Bangladesh

Global hospitality major The Ascott Limited is positioning itself for a strategic entry into Bangladesh, reflecting rising multinational interest in the nation's commercial accommodation ecosystem. While formal project agreements remain under evaluation, corporate representatives have confirmed that the Singapore-headquartered enterprise is actively monitoring local property partnerships.   Leveraging an Asset-Light Framework To facilitate regional expansion, Ascott deploys a flexible business model centered around management and franchise agreements rather than heavy capital investments in real estate development.   ·        Model Mechanics: Property owners build or convert real estate to match international hospitality standards.   ·        Brand Synergy: Partners gain access to Ascott’s centralized global distribution channels, software platforms, and operational systems.   ·...

In September 2026, the Government of Bangladesh launched its National Renewable Energy Development Strategy (2026–2030), establishing a clear trajectory toward energy self-reliance and carbon reduction. The updated roadmap mandates that clean power account for 20% of national electricity generation by 2030 and 30% by 2040. By uniting ambitious capacity benchmarks with high-yield financial incentives, the initiative offers commercial and industrial sectors a sustainable framework to lower operational costs while drastically reducing carbon footprints. Green Energy Creation & Emission Reductions Central to the strategy is a 10,000 MW solar capacity target by 2030, divided into 5,500 MW of rooftop systems and 4,500 MW of ground-mounted installations. An additional 450 to 550 MW will come from wind, floating solar, waste-to-energy, and small hydro projects. A major highlight of this green energy transition is the structural shift away from heavy fossil infrastructure. Planned coal ...

Bangladesh and Japan are strengthening their economic and diplomatic ties through strategic initiatives aimed at developing Bangladesh into a major regional aviation transit hub.  Pillars of Strategic Collaboration ü   HSIA Terminal 3 Operationalization: The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism is expediting the launch of the newly constructed Third Terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. With the Japanese Sub-working Group’s techno-financial evaluation finalized, formal operational negotiations and Letter of Assurance procedures are moving forward.   ü   Enhanced Air Connectivity: The operation of direct Dhaka-Narita flights by Biman Bangladesh Airlines provides a functional foundation for increased bilateral trade, tourism, and diplomatic engagement.   ü   Public-Private Tourism Partnerships: Bangladesh is leveraging its 500+ heritage spots to attract Japanese investment via Public-Private Partnership (PPP) frameworks, with explicit ...

The South Asian financial sector just witnessed a massive power move. Sri Lanka’s Softlogic Life Insurance has officially entered a binding agreement to acquire a 60% majority stake in Bangladesh’s Diamond Life Insurance Company Limited. Valued at $1.9 million USD, this cross-border acquisition is more than just a corporate transaction—it is a massive vote of confidence in the future of the life insurance market in Bangladesh. Here is a deep dive into why this deal happened, what it means for the economy, and how it will reshape the local insurance landscape. Why the Bangladeshi Insurance Market is Primed for Growth To understand why an international giant like Softlogic Life invested nearly $2 million into Diamond Life, you have to look at Bangladesh’s macroeconomic trajectory. Bangladesh is currently experiencing: ·             Rapid GDP Growth: Driven by a surging urban workforce and rising per capita income. ·       ...

  The international football stage shifts to Philadelphia for a crucial Matchday fixture in Group C. Five-time world champions Brazil find themselves under unexpected pressure to secure their first three points, while an energetic Haiti squad looks to pull off one of the greatest upsets in modern sporting history. Tactical Analysis: Strengths & Weaknesses Brazil The Strength: Elite individual skill on the flanks. The Seleção feature some of the most dynamic 1v1 dribblers in world football, capable of stretching stubborn defensive shapes and creating opportunities out of nothing. The Weakness: Creative stagnation in the midfield core. Without a traditional playmaker to link defense to attack, the team struggles to control the tempo of matches, leaving their backline vulnerable to direct, vertical counterattacks. Haiti The Strength: Aggressive mid-block pressing and supreme physical conditioning. Les Grenadiers excel at swarming opponents in central areas, forcing tur...

Are you trying to figure out how the new national budget affects your wallet? The Bangladesh National Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 has rolled out sweeping reforms to personal income tax. The biggest talking point this year is the massive overhaul of Section 78 of the Income Tax Act, 2023, which directly reshapes how your investment tax rebate is calculated. If you rely on DPS, Sanchayapatra, or life insurance to lower your tax burden, things are changing. Let’s dive deep into the old vs. new tax rebate rules and see exactly how these changes impact your financial planning this year. What is Section 78 in Bangladesh Income Tax? Under Section 78, the government allows taxpayers to claim a financial deduction (rebate) from their total payable tax if they invest in approved sectors. These sectors typically include: ·        National Savings Certificates (Sanchayapatra) ·        Deposit Pension Schemes (DPS) ·   ...

A new era for Bangladesh’s economy officially kicked off on June 11, 2026, with the unveiling of the national budget for the fiscal year 2026-27. Presented in the National Parliament—presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and attended by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman—this marks the nation’s 55th budget. It is also the debut fiscal plan for the newly appointed Finance Minister, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. Unveiling a historic BDT 9.38 lakh crore budget, the Finance Minister’s opening address laid out a bold roadmap aimed at economic recovery, long-term growth, and easing the financial pressure on ordinary citizens. Here is a deep-dive analysis of the FY 2026-27 budget speech, focusing on inflation control, economic targets, and how it will directly impact your wallet. Tackling Inflation and Easing the Burden on Daily Essentials Acknowledging the heavy macroeconomic pressures and the soaring cost of living, the Finance Minister made it clear that stabilizing the economy is...

The integration of microinsurance into mobile wallets is driving a powerful financial inclusion revolution across Bangladesh. At the forefront is bKash, which has successfully transitioned from a peer-to-peer money transfer tool into a massive digital insurance marketplace. By serving as an accessible sales and collection agent, bKash is bridging a critical socio-economic gap, bringing essential safety nets to a nation where over 90% of the population historically lacked coverage. The true genius of this model lies in a highly collaborative ecosystem. Rather than underwriting policies itself, bKash connects traditional insurance carriers with agile insurtech aggregators like Carnival Assure, Bimafy, and Chhaya. This orchestration enables completely paperless enrollment, instant policy generation, and direct-to-wallet claim payouts. By dismantling bureaucratic barriers, it brings micro-entrepreneurs and low-income families directly into the formal financial safety net. From an econo...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...