Posts

Inside Bangladesh’s 2026 Energy Crisis: Why BERC Hiked Electricity Prices Amid Fossil Fuel Crunch

Image
To understand how terrifyingly close Bangladesh’s energy infrastructure is to total collapse, look no further than the panic that gripped the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) over the last 24 hours. The 2026 global fossil fuel crisis has finally cornered policy managers. Trapped by volatile liquefied natural gas (LNG) markets and an unsustainable reliance on imported liquid fuel, the state-owned Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) let generation costs balloon past a staggering Tk 143,000 crore. As the bleeding worsened, the World Bank stepped in with a blunt mandate: execute aggressive subsidy cuts immediately or kiss future fiscal cushions goodbye. With a gun to its head, BERC pulled the trigger on June 3, blindly passing production costs down the grid with a massive, flat tariff hike. What followed was institutional whiplash. Faced with immediate public fury and the sudden realization that they were about to trigger mass economic destabilization, the regulat...

Jiji Africa Acquires Bikroy.com: A New Era for Bangladesh’s Digital Marketplace

Image
In a move that redraws the map of emerging market e-commerce, Jiji Africa has formally completed its acquisition of Bikroy.com, the dominant player in Bangladesh’s digital classifieds sector. The deal, signed in Dubai on May 12, 2026, marks the African unicorn’s first major cross-continental expansion, signaling an aggressive push to export its high-growth business model to South Asia.   The Long Game: A Disciplined Entry The acquisition is the culmination of a "stealth-to-scale" strategy executed by Jiji’s leadership under CEO Anton Volianskyi. Jiji’s first foray into the Bangladeshi market began in March 2025 with the launch of jiji-bd.com. Rather than pursuing an immediate buyout, the firm opted for a year-long "test-and-learn" period, operating as a direct challenger to the incumbent. This operational period allowed Jiji to calibrate its proprietary machine-learning algorithms to local urban consumer behaviors in high-density regions like Dhaka and Chitt...

Beyond Mining: How the "Golden Fiber" is Cleaning Up the Global Battery Supply Chain

Image

The Rise of Dominage Steel: Decoding the Akij Resources Backdoor Listing Strategy

Image
The industrial landscape of Bangladesh has witnessed a significant shift as Akij Resources Limited successfully executed a strategic takeover of Dominage Steel Building Systems. This acquisition represents a calculated maneuver by one of the country’s largest conglomerates to bridge the gap between private industrial operations and the public capital market. A Strategic Entry into the Public Sphere The cornerstone of this transaction is the acquisition of a 30.78% stake—totaling over 30 million shares—from the founding directors of Dominage Steel. For Akij Resources, spearheaded by Managing Director Sheikh Jasim Uddin and Chairman Faria Hossain, the move serves a dual purpose. Beyond expanding their industrial portfolio, it provides the group with an immediate presence on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE). By opting for this "backdoor" entry into the public market, Akij Resources bypasses the traditional, time-consuming hurdles of an Initial Public Offering (IPO). This tra...

Inside the Lion Kallol Limited Partnership: Manufacturing, FDI, and Growth

Image
The partnership between Japan’s Lion Corporation and Bangladesh’s Kallol Group has reached a pivotal milestone with the launch of their advanced manufacturing plant in the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ). This joint venture, Lion Kallol Limited, represents a strategic fusion of Japanese innovation and local market expertise. Established with a 75% stake from Lion Corporation and 25% from Kallol Group, the collaboration combines over a century of Japanese R&D with one of Bangladesh’s most robust distribution networks. The newly inaugurated facility in Araihazar spans 3.3 hectares, utilizing cutting-edge automation to bring international production standards to the local market. The venture serves as a major boost for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with an initial investment exceeding BDT 3,000 million. Beyond the financial injection, the project facilitates a critical technology transfer, creating high-skilled jobs and reducing the nation’s reliance on imported househo...

Top 10 Affordable Marathon Shoes in Bangladesh: Best Value for Road and Trail Running

Image
The distance running community is growing at an unprecedented pace, and with it, the demand for specialized gear that can handle both the heat and the hard pavement. Whether you are a seasoned athlete aiming for a personal best or a beginner preparing for your first 10K, choosing the right footwear is the most critical decision you will make. Below is a breakdown of the top 10 shoes currently leading the pack, categorized by their strengths in comfort, terrain, and value.   1. The Reliable Daily Trainer: Nike Pegasus 42 Known as "the shoe for every runner," this model is celebrated for its versatility. It features a balanced cushioning system that provides a responsive feel on asphalt. It is durable enough for months of training and comfortable enough for a half-marathon. Best for: Half Marathons and daily road sessions.   2. The Performance Hybrid: Adidas Adizero Boston 13 This shoe bridges the gap between a daily trainer and a professional racing flat. By in...

Affordable Escapes: The Best Value-for-Money Resorts Around Dhaka in 2026

Image
Dhaka’s fast-paced lifestyle often leaves families longing for a breath of fresh air and a quiet space to reconnect. While luxury retreats are plentiful, the real treasure lies in finding destinations that offer high-quality amenities without an exorbitant price tag. For those planning their next outing, here are five value-focused resorts near the capital that prioritize family-friendly environments and natural beauty.   1. Jol O Jongoler Kabbo (Pubail) Embracing the concept of "rustic simplicity," this resort is designed to resemble a traditional Bangladeshi village. Built primarily from sustainable materials like bamboo and jute, it offers a nostalgic escape from urban life. Amenities: Visitors can enjoy traditional boat rowing, expansive green fields for sports, and authentic earthen architecture. Value Highlight: The resort is famous for its all-inclusive day packages. The price typically covers an extensive buffet of local heritage...

Subscribe via email

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner