year to Tk9,992.2 crore. While voice revenue declined 2.9%, data revenue grew 5.1% compared to 2024. Earnings per share stood at Tk1.79.

Total capital expenditure reached Tk1,304.1 crore during the year. In the fourth quarter (October–December), revenue rose 2.9% quarter-on-quarter to Tk2,584.9 crore.

At the end of 2025, Robi's active subscriber base stood at 5.74 crore. Data subscribers reached 4.45 crore, while 4G subscribers totalled 3.99 crore. Data users accounted for 77.5% of active subscribers, and 69.5% were 4G users – the highest proportions among operators in the country.

The operator's network now includes over 19,000 4G sites, achieving 98.98% population coverage. As the first operator to launch 5G services in Bangladesh, Robi said it continues to build the ecosystem necessary for broader 5G expansion.

Robi Axiata is a public limited company majority-owned (61.82%) by Axiata Group Berhad. India-based Bharti Airtel holds 28.18% of the shares, while the remaining 10% is owned by public shareholders.

AGM

The annual general meeting (AGM) has been scheduled for 22 April, while the record date has been fixed for 16 March to determine eligible shareholders.

According to its price-sensitive information, the company's net asset value (NAV) stood at Tk69.86 billion, with NAV per share rising slightly to Tk13.34 from Tk13.08 at the end of 2024.

Its net operating cash flow per share also increased to Tk9.04, up from Tk8.83 in 2024.

Last year, Robi Axiata Limited secured a no-objection certificate from the Bangladesh Bank in favour of SmartPay Limited to operate as a Payment Service Provider (PSP).

SmartPay Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Robi Axiata, is a private company limited by shares incorporated under the Companies Act, 1994. Its principal activity is to provide fintech-driven electronic payment services, including bill payments and other related services.

Aziz Mohammad Bhai, a sponsor director and chairman of Olympic Industries Limited, has announced his intention to purchase 1 crore shares of the company through the block market of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE).

According to a disclosure published on the DSE website today (19 February), he plans to acquire the shares at the prevailing market price within the next 30 working days.

The transaction will be executed through the block market, a platform generally used for large-volume trades between institutional and strategic investors, helping to avoid sharp price fluctuations in the regular trading session.

Following the announcement, Olympic Industries' share price rose 2.10% to Tk155.30 apiece on the Dhaka bourse, reflecting a positive market response to the sponsor director's move.

Market analysts say such declarations are often viewed as a sign of confidence in a company's fundamentals and future prospects.

At the prevailing price of around Tk155 per share, the proposed acquisition of 1 crore shares would amount to approximately Tk155 crore. The sizeable investment is expected to increase the sponsor director's shareholding in the company, although details of his existing stake were not disclosed in the filing.

Olympic Industries is the country's largest branded biscuit manufacturer and a leading player in the fast-moving consumer goods sector. It produces a wide range of biscuits, confectionery and bakery products, supported by a strong distribution network in both domestic and export markets.

According to its financial statements for the July-December period of 2025, the company posted revenue of Tk1,548 crore, up from Tk1,490 crore in the same period a year earlier. Its earnings per share stood at Tk5.99, compared to Tk5.82 previously. As of December 2025, its net asset value per share was Tk65.34.

Sri Lanka's 2022 sovereign default offers a cautionary lesson for Bangladesh as external borrowing rises and large infrastructure projects expand.

A recent study by researchers from SOAS University of London, comparing the two countries, warns that similar policy patterns could heighten long-term risks if corrective steps are delayed.

From around 2008, both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka shifted towards infrastructure-led growth, investing heavily in ports, highways and energy facilities, often financed through external partners.

In Sri Lanka's case, about 65% of foreign debt accumulated during that period was linked to energy projects, many of which were underutilised and generated limited economic returns.

The result was rising debt without sufficient growth to service it.

The study notes that Bangladesh's external debt has grown rapidly in recent years, alongside significant cost escalations in major infrastructure projects.

Projects awarded through non-competitive government-to-government arrangements were found to be substantially more expensive than those procured through transparent bidding.

Weak oversight and overpricing increase repayment burdens over time.

One key lesson from Sri Lanka is that crises can emerge suddenly.

