Annual demand for animal feed is expected to rise to 10 million tonnes by 2030 from 7.5 million tonnes now, driven by growing domestic demand for poultry and meat, according to a study by Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU).

Of the projected demand, 65 percent will be used for poultry, 20 percent for fish farming and 15 percent for cattle, the study said.

It was released yesterday at a seminar titled “Feed Growth Supporting Bangladesh’s Protein Demand”, jointly organised by the Feed Industries Association of Bangladesh (FIAB) and the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) at Dhaka Regency Hotel & Resort in the capital.

Bangladesh’s fish and poultry feed industry supplies nutrient-rich feed to support animal growth and productivity. It uses ingredients such as rice bran, maize, soybean meal, fish meal and other locally available materials.

However, if the national goal is protein security, the industry should be assessed based on how efficiently it produces edible protein, said Md Safiqur Rahaman Shishir, head and associate professor of the Department of Animal Nutrition at BAU.

“The cheapest feed does not necessarily result in the lowest cost of producing animal protein,” he said while presenting a paper on improving feed efficiency at the seminar.

Khabibur Rahman, Bangladesh market lead of the USSEC, said the country has a soybean complex, or value chain.

It includes whole soybeans, which are crushed to produce soybean meal for animal feed and soybean oil, he added.

The USSEC provides technical support, conducts workshops and seminars, shares knowledge and builds partnerships with industry players to strengthen the sector.

“Improving animal health will also improve the quality of food for human consumption and give people access to healthier food,” Khabibur said.

About 60 percent of the animal protein consumed in Bangladesh comes from fish and aquatic animals. To help ensure this protein supply, the USSEC provides technical support to fish farmers and aquaculturists in Bangladesh, he added.

Md Delwar Hossain, secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, said animal protein plays an essential role in building a healthy and well-nourished nation.

“Quality feed is the foundation for producing safe and high-quality protein,” he said.

Md Shah Alam Khan, director general of the Department of Livestock Services, said feed accounts for around 70 to 75 percent of total production costs in the poultry and livestock sectors.

Government employees will receive arrears under the new pay scale for the period between July 1 and the date of the issuance of the official order, according to a finance ministry gazette notification.

The Ministry of Finance issued the circular on September 17, implementing the National Pay Scale 2026 retrospectively from July 1.

This follows the government’s approval on August 31 of the largest pay hike for the civil service since independence, which doubled the basic salary of top officials and raised the lowest pay by a record 142 percent.

According to the order, the basic salary adjustments under the new pay scale will unfold in phases.

For employees in Grades 10 to 20, 50 percent of the total basic salary increase -- the difference between the 2026 scale and their existing basic pay -- will be added to their basic salary drawn on June 30, 2026, for the period from July 1 to December 31.

They will receive 75 percent of the increase from January 1, 2027, to June 30, 2027, and 100 percent of the new pay scale alongside annual increments from July 1, 2027.

For officials in Grades 1 to 9, 40 percent of the total basic salary increase will be disbursed from July 1 to December 31, 2026. This will rise to 70 percent from January 1, 2027, with the full 100 percent salary adjustment coming into effect from July 1, 2027.

All other allowances will continue to be paid at the existing rates drawn as of June 30, 2026, until December 31, 2027. The revised allowance rates specified in the new order will take effect on January 1, 2028.

Prior to this update, the last national pay scale was introduced in 2015, marking the highest hike until now, with basic pay rising by 95 percent in the top grade and 101 percent in the lowest.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has fixed the maximum interest rate at 7.0 per cent for loans under the Tk200 billion pre-refinance scheme aimed at reopening closed industrial and service sector enterprises.

The central bank also introduced a six-month grace period on loan disbursements, during which no interest can be collected from borrowers.

The directive was issued through a circular on Thursday, reports UNB.

It specifies that the recovery of interest, including the accrued interest from the first two quarters, will commence only after the six-month grace period ends.

This circular follows two previous directives issued on June 4 and July 7, which established the "Closed Industrial and Service Sector Support Pre-Refinance Scheme" and laid down its policy framework.

Under the updated guidelines, the term "Large Industry" used in prior circulars has been replaced simply with "Industry." This adjustment widens the scope of financing under the scheme beyond large industries to include other eligible industrial enterprises.

According to Bangladesh Bank's instructions, participating commercial banks will receive pre-refinance facility from the central bank at an interest rate of 4 percent.

However, banks will not have to pay any interest during the initial six-month grace period.

Following the grace period, banks must settle interest payments to Bangladesh Bank on a quarterly basis, including the accumulated interest from the first two quarters.

Similarly, at the end-user level, the maximum interest rate charged by banks to borrowers cannot exceed 7.0 per cent. Borrowers will enjoy a complete exemption from interest payments during the six-month grace period, after which banks will collect regular interest along with the accrued balance from the initial two quarters.

Application Flexibility:

The central bank has eliminated rigid application deadlines for the scheme. Eligible enterprises can apply for pre-refinance facilities at any point during the scheme's three-year tenure, subject to fund availability.

This ensures that enterprises unable to apply at the onset of the scheme retain the opportunity to seek funding later if liquidity remains available.

Bangladesh Bank highlighted that the primary objective of the BDT 20,000 crore fund is to restore production and operational activities in long-closed industrial and service sector units.

Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has raised gold prices again, increasing the price of 22-carat gold by Tk1,691 per bhori to Tk2,34,621, including VAT.

BAJUS announced the new prices in a notice today, saying the price of tejabi gold (pure gold) had increased in the local market. Considering the overall market situation, the association revised the prices, which came into effect from 10am today (19 September).

Under the new rates, one bhori (11.664 grammes) of 21-carat gold has been set at Tk2,24,065 per bhori, 18-carat gold at Tk1,92,398 and traditional-method gold at Tk1,57,172.

