Bangladesh

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...

As the sun rises on Pohela Boishakh , the Bengali New Year, Dhaka undergoes a sensory transformation. The city becomes a canvas of red and white, filled with the rhythmic beat of Dhol drums and the irresistible aroma of traditional spices. While this festival finds its origins in the historical tax reforms of the Mughal era, it has evolved into a magnificent celebration of identity. Today, this cultural legacy is being kept alive through a unique collaboration between history and the modern hospitality industry. For those exploring the city, the most remarkable feature of the modern New Year is the rise of the "Boishakhi Buffet." Dhaka’s luxury hotels have turned the act of dining into a cultural tour, made even more enticing by the widespread availability of Buy One Get One (B1G1) and Buy One Get Three (B1G3) offers. Bridging the Past and Present The hospitality landscape in Dhaka, featuring iconic landmarks like the InterContinental and Pan Pacific Sonargaon , serve...

The northern region of Bangladesh, historically recognized as Varendra, serves as a profound repository of the Indian subcontinent’s palimpsest history. From the dawn of urban civilization to the zenith of medieval craftsmanship, North Bengal offers a chronological journey through the rise and fall of ancient empires.   1. Mahasthangarh: The Citadel of Pundranagara Located in Bogra, Mahasthangarh stands as the earliest urban archaeological site in the region, dating back to at least the 3rd century BCE. Once the capital of the Pundra Kingdom, this fortified citadel flourished under the Mauryas, Guptas, and Palas. Archaeological findings, including the famous Brahmi inscription, reveal a sophisticated administrative center that bridged the gap between the Vedic age and the medieval era. 2. Somapura Mahavihara: The Beacon of Wisdom The Paharpur Buddhist Vihara in Naogaon is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a testament to the Pala Dynasty's patronage of Mahayana Buddhism. Bu...

As the FY2026-27 National Budget approaches, the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) is navigating a period of intense uncertainty, balancing a fragile recovery against a tightening macroeconomic environment.   The market has been characterized by sharp fluctuations. In early April 2026, the DSEX bounced back by 1.82%, reaching 5,272 points after a prolonged 17-day downturn that erased approximately Tk 29,500 crore in market capitalization. This pre-budget uptick was largely driven by the government's intervention to stabilize domestic fuel prices amid a severe global gasoline shortage. Although this move offered a reprieve for industrial sectors, the broader economic foundation remains under pressure.   Key Economic Constraints The DSE currently faces a "triple threat" of rising costs and supply constraints: Sticky Inflation: With inflation hovering near 9.13%, the central bank has kept the policy rate at 10%, which has significantly restricted the liquidity required fo...

For over two years, the architectural jewel of Bangladesh’s aviation sector—the $2.1 billion Third Terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA)—has stood as a silent monument to bureaucratic gridlock. Today, April 3, 2026, marks a potential watershed moment as high-level negotiators convene at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to break a deadlock that has left the nearly 542,000-square-meter facility largely idle.   The Profit vs. Policy Tug-of-War At the heart of the delay is a high-stakes disagreement over the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) contract. Investigations reveal that the Japanese consortium—comprising giants like Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, and Narita—initially balked at the Bangladesh government’s revenue-sharing demands. Sources familiar with the talks indicate that the previous administration’s rigid stance on "regional benchmarks" for service charges nearly collapsed the deal in late 2025.   The tide shifted last month. Under direct orders from the P...

The Anatomy of a Default A deep dive into the financial records of Taufika Foods and Lovello Ice Cream PLC reveals a company operating on thin ice. As of early 2026, the firm is grappling with a staggering Tk550 crore in total liabilities. The most damning evidence lies in the "Bad & Loss" classification of nearly Tk200 crore of these loans. Major creditors, including Shimanto Bank, AB Bank, and Trust Bank, are now facing the reality of a massive capital sinkhole that the company’s modest Tk100 crore annual revenue can no longer bridge. Regulatory Lockdown and Flight Risk The board of directors is currently under a microscope as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) intensifies its probe into fund misappropriation. In a significant legal move, a travel ban was enforced against Managing Director Md. Ekramul Haque, his wife (Chairman), and their daughters (Directors). While Haque recently obtained a narrow 15-day medical reprieve for overseas travel, the rest of the fa...