Gradual increases in debt indicators may appear manageable, but vulnerability surfaces when a country struggles to meet interest or principal payments on time.

The researchers warn that Bangladesh could face a more exposed period between 2028 and 2032 if governance weaknesses persist.

To avoid such a scenario, the study recommends tighter expenditure control, stronger domestic revenue mobilisation and improved project governance.

Ensuring competitive procurement, limiting cost overruns and strengthening institutional oversight would help contain debt risks and protect fiscal stability.

Expatriate Bangladeshis have sent over $2 billion in remittances during the first 18 days of February, as money transfers surged ahead of Ramadan and Eid.

According to data released by Bangladesh Bank on Thursday (Feb 19), if this upward trend continues, total remittances for the month are expected to cross the $3 billion milestone.

Central bank statistics show that January 2026 saw an inflow of $3.17 billion, marking it as the third-highest monthly total in the country's history. The current fiscal year (FY 2025–26) has shown robust growth, with total remittances reaching $21.56 billion between July 1 and February 18.

This represents a significant 22.3 percent increase compared to the $17.63 billion received during the same period of last fiscal year 2024-25.

The historical peaks for monthly remittances remain:

$3.29 billion (March 2025 – fueled by Eid-ul-Fitr)

$3.22 billion (December 2025)

$3.17 billion (January 2026)

Impact on Reserves

Economists believe the surge in formal channel transfers is a result of a stabilized exchange rate and a decrease in illegal hundi activities following the political transition in August 2024. This influx is providing a much-needed boost to the nation's foreign exchange reserves.

As of February 17, the country's gross reserves stood at $34.54 billion. However, according to the IMF’s BPM-6 calculation method, the net reserves are currently valued at $29.86 billion.

Banking officials and experts point to two primary drivers:

Ramadan Preparation: Families in Bangladesh face higher expenses during Ramadan, prompting expatriates to send more money home.

Increased confidence in the banking sector and a stable dollar rate have encouraged migrants to shun illegal channels in favor of official ones.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission has formally urged the government to safeguard the interests of general investors as the financial sector undergoes a major restructuring involving the merger of five banks and the liquidation of nine non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs).

In two separate letters sent on 10 February to the Financial Institutions Division of the finance ministry, the capital market regulator argued that small and retail shareholders bear no responsibility for the governance failures or financial crises currently plaguing these listed entities.

The BSEC emphasised that ensuring a "minimum financial interest" for these investors is essential before any final decisions on restructuring, mergers, or liquidations are executed.

The five listed banks that have been merged are First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Union Bank, Social Islami Bank and Exim Bank. All are listed on the stock exchange and have attracted substantial retail investment.

According to the BSEC, the combined free-float market capitalisation of the five banks stands at approximately Tk900 crore, with an average free-float shareholding of around 76%.

Referring to Section 77 of the Bank Resolution Ordinance 2025, the commission noted that liability for financial collapse rests with individuals or groups identified under the law – not with general shareholders.

The commission emphasised that relying solely on balance sheet assets and liabilities would not present a true financial picture in the case of mergers. Intangible assets such as banking licences, nationwide branch networks, depositor and customer bases, skilled human resources, technological capacity, service infrastructure, and brand value must also be considered in determining fair valuation and merger ratios.

The BSEC further proposed including recoverable amounts from collateral against disbursed loans and from the seizure of assets – both movable and immovable – belonging to responsible individuals. After determining the total asset value, a minimum interest value should be set for general investors.

Excluding shares held by those deemed responsible under Section 77, the merger ratio should be determined based on whichever is higher between market value and face value for other general shareholders, said the BSEC.

The regulator clearly stated that the banks should not be delisted from the stock exchange without announcing this minimum interest value and share acquisition price. Delisting without adequate disclosure could create long-term distrust in the capital market. It also stressed the need for clear guidelines regarding the future operational structure of subsidiaries of the concerned banks.

The letter noted that while the government and the Bangladesh Bank are taking measures to maintain depositor confidence, a similar protection framework for small investors is lacking. Without such safeguards, future capital raising in the financial sector could be negatively affected. Since capital formation through the stock market depends heavily on investor confidence, any erosion of trust could destabilise the market in the long run, it said.