BAJUS said the new prices will remain effective at all jewellery shops until further notice. However, labour charges will apply depending on the design of the jewellery.

As VAT is included in the selling price of gold and silver jewellery, jewellers cannot collect VAT separately from customers. BAJUS's previous rules will remain in place for jewellery exchange and purchase, excluding specified VAT, labour charges and the price of stones.

BAJUS last adjusted gold prices on 12 Sept, when it raised the price of 22-carat gold by Tk1,050 per bhori to Tk2,32,930, including VAT.

So far in 2026, gold prices in the country's market have been adjusted 116 times. Prices have been raised on 58 occasions, lowered on 57 occasions, and VAT adjusted once.

Meanwhile, silver prices have also been increased. The price of 22-carat silver has been raised by Tk116 per bhori to Tk5,132, including VAT.

The price of 21-carat silver has been set at Tk4,957 per bhori, 18-carat silver at Tk4,257 and traditional-method silver at Tk3,208.

Silver prices have been adjusted 70 times so far in 2026, with prices increased on 36 occasions and reduced on the remaining 34 occasions.

Bangladesh and Turkey have discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, particularly in renewable energy, mineral resources and LNG-related infrastructure.

The discussions also covered pipeline connectivity linking Bangladesh's offshore and island facilities with the mainland.

The issues were discussed at a recent meeting between Turkey's Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar and Bangladesh Ambassador to Turkey M Amanul Haq at the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources in Ankara.

According to the Bangladesh Embassy, the two sides explored potential areas of practical cooperation in the energy and mineral resources sectors and discussed opportunities to further strengthen bilateral collaboration.

During the meeting, Ambassador Haq handed over an invitation letter from Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, inviting Minister Bayraktar to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient early date.

Baraktar warmly accepted the invitation and expressed his intention to visit Bangladesh by the end of this year.

The Turkish Minister also instructed his officials to prepare a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for signing at the next possible opportunity, the Bangladesh Embassy said.

Ambassador Haq also handed over a proposed draft MoU between Bangladesh's Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources and Turkey's Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, aimed at establishing a framework for enhanced bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.

The meeting was attended from the Bangladesh side by Deputy Chief of Mission Shahanoor Alam and Commercial Counsellor Akram Hossain of the Bangladesh Embassy in Ankara.

Senior officials from Turkey's Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources also attended the meeting.

The Federal Reserve yesterday (16 September) raised interest rates by 0.25 percentage points from 3.50-3.75% to 3.75-4.00% as inflation has become a concern. With this rate hike, the Fed aims to reduce borrowing and spending, cool demand, and bring inflation under control.

Inflation in the USA remains above the Federal Reserve's 2% target. As of July 2026, inflation was 3.7%. Higher energy prices, import tariffs, and strong investment and demand have continued to push prices higher.

With higher interest rates, loans are expected to become more expensive for households and businesses. This generally discourages consumption and investment and gradually eases price pressures.

Although the Fed raised US interest rates, its impact extends to the global economy through multiple channels. Higher rates make dollar-denominated investments more appealing, which encourages international investors to shift funds to the USA. This increases demand for dollars and strengthens the dollar, while currencies in developing countries come under downward pressure.

For governments and companies, borrowing dollars also becomes more expensive. Developing countries that seek new international financing may have to accept higher interest rates. Their repayment conditions could also become more difficult. Countries with large external debts, limited foreign-exchange reserves, or high levels of short-term borrowing are more likely to face increased pressure.

Global commodity markets may have an indirect impact. If rising US interest rates curb worldwide economic growth, demand for oil and other commodities could fall, lowering prices. This might benefit import-dependent countries like Bangladesh.

However, this relief remains uncertain because geopolitical tensions, conflicts, and supply disruptions can still affect global energy prices.

Besides, a stronger US dollar might offset some declines in international commodity prices. Since Bangladesh pays for most imports in dollars, a weaker taka could limit the benefits of moderate drops in oil, gas, fertiliser, or food prices for Bangladeshi consumers and businesses. The overall impact will hinge on changes in global commodity prices and the USD/BDT exchange rate.

In Bangladesh, a key issue is the increased pressure on the Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). A stronger dollar would raise the local cost of imported fuel, food, fertiliser, machinery, and industrial raw materials.

This could lead to higher inflation, increased production costs, and reduced household purchasing power. Businesses that rely heavily on imported inputs may face profitability challenges and may pass some of these costs on to consumers.

In such situations, Bangladesh Bank may feel compelled to sell dollars from its foreign-exchange reserves to curb excessive exchange-rate volatility. Some intervention may be necessary to prevent disorderly swings and sudden market instability.

However, consistently drawing on reserves to keep the exchange rate artificially stable is unsustainable. The BDT should be allowed to adjust gradually and transparently in line with market conditions. A credible exchange-rate system helps reduce uncertainty for importers, exporters, foreign investors, and remittance senders.

Bangladesh's external debt costs could rise as USD interest rates increase. Government agencies and private companies with variable-rate or dollar-denominated loans could face higher interest payments. Additionally, if the taka depreciates, repayment costs will rise further, as borrowers will need more taka to buy each dollar.

New foreign borrowing for infrastructure, power, energy, and private investment could become more expensive. Therefore, projects should be selected carefully. Foreign loans should be directed to economically viable projects that can generate sufficient economic returns or foreign exchange earnings. Projects with poor financial prospects could strain the budget and external debt repayment obligations.

The USA is the biggest market for Bangladesh's ready-made garments (RMG). If high interest rates curb US consumer spending, demand for clothing and other non-essential products might decline. Bangladeshi exporters could see fewer orders, face increased pressure from buyers to lower prices, and experience thinner profit margins. Smaller factories, with less ability to absorb rising financing, energy, and input costs, may be especially at risk.

