Bangladesh

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...

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...

Pushing or Pulling towards the center of the board. Getting some notice or it’s a threat from China as Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming said on Monday that China-Bangladesh bilateral ties would be substantially damaged if Dhaka engaged with Quad, according to the media report. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), an informal security grouping of the US, Japan, Australia and India, are now seeking to seduce Bangladesh to be part of their Indo-Pacific strategy tie. As an important partner of China, Bangladesh signed up to the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and is a member of the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. One of the crucial aims of both US' and India's Indo-Pacific visions is to counter the BRI with a bid to contain China's development. Roping in Bangladesh can help them achieve this goal. Another Quad member, Japan, is engaged in many areas of cooperation with Bangladesh as well. For o...