Liquidation of nine NBFIs

Eight of the listed institutions on the liquidation list are FAS Finance & Investment Limited, Bangladesh Industrial Finance Company Limited, Premier Leasing & Finance Limited, Fareast Finance & Investment Limited, GSP Finance Company (Bangladesh) Limited, Prime Finance & Investment Limited, Peoples Leasing & Financial Services Limited, and International Leasing & Financial Services Limited. Their shares have been traded in the capital market for years, attracting thousands of investors.

Aviva Finance Limited is also among the institutions undergoing liquidation; however, as it is not listed, it was not mentioned in the letter.

The total free-float market capitalisation of these financial institutions is approximately Tk175.37 crore, with an average free-float shareholding of around 70%.

Calling for maximum transparency in the liquidation process, the BSEC urged timely disclosure to investors regarding the liquidation scheme, reasons for liquidation, asset sale procedures, and creditor priorities. The commission also stressed the need to formally notify stock exchanges about trade suspensions and to regularly update the public on progress.

As with the banks, the BSEC recommended considering not only balance sheet assets but also recoverable amounts from loan collateral and confiscated assets of responsible individuals. It reiterated that, in determining minimum interest for general shareholders, the higher of market value or face value should serve as the basis. Ignoring investors entirely in the liquidation process would send a negative message to the market.

The letter further stated that if the government provides compensation to depositors or any other stakeholders, allocations for investors should also be considered. It proposed including the capital market regulator in policy-level discussions related to liquidation to ensure investors' positions are properly represented.

According to the BSEC, if the burden of crises caused by weak governance and irregularities in the financial sector is shifted onto general investors, it will create long-term distrust in the capital market. Retail investors who entered the market with small savings must receive fair protection; otherwise, attracting new investors in the future will become difficult. This could weaken the capital market's role as an alternative source of capital formation for the financial sector.

Overall, the BSEC has urged that transparency, realistic asset valuation, and protection of the minimum interests of general investors be prioritised in the merger of five banks and the liquidation of nine NBFIs.

The regulator expects that its recommendations will be considered before final decisions are made, ensuring both financial sector restructuring and sustained stability and confidence in the capital market.

Despite a reduction in import duties aimed at stabilising the market ahead of Ramadan, consumers are yet to see any relief in date prices.

Over the past 10 days, wholesale prices of dates have increased by Tk50 to Tk70 per kg, with some retail prices rising by as much as Tk100 per kg.

Meanwhile, prices of other Ramadan essentials have also begun climbing at the capital's key wholesale and retail hub, Karwan Bazar.

On 24 December last year, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) reduced customs duty on date imports from 25% to 15%. In addition, advance income tax on fruit imports was cut from 10% to 5% in the previous budget.

The reduced rates will remain effective until 31 March.

The government said the move was intended to keep prices of dates and other essentials stable ahead of Ramadan, but market observations suggest otherwise.

Today (18 February), a visit to Chattogram's largest fruit wholesale market, Falmundi, revealed sharp increases across varieties to date. 'Bosta' dates, which sold at Tk147 per kg 10 days ago, are now trading at Tk220 per kg.

The popular 10kg carton of Zahidi dates, previously priced between Tk1,700 and Tk1,800, now sells for Tk2,150-Tk2,500.

A 5kg pack of Maryam dates has risen from Tk4,700 to Tk5,000. Mabroom (3kg) increased to Tk3,900 from Tk3,600, while 5kg Medjool now costs Tk5,800, up from Tk5,500. Safawi and Dabbas varieties have also become more expensive.

Ali Ahmed, a retail trader at Falmundi, said smaller sellers were struggling to cope. "If wholesale prices go up by Tk70 per kg, how can we keep retail prices low? Customers blame us," he said.

According to NBR data, nearly 47,000 tonnes of dates have been imported over the past four months. The Ministry of Commerce estimates Ramadan demand at between 60,000 and 80,000 tonnes.

Importers argue that many consignments were opened under letters of credit before the duty cut took effect, meaning they paid the higher rate. They also cite delays at Chattogram Port due to labour unrest, election holidays, demurrage charges and temporary supply shortages.