However, a quarter-percentage-point hike alone probably would not lead to a sharp drop in garment demand. The overall effect will depend on factors like the US labour market strength, consumer confidence, inflation, and economic growth.

Bangladesh's competitiveness will also be affected by exchange-rate changes in countries such as Vietnam, India, China, and Pakistan. If their currencies depreciate faster than the taka, Bangladeshi exporters may face increased competition.

As a remittance-receiving country, Bangladesh may also feel the impact. However, the impact on remittances could be mixed. A stronger dollar boosts the taka value of remittances for Bangladeshi families, supporting household spending.

Still, formal remittance inflows will remain robust only if banks offer competitive exchange rates and the gap between formal and informal rates stays narrow. The government must encourage migrant workers to use official channels through transparent, market-driven exchange rates, faster transfer services, and lower costs.

As far as investment is concerned, higher returns on safer US assets might make foreign investors more cautious about Bangladesh, though significant portfolio outflows are unlikely. Investment decisions are strongly influenced by challenges such as energy shortages, regulatory uncertainty, exchange-rate risk, and difficulties repatriating profits.

These internal limitations may matter more than short-term portfolio shifts. Therefore, Bangladesh must strengthen its domestic investment environment, which is particularly crucial now.

Bangladesh Bank decreased policy rates on 30 July 2026 by 50 basis points, from 10% to 9.5%. This move aimed to bolster economic growth, promote private investment, and enhance credit flow following a lengthy period of restrictive monetary policy.

It also reflected concern over sluggish economic activity and subdued private-sector credit growth. Currently, Bangladesh Bank's room to lower domestic interest rates further is limited, given that inflation remains high.

While affordable credit is essential to support investment and employment, hastily lowering rates could weaken the taka, increase dollar demand, and fuel inflation. Therefore, Bangladesh's domestic policy should balance controlling inflation, maintaining exchange-rate stability, safeguarding financial sector health, and ensuring access to productive credit.

Overall, the consequences of the Fed's interest rate hike will depend more on the future path of US rates than on this single increase. Bangladesh should maintain a flexible, stable exchange rate, safeguard reserves, promote remittances through formal channels, restrict costly foreign borrowing, and monitor companies' foreign-currency risk.

At the same time, stronger fiscal discipline, better debt management, and improved banking governance are essential. In the medium term, Bangladesh needs to diversify exports and markets, enhance energy security, boost productivity, and increase investor confidence. These actions would help the economy withstand higher US interest rates and future external shocks.

Fahmida Khatun is a distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).

US factory production unexpectedly fell in August and higher oil prices and rising interest rates could offset some of the support from an artificial intelligence buildout, likely keeping activity moderate for the rest of the year.

The decline in output, reported by the Federal Reserve on Friday, followed seven straight months of increases. The US central bank on Wednesday raised interest rates for the first time in three years and flagged further increases in borrowing costs in the months ahead. Oil prices are hovering above $100 a barrel with no end in sight to the US-Israeli war with Iran.

"Looking ahead, we think manufacturing output will rise a little further over coming months, but will fail to match the pace set in the first half of this year," said Samuel Tombs, chief US economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics.

"Some manufacturers likely will find that demand softens as they pass on higher energy prices to consumers."

Manufacturing output dropped 0.3 percent last month following an unrevised 0.2 percent rise in July. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast production would increase 0.3 percent. Output advanced 0.9 percent on a year-over-year basis in August, a modest increase that, according to some economists, indicated the Trump administration's aggressive trade policy had not had the desired effect of rejuvenating the nation's industrial base.

Production in the sector, which accounts for about 9.4 percent of the economy, received a boost in prior months as businesses rushed orders to avoid shortages and higher prices from the escalation of the war in the Middle East.

The decline in August was led by a 0.5 percent drop in the production of long-lasting manufactured goods. Motor vehicles and parts production decreased 1.2 percent, notching a second straight monthly decline. Output of computers and peripheral equipment fell 1.4 percent, but was up 5.5 percent on a year-over-year basis.

Production of communications equipment increased 0.8 percent. Though the output of semiconductors and related electronic components dipped 0.1 percent, this category was up 12.4 percent from a year ago.

The AI spending spree has cushioned the blow from import tariffs on manufacturing. Some economists are still betting on a strong manufacturing performance this year, despite a sharp rise in longer-dated US Treasury yields in recent weeks and the Fed's decision to raise its benchmark overnight interest rate by 25 basis points to the 3.75 percent-4.00 percent range.

POSSIBLE TAILWIND FROM HIGHER DEFENSE SPENDING

"We still look for manufacturing activity to pick up through next year, and the AI infrastructure buildout is a key reason for our sanguine outlook," said Bernard Yaros, lead U.S. economist at Oxford Economics. "The demand case for AI still seems strong enough to shrug off higher-for-longer rates and increased geopolitical risk. Greater defense spending will also act as another tailwind."

Restocking by businesses that have run down inventories for five straight quarters to meet robust demand could also provide a lift to manufacturing, though some economists argued that trend could be overshadowed by the drag from rising costs.

Production of nondurable goods was unchanged after falling 0.4 percent in July. Rises in output at textile mills as well as for apparel and leather products were offset by declines in the production of plastics and rubber goods, and petroleum and coal.

"Factory output shows the first signs of a slowdown which could worsen if the geopolitical headwinds intensify and diesel fuel prices do not come back down," said Christopher Rupkey, chief economist at FWDBONDS. "Soaring energy prices are costly for industry and higher diesel prices may start to chip away at the manufacturing renaissance picture painted by White House economic officials."

Mining production edged up 0.1 percent last month, matching the rise in July. Oil and gas well drilling increased 0.9 percent after accelerating by 5.2 percent in July.

