After months of stability, Bangladesh’s currency has started to lose value against the US dollar as Bangladesh Bank stopped intervening in the market due to the possible impact of the US-Israel war against Iran.

The government must address seven major economic challenges, including persistent inflation and energy constraints, through coordinated reforms to restore growth and strengthen economic resilience, speakers said yesterday.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has appointed observers at National Bank, Al-Arafah Islami Bank, Premier Bank, and IFIC Bank to closely monitor their activities.

The ongoing military escalation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran is disrupting global transport routes, airspace access, and economic activity in the Gulf region. For Bangladesh, where labour migration to and remittance inflows from the Middle East are crucial, the conflict poses serious economic risks.

When tensions escalate among global and regional powers, the shockwaves ripple through oil markets, shipping lanes, labour migration routes, and financial systems, reaching economies thousands of kilometres away.

The country’s private sector faces challenges in making satisfactory progress as global trade disruptions resulting from the US-Israel war on Iran, uncertainty over energy supply, persistent inflation and weak investment weigh on business activities, a leading chamber said yesterday.

Bangladesh stands at a decisive crossroads. A newly elected government has taken office. Expectations are high. Markets are watching. Investors, both domestic and foreign, are recalibrating their outlook.

The Red-Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT) Chittagong recorded its highest-ever monthly container throughput of 30,308 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) in February since Saudi operator RSGT International (RSGTI) began operations in June 2024.

The Bangladesh Bank (BB) has relaxed rules allowing foreign investors to repatriate proceeds up to Tk 100 crore from sales and share transfers without prior approval.

Private container depots and operators of lighter vessels have urged the government to ensure an uninterrupted supply of diesel to keep export and import activities running smoothly.

The benchmark index of the Dhaka bourse surged 132 points to 5,141 today

April delivery has been sought for the cargoes

The interbank exchange rate stood at Tk 122.49 per US dollar, up from Tk 122.43 a day earlier

Current oil stock is enough to meet demand, the minister says after meeting with importers, millers

The directive covers major payment channels, including ATMs, POS terminals, QR code payments, internet banking, online e-payment gateways and MFS

Previously, the limit was Tk 10 crore, with most cases requiring prior approval

Brent jumps as much as 29%, WTI surges up to 31%

The four are: National Bank, Al-Arafah Islami Bank, Premier Bank, and IFIC Bank

33 flights cancelled today

Services to Doha, Sharjah, Kuwait and Dammam remain suspended until further notice