However, Mohammad Shafiul Azam Tipu, owner of SK Traders, said the duty reduction has actually prevented prices from rising further. "The market is comparatively stable because of the reduced duty. Otherwise prices would have been even higher," he claimed.

But, SM Nazrul Hossain, vice-president of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh, said the duty cut had not brought relief because of weak monitoring. "Without strict action against syndicates and hoarders, prices will not stabilise," he said.

In Dhaka's Karwan Bazar, prices of other Ramadan essentials are also climbing.

Chickpeas are selling at Tk90-Tk100 per kg, lentils at Tk95-Tk120, and sugar at around Tk105 per kg. Cucumbers and brinjals are priced at Tk100-Tk120 per kg, while lemons cost Tk80-Tk120 for four.

Green chillies are selling for Tk180-Tk240 per kg. Broiler chicken is priced at Tk190-Tk200 per kg, and eggs at Tk130-Tk160 per dozen.

Traders attribute the increases to higher wholesale prices, transport costs and pre-Ramadan stocking. Consumers say prices rise every year before Ramadan despite what they describe as adequate supply, pointing to ineffective market monitoring.

Meanwhile, the government has announced plans to sell dressed broiler chicken at Tk245 per kg, beef at Tk650 per kg, pasteurised milk at Tk80 per litre and eggs at Tk8 each during Ramadan.

The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh will also sell edible oil, sugar, lentils, chickpeas and dates through designated dealers and mobile trucks.

AHM Safiquzzaman, president of Consumer Association of Bangladesh and a former secretary, today said the government has the authority under the Essential Commodities Act of 1956 to fix prices for 23 essential goods. "But in practice, price controls are applied only to a limited number of items," he said, also questioning the effectiveness of the Competition Commission.

Analysts say stabilising food prices during Ramadan will be a major test for the new government, as rising costs continue to squeeze lower- and middle-income households.

On their very first day in office under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, members of the new cabinet outlined a range of plans aimed at transforming the country.

These include ending mob culture, stabilising the law and order situation, controlling commodity prices, improving the power and energy sectors, building a democratic economy, preventing bribery and corruption, and ensuring better standards in health and education.

Although implementing these plans will require time, the new cabinet has pledged to execute a 180-day action plan focused on controlling prices, improving electricity and energy supplies, and restoring normalcy in law and order.

This morning (18 February), after laying wreaths at the National Memorial and at the graves of martyred president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his ministers began entering the Secretariat after noon. They were welcomed with bouquets by secretaries and senior officials of their respective ministries.

Ministers shared both their personal and government agendas with journalists. Some also spoke to reporters again after the cabinet meeting at 3pm while returning to their offices.

Analysts say the government's top three priorities are timely.

Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), views the ministers' initial plans and remarks positively. "If the government succeeds in reducing prices, improving power and energy supplies, and strengthening law and order, many other crises will also ease," she said.

"If the ministers can implement the plans they mentioned — such as reducing commodity prices, stopping re-admission fees for students promoted to the next class, postponing LDC graduation, implementing a pay commission, abolishing the FID to restore transparency in the banking sector, and ending mob incidents — people will be extremely happy. This would bring about a fundamental transformation in the country," she said.

Responding to journalists at the Secretariat, BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with BNP Standing Committee member and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, issued a stern warning that mob incidents would no longer be tolerated under any circumstances. They also emphasised the importance of improving the law and order situation.

Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir pledged not to deliver mere "sound bites" while working to prevent market syndicates and stabilise the market, saying instead that he would demonstrate results through action.

He stated that the government would take effective measures to monitor the market and control supply. According to him, the current stock of goods and those in the pipeline are sufficient to keep the market stable during Ramadan and afterward. There is no reason for concern.

The new Finance Minister, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, spoke of ending patronage-based economics and establishing a democratic economic system. He also mentioned plans for deregulation to reduce legal complexities in order to improve the investment and business climate, as well as measures to increase revenue collection.

Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman said efforts would be made to reduce suffering in the judiciary. Advising that judges whose salaries are insufficient should consider leaving their posts, the former top state law officer signalled a firm stance on establishing the rule of law.

Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque announced that from now on, no new admission fees may be charged from students promoted to the next class. He said the education sector needs not only a "high jump" but "more and more jumps."
PM asks ministers to undertake 180-day action plan to implement election pledges

Sitting beside Oxford graduate State Minister Bobby Hajjaj, he added that instead of repeatedly changing the curriculum as in the past, it would be reviewed to ensure world-class education.

New Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain Bokul declared plans to build a corruption-free health ministry. He said no syndicates would be allowed to operate in the ministry, no corruption would be tolerated, and no work would be done under pressure. "We will work for the welfare of the people," he said.

He also warned that doctors cannot report to a 9am office at noon. Within one month, initiatives will be taken to ensure that physicians are present at their workplaces at the designated time.

The United States announced Tuesday a first tranche of investments by Japan out of a colossal $550 billion promised by Tokyo in its trade deal with President Donald Trump.

The commitments of $36 billion for three infrastructure projects came as Japan comes under pressure to deliver on its pledges made in 2025 in return for lower US trade tariffs.

“Japan is now officially, and financially, moving forward with the FIRST set of Investments under its $550 BILLION Dollar Commitment to invest in the United States of America,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

“The scale of these projects are so large, and could not be done without one very special word, TARIFFS,” he wrote.

The announcement came ahead of a scheduled trip by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to the White House next month following Trump’s visit to Japan in October.

Takaichi said Wednesday the projects would “strengthen the Japan-US alliance by enabling Japan and the United States to jointly build resilient supply chains in strategically important areas for economic security -- such as critical minerals, energy, and AI/data centers”.

“We believe these initiatives truly embody the purpose of this Strategic Investment Initiative, namely the promotion of mutual benefit between Japan and the United States, the enhancement of economic security, and the promotion of economic growth,” Takaichi said on X.

“Going forward, we will continue to work closely together between Japan and the United States to further refine the details of each project and ensure that they can be implemented promptly and smoothly,” she added.

The projects are a natural gas facility in Ohio, a deep-water oil export facility in the Gulf of Mexico, and a synthetic diamond manufacturing facility.

US Trade Secretary Howard Lutnick called the announcements the “MASSIVE AMERICA FIRST TRADE WIN”.

The natural gas generation facility will be the “largest in history”, generating 9.2 gigawatts of power, Lutnick said on X.

Takaichi said that it would supply electricity to AI data centers and similar facilities.

At full capacity it would be the equivalent of nine nuclear reactors or the power consumed by about 7.4 million homes, Bloomberg News reported.

The oil project will generate $20–30 billion annually in US crude exports and “reinforce America’s position as the world’s leading energy supplier,” Lutnick said.

The facility making synthetic diamond grit -- where China dominates supplies -- will ensure that the United States is no longer reliant on foreign imports, Lutnick said.

“Japan is providing the capital (for all three projects). The infrastructure is being built in the United States,” the US commerce secretary added.

“The proceeds are structured so Japan earns its return, and America gains strategic assets, expanded industrial capacity, and strengthened energy dominance,” he said.

‘REBUILD AND EXPAND’

In July, Tokyo had agreed to invest $550 billion through 2029 “to rebuild and expand core American industries,” according to the White House.

The pledge was made in exchange for reducing threatened US tariffs of 25 percent to 15 percent on Japanese imports.

Japanese trade minister Ryosei Akazawa has said that only one to two percent of the $550 billion would be actual capital.

The rest will be made up of bonds and loans from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and credits with public guarantees.

The clock has been ticking ahead of Takaichi’s planned White House visit on March 19, and according to media reports, tempers were starting to fray.

In January, Trump told South Korea -- meant to invest $350 billion -- that he would raise tariffs because it was “not living up to its Deal”.

Analysts say that Japanese companies may be wary because of lack of clarity on the administrative and financial procedures and concerns about US labor shortages.

The newly formed government will take steps to defer Bangladesh's graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, said Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat today (18 February), the minister said the government is committed to pursuing a delay in LDC graduation and will take "all required measures" to achieve that goal.

The initiative has already been launched by the Ministry of Commerce in coordination with the Economic Relations Division (ERD), he added.

Referring to long-standing demands from business associations, the minister said the issue is being treated with the highest priority. Although there is no obligation to submit a formal request within the first week of taking office, work on the matter has already begun, he said.