Utilities production shot up 1.8 percent after climbing 0.5 percent in July. Overall industrial production was unchanged last month after gaining 0.2 percent in July. Industrial output advanced 1.4 percent on a year-over-year basis in August.

Capacity utilization for the industrial sector, a measure of how fully firms are using their resources, was unchanged at 76.3 percent in August. It is 3.1 percentage points below its 1972–2025 average.

The operating rate for the manufacturing sector fell 0.3 percentage points to 75.7 percent. It is 2.5 percentage points below its long-run average.

"There is no evidence here that tariffs or anything are generating an influx of new jobs in manufacturing and industry," said Carl Weinberg, chief economist at High Frequency Economics.

Bangladesh's foreign exchange reserves stood at US$36.32 billion (gross), according to the latest data released by Bangladesh Bank (BB) on Wednesday.

The country's gross foreign exchange reserves reached US$36.32 billion, while reserves calculated under the IMF's BPM6 methodology stood at US$31.47 billion.

The government has once again provided major import tax relief on almost all solar equipment used for renewable energy generation.

According to an order issued by the Internal Resources Division (IRD) of the finance ministry on 16 September, all solar equipment imported for industrial use will be subject to a 1% duty, with the existing 15% VAT and 2% advance tax waived.

For non-industrial commercial importers, almost all solar equipment and components will also be eligible for import at a 1% duty, except for a few components that are manufactured locally.

Import taxes on those components had previously ranged from 23% to 64%.

The facility will remain in effect for six months, according to the order signed by Ahsan Habib, acting secretary of the IRD and chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

An NBR statement said the measure would reduce the cost of solar power projects, accelerate the expansion of new power-generation capacity, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and further strengthen the country's energy security and sustainable economic development.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved 12 major development projects with an estimated total expenditure of Tk 1.689 trillion.
The approval was finalized during an ECNEC meeting presided over by the Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson.

Meanwhile, the ECNEC endorsed MRT-5 south project while MRT-5 north and MRT-1 have been revised at the ECNEC meeting today (Wednesday).

Out of the total budget allocated for these 12 projects, BDT 482.56 billion will be sourced from internal government revenues, while Tk 1.22 trillion will be managed through external project loans and foreign assistance, and Tk 577.1 million from the agencies' own fund.

The approved projects consist of 7 entirely new initiatives and 5 revised projects.

Bangladesh Bank has instructed banks, mobile financial service (MFS) providers and other payment service providers (PSPs) to immediately suspend payment services to operators of mobile apps involved in unauthorised online lending.

The banking regulator also requested the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and other relevant authorities to remove mobile apps involved in unauthorised online lending from online platforms, including the Google Play Store, and permanently stop their use and operation.

The central bank issued separate letters to those authorities recently.

BB also asked banks to take effective measures to raise public awareness against such apps and report the steps taken to its Payment Systems Supervision Department.

In the letter, BB said some mobile apps operating on online platforms are providing loans at high interest rates, exposing borrowers to financial losses and harassment.

It said such apps can gain access to users’ phone contacts, personal and sensitive information, photos, videos and text messages without their knowledge.

Borrowers who fail to repay loans may then face blackmail, threats to publish sensitive information and photographs on social media, and other forms of harassment, it added.

Citing Section 15(2) of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2024, Bangladesh Bank said no person can operate an online or offline platform involving investment collection, lending, fund custody or financial transactions without its approval.

As the lending activities of the identified apps are being conducted without Bangladesh Bank approval, they are illegal and constitute a punishable offence under Section 37(1) of the law, it said.

The central bank warned that operators of such apps are directly involved in a punishable offence. It also said scheduled banks, MFS, digital financial service and payment service provider institutions that facilitate transactions related to such lending could be considered involved in the offence as financial transaction channels.

Under Section 19(4) of the law, Bangladesh Bank therefore directed all institutions and individuals concerned, including the operators of the identified apps listed in an attachment, to immediately stop providing payment services to them.

Earlier, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit warned the public against taking loans through unauthorised mobile apps and digital platforms and named 30 illegal apps involved in extortion, data theft and financial fraud.

The 30 unauthorised apps identified by the BFIU are: Sathi Loan, Pop Cash, FinCash, Quick Loan, Quick Taka, Dhaka Fin, LoanVibe, Dost Loan, Taka Cash Loan, KWANZA Loan, SSH Money, LoanBuddy, Cash-Hora, Alo Cash, Fast Loan, Easy Taka, Dhorjo Loan, Fin Dot Do, Taka Cash Loan, BongoCash, Asha Loan, Subidha Loan, Smart Loan BD, Online Loan BD, City Online Loan, BD Shohoj Loan, Cash Loan, Sonali, Loan Haat and Taka Nao.

Earlier, on August 24, The Daily Star published a report titled “Fake online loans lead borrowers into costly traps”.

The report said people are losing their hard-earned money to online scams that offer cheap loans and quick investment returns. It also said some unauthorised mobile apps are targeting people by offering digital loans.

Gas supply across the country has increased significantly following Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's directive, and the improvement is expected to continue in the coming days, said Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Spokesperson Mahdi Amin today (16 September).

"The implementation of what the prime minister said began within a very short time. Gas flow has increased significantly, and we can see visible improvement in the supply situation. InshaAllah, this positive trend will continue in the coming days," he said.

Mahdi made the remarks at a press conference at the PMO, marking seven months of the government led by Tarique Rahman.

He said the prime minister has recently held meetings with business leaders and the media personalities to address the gas supply crisis and directed the authorities to take the maximum possible steps to restore the situation based on reality and ensure that industries could resume normal operations.

"The objective was to ensure that industries become fully operational again and that Bangladesh's economy can continue on its potential and onward trajectory," the spokesperson said.

