Road to regional integration amid Dhaka-Tokyo trade imbalance
Trade relations between Japan and Bangladesh have grown steadily over the years, but several challenges persist. Bilateral trade increased from US$ 1 billion in 2010 to approximately US$ 3 billion in 2023, with ready-made garments (RMG) dominating Bangladesh’s exports. Other significant exports include leather goods and home textiles, while Bangladesh imports essential industrial products such as iron and steel, vehicles, and machinery from Japan. However, trade imbalances remain a concern, with Bangladesh facing a merchandise trade deficit with Japan. Additionally, anti-dumping duties (ADD) imposed by Japan on select Bangladeshi exports, such as jute, have further complicated trade relations.
Matarbari DSP to boost connectivity in Bay of Bengal
A deep-sea port (DSP) at Matarbari, developed with Japanese assistance, is expected to become operational in 2026. Designed to handle both containers and bulk cargo, this high-capacity port aims to enhance regional connectivity and trade, particularly benefiting Bangladesh, Northeast India, Bhutan, and Nepal.
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Bank accounts to be attached for tax non-compliance
NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan has reported that 65 per cent of Tax Identification Number (TIN) holders have failed to file their tax returns on time, warning that strict measures, including the attachment of bank accounts, will be implemented to ensure compliance.
During a pre-budget discussion held at the NBR headquarters in Agargaon on 11 March, he stated, "We have already 
instructed our tax offices to issue notices to non-filers, gather bank and other relevant inform...
Govt debt strategy reduces central bank borrowing by 40pc
Government borrowing from commercial banks has risen by 74% in the current financial year, driven largely by sluggish private sector credit growth and a strategic move to reduce its debt to the central bank under a contractionary monetary policy.
According to data from Bangladesh Bank, the government secured Tk78,832 crore from commercial banks through the issuance of Treasury bills and bonds between July and 20 February, compared to Tk45,231 crore in the same period the previous year. Currently, the government's total outstanding borrowing from commercial banks amounts to Tk3.97 lakh crore.Firms sign contracts with Starlink
Several Bangladeshi firms have partnered with Starlink to support the setup of ground stations in Bangladesh. The firms have signed contracts with Starlink for collaboration, as a US telecommunications service provider team is currently visiting Bangladesh.
The visit of the Starlink tea...
The collaboration includes space allocation, construction support, and ongoing infrastructure maintenance, said a press release issued by the Chief Adviser's Press Wing on Saturday.
US overtakes UAE as largest source of remittances to B’desh
Bangladeshi expatriates in the United States (US) sent home the highest amount of remittances in February, totalling US$491.26 million, according to data from Bangladesh Bank (BB).
The UAE ranked second, with expatriates send...