Exports must be diversified

Addressing the recent slowdown in exports, the minister noted that Bangladesh's export structure remains heavily concentrated, with nearly 85% of total exports dependent on a single product category.

"To overcome this vulnerability, we must diversify our export basket, introduce new products and expand into new markets," he said. The government also aims to support private sector entrepreneurs willing to invest and expand operations.

He pointed to global trade uncertainties, particularly sudden shifts in US tariff policy, as contributing factors. As a developing economy with limited margins for error, Bangladesh cannot afford policy missteps, he said, adding that the government will work to reverse the recent sluggish trend in trade and investment.

Ramadan market a 'major test'

On concerns over price stability during Ramadan, the minister said the government has sufficient stocks of essential commodities and adequate pipeline supplies to ensure market stability.

"If supply remains normal, the market will remain stable. There is no reason for panic," he said.

Responding to questions about alleged market syndicates that often surface during Ramadan, the minister said he prefers results over rhetoric. "I will not give sound bites; Inshallah, I will demonstrate through action," he remarked.

He attributed price hikes at the beginning of Ramadan to a one-time surge in demand, as consumers often purchase for the entire month at once, temporarily increasing pressure on retail markets.

Investment climate key to growth

On domestic and foreign investment, the minister stressed that uncertainty discourages investors. "The first condition for investment is stability. Investors need assurance of expected returns on their capital and labour," he said.

Bangladesh has a large working-age population, with approximately 2 to 2.2 million people entering the labour market annually. However, stagnant investment over the past two to three years has created mounting pressure on employment and economic growth, he warned.

Responding to a question about whether managing Ramadan immediately after assuming office poses a challenge, the minister described it as a significant test for the government.

"This is not about any individual—it is about the country," he said, urging cooperation from the media and all stakeholders. "If we work together and correct mistakes when they occur, we can move the country forward."

Newly appointed Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury today (18 February) announced a 100-day action plan focused on strengthening labour welfare, improving industrial relations, enhancing workplace safety and ensuring effective implementation of labour laws.

"Our mission is one. People's expectations are high, and we must work accordingly. To deliver results, we have to work as a team," he said while addressing officials and employees of the ministry on his first working day after taking oath as minister.

He stressed that all activities would be guided by the party's election manifesto and existing policy guidelines. "If we work together with sincerity, we will succeed," he added.

The minister said, "The ministry would review activities carried out over the past year to identify gaps and areas needing improvement. This is our country. We must determine what we aim to achieve within the next 100 days."

Addressing officials, he urged them to utilise their experience and strictly follow the Rules of Business in discharging their duties. "We will not go beyond the rules. Inform the appropriate authorities clearly about what is necessary," he said.

Highlighting the upcoming holy month of Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr, the minister directed officials to remain proactive to prevent labour unrest, particularly in labour-intensive industries and factories.

State Minister for Labour and Employment Nurul Haque Nur, who also joined the meeting, proposed preparing a three-month work plan to demonstrate tangible achievements and ensure stability in the industrial sector ahead of Eid.

Senior officials of the ministry, including Secretary Sarwar Jahan Bhuiyan, were present at the meeting.

MEP Hi-Tech Industrial Park Limited, a concern of MEP Group, will invest Tk 200 crore to set up a modern electrical and electronic products manufacturing facility on nearly 10 acres of land at the National Special Economic Zone in Chattogram.

A land lease agreement was signed between the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza) and MEP Hi-Tech Industrial Park Limited at Beza’s office in Dhaka’s Agargaon today, according to a press release.

The factory will produce electrical wires, switches and sockets, fans, LED lights, circuit breakers, and other related products, aiming to reduce the country’s reliance on imports and expand local manufacturing capacity.

Established in 1974, MEP Hi-Tech Industrial Park Limited is a business conglomerate with around 2,000 corporate clients and more than 1,000 distribution networks nationwide.

Construction of the project is scheduled to begin in April 2026 and is expected to be completed by December 2028, with commercial production targeted for January 2029.

Once fully operational, the facility is expected to generate employment for around 2,000 people directly and indirectly.

Saleh Ahmed, executive member for investment development at Beza, said the Tk 200 crore investment by a domestic industrial group would support import substitution, export diversification, and technology-driven industrialisation.