He said the government made "positive progress" in public welfare during its seven months in office, although it could not resolve all problems in such a short period.

Mahdi said the government is working with specific action plans and accountability, while tackling challenges ranging from foreign debt pressures and administrative reforms to corruption-free public services, education, healthcare and strengthening Bangladesh's position in diplomacy.

"From every step, the government's commitment to the country and its people is reflected," he said

The PMO spokesperson said the government is rebuilding Bangladesh from what he described as the "ruins" left after 17 years of the previous rule.

"It is difficult to solve all problems 100% within just seven months. But in the current elected and accountable government, whose only source of power is the people, the highest level of sincerity and goodwill is visible in every step," he said.

Mahdi called for unity beyond political and other differences to build a prosperous, self-reliant, humane, safe and people-oriented Bangladesh.

He said the government's measures over the past month could broadly be divided into seven areas: youth empowerment, education, information technology and innovation; overall public welfare and improvement of living standards; women's advancement, universal welfare and social protection; environment-friendly energy and climate-resilient industrialisation; modern health infrastructure and public health; transport infrastructure and traffic management; and institutional good governance, public diplomacy and foreign relations.

The spokesperson highlighted the approval of a new national pay scale for government employees, ranging from Tk20,000 to Tk1.56 lakh, as one of the measures taken to improve the financial well-being of public servants.

Other measures, he said, included extending institutional mobile allowances to government employees of all grades, increasing the maximum net pension of retired employees by up to 100% and providing a monthly allowance of Tk3,000 for their children with special needs.

Mahdi said the government also withdrew the requirement for prior Finance Division approval for recruitment and renewal of outsourced manpower to speed up official activities and took steps to prevent long-term postings of officials at the same workplace in the land administration sector.

He said the government passed legislation ensuring parents' lifetime possession and use of property even after transferring ownership through donation.

The spokesperson also mentioned initiatives to provide special national awards of Tk 1 lakh each to 100 meritorious teachers, increase grants to the Journalist Welfare Trust and expand programmes such as Family Card, Farmers' Card and regular government allowances for imams and muezzins.

On women's welfare, he said the government has taken an initiative to establish a joint institutional framework with an international cyber security network to prevent harassment and violence against women in cyberspace.

Mahdi said plans are also being formulated to provide universal stipends to all female students in primary and secondary educational institutions and ensure nutritious food at schools.

He said 20,000 tea workers in Sylhet, Moulvibazar and Habiganj will receive modern raincoats as part of measures to protect the health and safety of women working in the tea industry.

On the energy sector, the spokesperson said a programme to drill 150 new gas wells nationwide has begun as a medium-term measure to address the gas crisis, with another 150 wells planned in the next phase.

He said plans have been taken to increase the number of floating storage regasification units (FSRUs) from the existing two to five in phases, and efforts are underway to launch a third FSRU before 2028, if possible.

The government has also given in-principle approval to import 18 LNG cargoes through direct procurement from global suppliers, Mahdi said.

For long-term energy security, international financing of $1 billion has been secured for expansion of the Eastern Refinery in Chattogram, and work had begun, he said.

In the power sector, the spokesperson said 1,046.73 megawatts of electricity that remained suspended from the national grid due to technical problems have been restored.

He also highlighted plans for a 500MW power plant and a large fertiliser factory in Bhola, addition of 200MW of solar power to the national grid and a five-year plan to convert all diesel-powered irrigation pumps to solar energy.

Mahdi said the government has taken measures to ensure uninterrupted agricultural production, including maintaining a fertiliser stock of 5.155 million metric tonnes, 1.568 million tonnes above projected demand through February.

He said a central control room has also been planned to monitor fertiliser supply.

The spokesperson also mentioned the return to production of Chittagong Urea Fertiliser Limited after a six-month shutdown and initiatives to gradually reopen factories that had remained closed for various reasons.

In the health sector, he said the government plans to build 15-storey specialised general hospitals in Dhaka and the country's other eight divisional cities.

Mahdi said a policy decision has been taken to operate the newly built super-specialised hospital under a modern international corporate management model.

Plans are also underway to expand affordable dialysis services to every district and upazila and increase the number of beds at Bogura Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital to 1,800, he said

The spokesperson mentioned the foundation-laying for an international-standard specialised burn and plastic surgery centre at Rangpur Medical College, plans for a national e-health platform and steps to restore the supply of essential medicines and modern medical equipment to community clinics.

He said 19.771 million children have been vaccinated against measles and rubella across the country over the past five months, exceeding the target.

Mahdi also referred to the government's three-month nationwide dengue prevention and cleanliness campaign, which began in the presence of the prime minister, as part of efforts to curb the spread of dengue.

He said a feasibility study and detailed design have been prepared for installing electric traction to operate electric trains on the Dhaka-Chattogram corridor.

Plans are also underway to construct a four-lane uninterrupted expressway from Dhaka to the City Gate in Chattogram and extend the Dhaka-Cox's Bazar intercity express train service, Mahdi said.

He also said the government directed the introduction of a fully cashless automated radio-frequency identification toll system within the next four months.

Among other measures, the spokesperson mentioned plans to relocate Karwan Bazar's wholesale kitchen market to Gabtoli and the Fulbaria bus terminal to Keraniganj to ease traffic congestion in Dhaka.

On governance, he said seven leaders of what he described as the "fascist organisation" have been sentenced to death by a court for genocide-related offences, while orders have also been issued to confiscate 50% of the movable and immovable property of five of those sentenced to death.

Mahdi said the government has also formally handed permanent appointment letters for government jobs to eligible members of 74 families of those killed in the July mass uprising.

