Bangladesh Economy Daily Brief (5 pm Dhaka)
Growth pulse: Bangladesh’s GDP grew 3.35% in Q4 of FY25, with industry leading the rebound. The improvement signals a tentative pick-up in manufacturing and construction after a slower first half of the fiscal year, though overall momentum remains moderate.
Outlook trimmed: The Asian Development Bank lowered its FY26 growth forecast to 5%, flagging persistent inflation risks that could weigh on real incomes and domestic demand. The warning underscores the need to keep monetary policy tight enough to anchor prices while supporting a fragile recovery.
Trade and logistics: The government plans to sign agreements in December with foreign operators to run three terminals at Chattogram port. Bringing in overseas operators is aimed at easing congestion, lifting throughput, and cutting turnaround times—critical for export competitiveness and import logistics.
Investment push: The Chief Advisor urged Qatari businesses to invest in Bangladesh, highlighting opportunities as the country courts FDI to finance infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing upgrades amid constrained domestic savings.
SME ecosystem: Bangladesh Bank and Prime Bank ran an entrepreneur development training program, part of efforts to deepen SME capacity and expand access to finance—key for jobs and diversification beyond large export sectors.