Jahangir Alam Chaklader, managing director of MEP Group, said the project would strengthen local production of electrical goods and contribute to the country’s export prospects in the future.

Currently, around 15 industrial units are in operation at the National Special Economic Zone, while about 20 more are under construction.

Ahead of Ramadan, prices of essential items have surged at Karwan Bazar, one of Dhaka's main wholesale and retail centres. High-demand iftar goods, such as chickpeas, sugar, dates, cucumber, lemon, and lentils, have risen 10% - 30%.

A market survey shows chickpeas selling at Tk100-110 per kg, up slightly from a few days ago. Packaged sugar is Tk100-105, loose sugar over Tk110, and lentils range from Tk120-180 per kg depending on quality.

Lemon prices have risen to Tk80-100 per set of four, with larger sizes costing more. Cucumbers now sell at Tk100-120 per kg and eggplant at Tk 90-120 per kg.

Prices of spices and cooking ingredients have also risen. Green chillies sell at Tk200-240 per kg, while onions remain steady at Tk60-70 per kg.

Broiler chicken costs Tk190-200 per kg and eggs costs Tk130-160 per dozen. Egg seller Nazmul Hossain said, "We bought eggs at higher prices for Ramadan, but don't expect to make excessive profit."

Merchants said the market for iftar items usually heats up before Ramadan, with wholesale price adjustments, transport costs, and stockpiling driving prices up.

Shajahan Khan of Selim Store told Business Standard, "We are buying everything at higher prices, and transport costs are unavoidable. There isn't much room for extra profit."

Lemon prices have risen to Tk80-120 per four pieces from Tk60-100 last week. Green chillies now sell at Tk180-240 per kg, up from Tk140-180 previously.

Regular Karwan Bazar customer Shahin Ali said, "Prices always rise during Ramadan. This pressure is very hard for us. The government should strengthen market monitoring."

Exports from the Port of Los Angeles, the busiest US gateway for ocean trade, fell 8 percent in January to the lowest monthly output in nearly three years, Executive Director Gene Seroka said on Tuesday.

"Exports to China look dismal," Seroka said after the Port of Los Angeles handled 104,297 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of loaded export containers in January.

President Trump's aggressive use of tariffs has upended global trade and retaliatory trade duties from China and other nations have hit US exporters like farmers particularly hard.

Soybean shipments from the Port of Los Angeles to China dropped 80 percent last year, Seroka said, adding that the trade did not improve in November or December, following discussions between representatives of the two nations on the sidelines at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit.

"There's not much that the United States is exporting to China these days," said trade expert Chad Bown, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute of Economics, who added that outgoing US shipments of everything from beef and corn to crude oil and coal also fell in 2025.

Closely watched imports to the Port of Los Angeles came in at 421,594 TEUs in January, down 13 percent from the unusually strong result the year earlier, Seroka said.

So far, imports in February appear relatively flat compared with a year earlier. Imports will slow in March due to China factory closures for the Lunar New Year holiday, he said.

Still, Seroka expects total first-quarter volume at the port to fall less than 10 percent versus the year-earlier quarter, when US importers were rushing in goods before President Donald Trump's threatened tariffs on countries like China took effect.

"I don't see the economy or cargo volume dropping off a cliff after that, and even though holiday sales were softer than we would have liked, I don't see a dire situation," Seroka said, referring to lackluster US December retail sales that signaled potential weakness in consumer spending that drives about 70 percent of the nation's total economic activity.

As growth in traditional markets such as the United States and European Union slows, Bangladesh is accelerating efforts to deepen economic engagement with Africa, with total trade nearing $4 billion.

According to data from the Export Promotion Bureau, the Bangladesh Bank and the National Board of Revenue, African exports to Bangladesh stood at $3.76 billion in the fiscal 2022-23, $2.84 billion in FY24 and $2.90 billion in FY25.

During July-January of FY26, imports reached $2.01 billion.

Bangladesh's exports to Africa also show steady growth – $367 million in FY23, $386.5 million in FY24 and $417.7 million in FY25.

Exports during July-January FY26 totalled $271 million.

Major African import sources include Morocco, South Africa, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Mali and Algeria.

