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Economy

Small loans boost Agent Banking growth in Bangladesh

Loan disbursements through agent banking saw a significant increase of 55.95 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y), reaching Taka 24,028.31 crore by the end of December 2024, driven by improved access to finance for rural populations, according to data from Bangladesh Bank (BB).

In December of the previous year, loan disbursements amounted to Taka 15,407.33 crore.
As of December 2024, a total of 31 banks provided agent banking services through 21,248 outlets o...

Private investment dips multi-year low

The political instability over the past year has significantly reduced private sector investment in Bangladesh, leading to a year-on-year increase of Tk51,696 crore in banks’ excess liquid assets. According to data from Bangladesh Bank, the total excess liquid assets in the banking sector—including securities—stood at Tk2.15 lakh crore at the end of December 2024, compared to Tk1.63 lakh crore a year earlier. While excess liquid assets rose, excess cash holdings in banks declined by Tk2,291 crore, standing at Tk17,675 crore at the ...

Footwear sector expands, but challenges persist

Bangladesh’s footwear sector is set for substantial expansion, presenting lucrative investment opportunities in both leather and non-leather segments. The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) highlighted this potential in a recent newsletter while also acknowledging the challenges that must be addressed to sustain growth and enhance competitiveness.

Shah Mohammad Mahboob, an executive member of BIDA, underscored the industry's vast pot...

Japan’s ODA surge in Bangladesh

Bangladesh's super-fast rise on Japan’s ODA landscape is a significant development in South Asia. Japan’s ODA to Bangladesh began to rise from 2012 onwards, from a mere $78 million in 2011 to $305 million in 2012, and this trend has continued since then, with one analyst suggesting Japan provided $16.19 billion in foreign aid to Bangladesh up to 2021. Japan’s ODA increases have happened in tandem with Bangladesh’s economic growth, rise in bilateral trade and recognition of its strategic importance for maritime security. Sheikh Hasina’...

Bangladesh aquaculture industry growing at 3.7pc

The Bangladesh aquaculture market size reached 2.8 million tons in 2024 and is expected to reach 4.0 million tons by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7 per cent during 2025-2033. This aquaculture market expands at a fast rate because the nation features beneficial natural resources and consumers need protein-rich food items.
Aquaculture Market Trends
Due to its abundant rivers and ponds together with coastal environments, Bangladesh serves as a favourable ground for aquaculture which particu...

Current account logs surplus after a year

According to the latest data released by the Bangladesh Bank, the central Bank of Bangladesh, the country's current account balance recorded a surplus after nearly a year. According to the Bangladesh Bank (BB), the current account balance showed a surplus of 33 million U.S. dollars during the first half of 2024-25 fiscal year against a deficit of 3.47 billion dollars during the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year (July 2023-June 2024). A BB official who preferred to be unnamed said the c...
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