He highlighted the formation of parliamentary standing committees, regular parliamentary oversight of ministries, the decision not to use honorific terms such as "Mahamanaya" or "Mananiya" before the president and prime minister in official documents, and the introduction of biometric attendance at land offices in phases.

Mahdi said the government has repaid $2.0476 billion, equivalent to Tk25,163 crore, in foreign loans and interest over the past five months.

He also cited a 13.1% increase in remittances over six months, initiatives to reopen the Malaysian labour market, progress in sending Bangladeshi workers legally to Italy and Oman, and progress in trade negotiations with the European Union.

The spokesperson said Bangladesh has successfully resolved 48 of 61 trade barriers identified by the EU.

He also mentioned a bilateral investment protection and promotion agreement with Hong Kong, financing of up to £2 billion under UK Export Finance for infrastructure development and procurement, and $1 million in emergency humanitarian assistance to Nepal following severe floods.

On defence and aviation, Mahdi said the government has begun the final process of procuring 20 J-10C fourth-generation fighter aircraft from China and is taking steps to equip the Border Guard Bangladesh with surveillance drones.

On fuel prices, the spokesperson said diesel is comparatively cheaper in Bangladesh than in many other countries, particularly neighbouring countries.

He said the government was providing a high level of subsidy on fuel to prevent additional pressure on the people.

At the briefing, Prime Minister's Press Secretary Saleh Shibly and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman also highlighted various public welfare measures taken by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

PM's Speechwriter ASM Mahfuzur Rahman, Deputy Press Secretaries Jahidul Islam Rony and Md Suzauddhowla, Assistant Press Secretaries Md Nazmul Haque Khan, Abdullah Al Mahmud Shahriar,, Asrofa Emdad, Media Coordinator Tariqul Islam and PM's physician ANM Manowarul Kadir Bitu, among others, were present at the briefing.

The Dhaka Stock Exchange extended its recovery for a second consecutive session today (16 September) as investors bought beaten-down stocks, while Moody's revision of Bangladesh's economic outlook to stable supported market sentiment.

The benchmark DSEX index gained 21 points to close at 5,494, while the blue-chip DS30 index rose 5 points to 2,092.

Turnover rose 10% to Tk556 crore, indicating broader participation alongside the index gains. Of the 386 issues traded, 180 advanced, 153 declined and 53 remained unchanged.

According to daily market reviews by brokerage houses, trading was marked by a tug-of-war between bargain hunting and profit-taking.

EBL Securities noted that the bourse sustained its upward momentum as investors took positions in undervalued stocks following assurances over the resolution of industrial gas supply constraints and renewed regulatory engagement with leading brokers. However, lingering domestic and geopolitical concerns continued to weigh on sentiment and cloud the outlook for a sustained recovery.

Sheltech Brokerage Limited said strong early buying interest pushed the benchmark index to an intraday high of 5,532 points, before profit-taking pressure quickly emerged to erode early gains and drag the index down to an intraday low of 5,473 points. Buying interest subsequently strengthened and persisted until the closing bell, extending the recovery streak for two consecutive sessions. Market sentiment was also aided by Moody's revision of the country's economic outlook from negative to stable.

Meanwhile, insurance scrips pared back part of their previous-session gains amid uncertain market momentum and weak investor conviction toward a sustained upturn.

On the sectoral front, textiles accounted for the highest share of turnover at 27.6%, followed by general insurance at 15.0% and the banking sector at 10.9%.

Most sectors displayed positive returns, with jute exhibiting the most gain at 2.1%, followed by travel up 1.2% and paper rising 1.1%. Conversely, general insurance experienced the steepest correction, dropping 2.2%, followed by mutual funds down 1.7% and food stocks slipping 0.4%.

Trading activity was heavily concentrated in key counters, with Sharp Industries, Eastern Bank, Envoy Textile, Saiham Textile, and Malek Spinning leading the top-traded stocks list.

Individual scrips witnessed aggressive buying interest near upper circuit limits, led by Orion Infusion, which surged 9.96%, Al-Haj Textile up 9.91%, Information Services Network gaining 9.79%, Meghna PET rising 9.56%, and AB Bank advancing 9.09%.

On the losing side, BD Thai Food suffered the sharpest drop, falling 8.15%, followed by Sena Insurance down 7.50%, Exim Bank First Mutual Fund losing 6.75%, EBL First Mutual Fund dropping 6.66%, and Phoenix Finance First Mutual Fund contracting 5.71%.

Mirroring the positive sentiment on the primary bourse, the port city's Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also closed higher. The CSCX index rose 39 points to reach 8,975, while the all-share CASPI index jumped 74 points to close at 14,673.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has urged eligible companies interested in entering the stock market under a proposed direct listing framework to begin preparations for listing.

The initiative is aimed at established companies that do not require fresh capital for business expansion or operations but want to access the capital market.

Under the proposed framework, these companies would not issue new shares to raise funds from general investors. Instead, their existing shareholders would be allowed to sell shares through the stock exchange.

The BSEC has already drafted the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (Direct Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange) Rules, 2026 and published the draft for public consultation.

The proposed rules are intended to provide an alternative route for established companies to list on the stock market without raising fresh capital through an initial public offering.

According to the proposed rules, companies meeting the prescribed eligibility criteria would be able to apply for direct listing.

The regulator is encouraging companies that fall within the proposed framework and are interested in listing to take the necessary preparations in advance. This would enable eligible companies to move forward with the listing process once the proposed rules come into effect.

Under the proposed mechanism, a company itself would not raise fresh funds through the listing process. Rather, existing shareholders would get an opportunity to sell or offload their holdings through the stock exchange.

At present, companies seeking to raise funds from the capital market can enter through an initial public offering (IPO). However, established companies that do not require fresh capital but want to become publicly traded would have an alternative route under the proposed direct-listing framework.