Business leaders say Africa offers stronger growth prospects compared to saturated markets in North America and Europe, particularly in IT-enabled services, pharmaceuticals and garments.

South Africa gains strategic importance

South Africa, a member of BRICS, has emerged as a key partner. Bangladesh's High Commissioner to South Africa, Shah Ahmed Shafi, said Pretoria is increasingly important to Dhaka's diversification strategy.

South Africa, with a population of about 63 million and GDP exceeding $400 billion, is Africa's most industrialised economy. KwaZulu-Natal, its second-largest contributor to GDP after Gauteng, has shown interest in Bangladeshi pharmaceutical investment.

Bangladesh's exports to South Africa rose from $119 million in FY23 to $124.2 million in FY25. South African exports to Bangladesh stood at $176 million in FY25.

Total official economic engagement between the two countries surpassed $800 million in FY25, including trade and remittance flows.

Remittances hit record levels

Remittances from expatriate Bangladeshis in South Africa have surged. In FY25, they sent home over $402.9 million. During July-January FY26 alone, remittances reached nearly $395.4 million, setting a new record.

Officials estimate that up to 30% of remittances flow through informal channels. Roughly 4,00,000–5,00,000 Bangladeshis are believed to reside in South Africa, largely engaged in small and medium businesses.

Bankers suggest that with policy support and incentives, Bangladesh's economic engagement with South Africa could reach $1 billion in 2026.

Expanding multilateral engagement

Commonwealth Observer Group Chair and former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo recently invited Bangladesh to invest in Africa's jute sector.

Meanwhile, South African High Commissioner to Bangladesh Anil Sooklal stressed the need to enhance trade visibility and people-to-people ties. He highlighted pharmaceuticals, education, culture, sports and private sector collaboration as priority areas.

Honorary Consul Md Solaiman Alam Seth said Bangladesh's steady growth, women's empowerment in garments and resilience in disaster management position it well to expand engagement with Africa's rising economies.

Stocks continued their losing streak for a third consecutive session today (18 February), as cautious investors trimmed positions despite the formation of a new government following the 13th parliamentary election.

The benchmark DSEX of the Dhaka Stock Exchange PLC fell 51 points, or 0.92%, to close at 5,519, marking a three-day decline of 81 points.

Market capitalisation dropped by around Tk7,500 crore, reflecting broad-based selling pressure. The DS30 index of blue-chip stocks also fell 16 points, or 0.76%, to settle at 2,110.

Market breadth remained heavily negative, with 286 issues declining, 82 advancing, and 25 unchanged. Turnover tumbled 23% to Tk935 crore, indicating reduced investor participation amid mounting uncertainty.

The market slide comes after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured victory in the 13th parliamentary election and took oath yesterday (17 February).

While the DSEX had surged 200 points on 15 February, the first trading day after the election, initial optimism quickly faded.

Market insiders said investors are cautious, awaiting clarity on leadership at the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC). Uncertainty persists over whether the current chairman and commissioners will remain in their roles or be replaced under the new administration.

EBL Securities said the election-driven rally has retreated for a third straight session, weighed down by persistent profit-booking.

"Market participants are watchful, assessing potential policy directions and the regulatory environment under the newly elected government," the firm added.

Day-long volatility dominated trading as profit-taking continued amid weak buying support. Major blue-chip stocks faced sustained selling pressure, pushing indices further into the red.

Among turnover leaders were Square Pharma, Asiatic Laboratories, Dhaka Bank, City Bank, and Pragati Life Insurance, showing that major stocks continued to dominate trading activity despite the overall decline.

On the gainers' list, Nahee Aluminum rose 9.79%, followed by S Alam Cold Rolled Steels, National Bank, Bangladesh Building System, and Pragati Life Insurance.

However, losers far outnumbered gainers, with Union Capital down 8.33%, Premier Bank 8.19%, Jute Spinners 7.62%, IFIC Bank 7.46%, and Generation Next 7.14%.

Meanwhile, the Chittagong Stock Exchange PLC also closed lower. The CSCX index fell 62 points to 9,463, while the CASPI dropped 84 points to 15,429. Turnover at the port city bourse stood at Tk22 crore.