Bangladesh's jute industry is set for a significant export boom, fueled by the global push for sustainable and eco-friendly products. As a leading exporter of jute yarn and a major player in the overall jute and jute goods market, Bangladesh holds a natural edge in this expanding green economy. To fully leverage this, strategically targeting new, high-value markets with diverse, eco-conscious products is key.   Recent Export Performance The past five fiscal years reveal both fluctuations and strong growth, showcasing the industry's resilience and potential. While detailed year-on-year breakdowns for all jute categories and destinations vary, overall trends indicate robust performance: FY 2019-2020: Jute and Jute Manufactures brought in approximately $882.35 million. FY 2020-2021: A remarkable surge saw earnings hit $1161.48 million, breaking records and exceeding the $1 billion mark—a 31% increase from the previous year. FY 2021-2022: Exports remained strong at $112...

Grameenphone, Bangladesh’s premier mobile network operator, is grappling with an escalating dispute with its former workforce, a situation that has grown increasingly contentious in recent months. The ongoing saga, marked by persistent protests and a tragic incident, is casting a shadow over the company’s public image and attracting investor scrutiny.   The heart of the contention lies in the former employees' demand for a 5% share of Grameenphone’s annual profits, as stipulated by the Bangladesh Labour Act. Protesters, organized under the "Laid-Off and Deprived Grameenphone Workers Unity Council," allege years of withheld payments and accumulated penalties. Based on Grameenphone's reported net profits from 2020 to 2024, the cumulative 5% share owed to workers is estimated to be a staggering BDT 8.54 billion. This substantial claim, alongside demands for job reinstatement and other lawful dues, forms the core of their intensified agitation.   Recent weeks have...

  The integrity of Bangladesh's Islamic banking sector hangs precariously, its promise of ethical, interest-free finance undermined by a deepening crisis of non-performing loans (NPLs) and acute liquidity shortages. This isn't merely a Shariah compliance issue; it's a fundamental failure of effective banking practices, exacerbated by the unchecked influence of powerful defaulters who have exploited these institutions. At the heart of the crisis lies a systemic issue of massive loan defaults, often linked to influential groups like the S Alam Group, whose alleged irregularities have ballooned NPLs at key Islamic banks such as Islami Bank Bangladesh. This concentration of risk, coupled with questionable lending practices, has shattered balance sheets and eroded public confidence, triggering significant deposit withdrawals and a severe cash crunch across the sector. Several Islamic banks now face alarming equity deficits, with some seeing default rates reportedly soaring to ...

  The ongoing crisis within Bangladesh's National Board of Revenue (NBR) has reached a critical juncture, with a prolonged pen-down strike by tax, VAT, and customs officials severely impacting the nation's economic vital signs. Government revenue collection has slowed to a trickle, and essential business operations, particularly in the import and export sectors, face unprecedented disruption. At the Heart of the Unrest: The root cause of this debilitating standoff lies in a controversial ordinance proposing the dismemberment of the NBR into two distinct entities: the Revenue Policy Division and the Revenue Management Division. While the government champions this structural overhaul as a necessary step to enhance efficiency, mitigate conflicts of interest, and broaden Bangladesh's notoriously narrow tax base, NBR officials stand in staunch opposition. Their primary concern revolves around a contentious clause within the ordinance that would permit officers from the gener...

Sri Lanka is actively pursuing investment from Bangladesh to bolster its domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities. This initiative stems from a significant imbalance between the nation's demand for medicines and its current production capacity, alongside a strategic push to strengthen economic ties within the region. At a recent high-level business forum in Colombo, Sri Lankan officials and industry representatives extended a strong invitation to Bangladeshi entrepreneurs, acknowledging Bangladesh's well-developed and globally competitive pharmaceutical sector.   Sri Lanka presently relies heavily on imported medications, with an estimated 85% of its pharmaceutical requirements fulfilled by international suppliers. In 2021, imports of medical and pharmaceutical products were valued at approximately USD 763 million. This substantial dependence on foreign sources exposes the island to vulnerabilities in global supply chains and currency fluctuations, a challenge acu...