The BSEC expects the proposed system to increase the participation of new and capable companies in the capital market. It would also create an opportunity for existing shareholders to offload their shares and help expand the depth and breadth of the market.

The proposed framework could therefore allow companies with different capital requirements to choose different routes to the stock market. Companies requiring fresh capital could use the IPO process, while established companies that do not need additional funds could potentially opt for direct listing.

The BSEC said the draft 'Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission Rules, 2026' would be made effective soon through gazette notification.

The regulator said it is continuing policy and regulatory reforms to expand listing opportunities and encourage more capable companies to participate in the capital market, with the aim of developing a deeper, more diversified, transparent and efficient market.

Bangladesh sells garment items to the European Union (EU) at less than half the prices of those from Vietnam because of the lack of high-value garment items in Bangladesh’s export basket.

Among the cheapest suppliers to EU buyers, Bangladesh ranks second-lowest in terms of export prices among major suppliers such as China, Vietnam, India and Cambodia.

In the price chart, Bangladesh is only above Pakistan, the cheapest supplier.

For instance, the unit price of Bangladeshi garment items fell to €13.80 per kilogram (kg) from €15.07 in the corresponding period of 2025, posting an 8.47 percent year-on-year fall, according to data from Eurostat.

However, Vietnam’s average price rose to €29 per kg in the first six months of this year from €25.95 in the same period last year.

In the same period, garment items exported by China experienced a 2.18 percent price fall, Eurostat also said.

Mohammad Hatem, president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), said Vietnam sends high-value garment items to the EU, while Bangladesh still exports low-end items.

The price of low-end garment items is low, but the volume is high, he said. On the other hand, the value of high-end garment items is high, but the volume is low, he added.

For instance, if a T-shirt is sold at $2 from Bangladesh, the price of the same T-shirt from Vietnam is over $4, he said.

He also blamed unhealthy price competition among exporters domestically for lower prices from international clothing retailers and brands.

At the same time, Cambodia’s price rose by 7.86 percent to €18.67, gaining share while charging more, the opposite of Bangladesh’s pattern.

Turkey also saw a price hike of 1.53 percent, hitting €28.31 from €27.88.

Garments from India and Pakistan to the EU both registered a fall in prices. India experienced a 1.76 percent fall in garment export prices, while Pakistan recorded the highest decline, at 14.74 percent year-on-year, to €10.77.

In the first six months of this year, the average import price of garments by the EU was €19.84 per kg, down 1.93 percent from €20.23 per kg in the same period last year, Eurostat also said.

The EU apparel import market shrank overall. Total imports fell 5.10 percent by value to €54.38 billion and 3.23 percent by volume to 2,688.66 million kg. The average unit price across all sources dropped 1.93 percent to €19.84 per kg.

Bangladesh’s exports fell further than the market, declining 13.65 percent to €10.37 billion in value and 5.66 percent in volume to 751.91 million kg in the January-July period. As a result, it lost share rather than simply following the wider pullback.

Laos has suspended approval of new work permits, labour import plans and labour projects for Bangladeshi nationals nationwide from 1 September through the end of 2026, citing concerns over illegal entry, human smuggling and unauthorised labour recruitment.

The suspension was reported by English-language Lao news website Laotian Times on 14 September, citing a directive issued by Laos' Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare on 9 September.

The ministry said the measure aims to curb illegal entry, human smuggling, unauthorised labour brokers and employers who evade responsibility for workers they bring into the country. However, the directive did not explain why Bangladeshi nationals were specifically targeted.

Major government-approved priority projects with fixed contract schedules will be exempt from the freeze.

The order bars individuals, companies, employers and labour operators from independently authorising the entry or employment of Bangladeshi nationals. Laos has also stopped approving Labour Visa (LA-B2) permits for Bangladeshi workers through the end of 2026.

Violators could face fines, deportation and possible revocation of business licences. Employers importing or employing workers without authorisation face a fine of LAK2.5 million, or about $110, per worker per violation. The same penalty applies to those importing workers for redistribution to other labour units.

Employers using or accepting workers assigned to another labour unit face a fine of LAK2 million, or about $89, per worker per violation.

Workers moving to unauthorised worksites without permission face a LAK1 million, or about $44, fine per instance and deportation within 30 days. Employers or other violators must bear deportation and travel costs.

Repeat violations within the same category could result in triple fines and possible legal prosecution, according to the report.

The Lao ministry did not disclose the number of Bangladeshi workers currently employed in the country or the sectors most affected. Bangladeshi workers in Laos have traditionally been employed mainly in construction and manufacturing, according to Laotian Times.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has recommended in principle the import of an additional 695,000 tonnes of fuel oil, including gas oil and jet fuel, under the government-to-government (G2G) arrangement for September-December 2026.

The additional quantity is equivalent to 10 percent of the amount already approved for import through the G2G process for the 2026 calendar year.

The Energy and Mineral Resources Division placed the proposal before the committee, which recommended its in-principle approval.

The committee also recommended final approval of contracts for selecting private partners to reopen two textile mills under the Bangladesh Textile Mills Corporation (BTMC) through the public-private partnership (PPP) model.

The first contract concerns Magura Textile Mill, which is under the control of BTMC under the Ministry of Textiles and Jute.

The second involves Darowani Textile Mill in Nilphamari, also controlled by BTMC.

Both proposals were placed by the Ministry of Textiles and Jute and received the committee's recommendation for final approval of the contracts for selecting private partners.

The decisions were taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs yesterday (15 September).

The government will import refined fuel worth Tk12,537 crore from China and Indonesia between September and December under government-to-government (G2G) arrangements.

The fuel will be procured from China's Unipec and PetroChina and Indonesia's BSP, according to the Public Relations Department of the Finance Ministry.

The Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase approved the procurement proposals at a meeting chaired by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury today (16 September).

Earlier, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had given in-principle approval to import an additional 695,000 tonnes of fuel oil through the G2G process for the September-December period, beyond the previously approved quantity.

The purchase committee also approved a proposal to procure an additional cargo of LNG from QatarEnergy Trading LLC by 10 November under a long-term contract.

The LNG will be priced at the Japan-Korea Marker (JKM) plus $0.02 per MMBtu, which is lower than the price under the long-term LNG contract signed with US-based Gunvor.

Stocks made tentative gains at the start of the Asian trading session on Wednesday as a rise in global bond yields and oil prices paused ahead of the Federal Reserve's policy decision due later in the day.
MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fluctuated between gains and losses after declining for four consecutive sessions and was last up 0.2 per cent, led by a 0.8per cent gain in Korean shares. S&P 500 e-mini futures nudged 0.1per cent higher.

Overnight on Wall Street, the S&P 500 slumped 0.5 per cent, marking its second consecutive day of declines as the yield on the 10-year Treasury bond hit its highest level since 2007.

"US equity markets closed lower overnight as rising Treasury yields, another jump in crude and the polarised debate around pacing AI development left the market in a cautious mood," said Tony Sycamore, market analyst at IG in Sydney.

The yield on the US 10-year Treasury bond was 0.8 basis point lower at 4.9875 per cent in Asian trade after breaching the 5 per cent mark on Tuesday for the first time in three years, ahead of a rate decision from the Federal Reserve and a media conference by Fed Chair Kevin Warsh.

Traders believe that a hike from the Federal Reserve is almost assured, pricing an implied 92.4 per cent probability of a 25-basis-point hike when it announces its policy decision, according to the CME Group's FedWatch tool, compared to a 59.4 per cent chance a week ago.

The US dollar index, which measures the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading near a two-week high at 99.656.

Oil prices slipped as trading resumed in Asia, with Brent crude futures down 0.6per cent at $108.08 a barrel after rising 2.9 per cent on Tuesday after shipping industry sources said crude loadings at Saudi Arabia's Red Sea export hub of Yanbu had been suspended and Riyadh had cancelled some cargo deliveries to European customers.

Digital assets extended losses after the US Senate on Tuesday voted against advancing comprehensive cryptocurrency legislation backed by President Donald Trump. Bitcoin slid 0.1per cent to $75,816.24, while ether slipped 0.2 per cent to $2,403.27.

Bangladesh's request for a smooth-transition mechanism after the graduation from the least-developed-country (LDC) category is "legitimate", says WTO deputy chief Xiangchen Zhang about the country's move for getting the process deferred.
The country will face changes in preferential treatment and new obligations under World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules after the graduation.

The Deputy Director-General (DDG) of the global trade body expressed his opinion here Wednesday at a training session titled 'The WTO's Work on Trade and development' held at the WTO headquarters in Geneva with participation of journalists from different countries. The session was organised under the Journalist Programme on Global Trade Polices in the context of the WTO Public Forum 2026.

"LDC graduation is an important subject in the WTO. Bangladesh, together with some other LDCs like Cambodia and Nepal, will graduate from the group. First of all, it is a subject for celebration. It is a demonstration of the progress you have made," Zhang said.

At the same time, he noted, graduating LDCs have legitimate grounds to seek a smooth transition to help them adjust to the changes arising from the loss of LDC-specific trade benefits.

Eligibility for LDC-specific support measures for a period beyond graduation is referred to as a smooth-transition period.

Bangladesh is scheduled to graduate from the world's poor-country club in November this year. The government has, however, submitted a formal request for deferring the gradation for three more years. If approved by the United Nations, the country will graduate in 2029.

Zhang drew an analogy with policies in China, saying that some regions below a certain poverty line receive additional government support and preferential treatment. When those regions move above the threshold, the benefits are withdrawn, which is a sign of progress but can also justify a transitional period.

"In China, our policy is that we give those countries some transitional period of time -- five years -- to continue to enjoy the preferential treatment," he told the journalists.

He said some WTO members had already responded positively to calls for extending preferential treatment for graduating LDCs for an additional three years. He mentions the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia and Japan. "Not all the countries did the same," Zhang said, adding that the LDC Group, led by Bangladesh, is continuing to push for a smooth transition while the WTO is facilitating discussions among members.

There are currently 44 LDCs on the United Nations (UN) list of which 37, including Bangladesh, have become WTO members to date. Four LDCs are negotiating to join the WTO now.

The 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) has provided graduating LDCs additional time to align with WTO disciplines on dispute- settlement system and also be eligible for LDC-specific technical assistance and capacity building.

Referring to his visit to Bangladesh two years ago, Zhang said he had witnessed the country's economic progress and the development of emerging industries, including the pharmaceutical sector.

He said graduating LDCs should also focus on specific areas where the impact of graduation could be significant, particularly emerging industries.

Bangladesh needs to understand the implications of new obligations arising from graduation, particularly those relating to the WTO's Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), he said.

"The TRIPS obligations are important for this new emerging industry," Zhang said, referring to Bangladesh's pharmaceutical sector.

He notes that Bangladesh had requested WTO assistance and training on intellectual-property rules for both government officials and entrepreneurs.

"I think it is the right approach."

In 2026, the organisation has conducted training on the TRIPS Agreement and Bangladesh's LDC graduation, focusing on intellectual property-related issues and the obligations that will become relevant after graduation.

Zhang has previously highlighted the need for graduating LDCs to prepare for changes in areas that include TRIPS, agricultural policies and non-agricultural subsidies, while stressing the role of WTO technical assistance in supporting the transition.

Meanwhile, Wednesday was the second day of the public forum, WTO's biggest annual outreach event. This year forum focuses on the fast-growing diversification of the trade in services.