Bangladesh Economy Daily Brief (5 pm Dhaka) — Friday, 22 August 2025
– Central bank moves to close nine troubled NBFIs: Bangladesh Bank has initiated shutdown proceedings for nine non-bank financial institutions after prolonged distress. The clean-up aims to stabilise the financial sector and restore confidence following years of governance and asset-quality concerns in parts of the NBFI space. Near-term focus will be on the wind-down process and clarity for depositors and creditors.
– Dhaka–Islamabad step up economic engagement: Bangladesh and Pakistan are set to establish a joint commission on trade and investment, with an MoU to form a joint working group expected on Sunday. Senior officials met today to discuss ways to lift bilateral trade, address barriers and identify investment opportunities. Businesses will watch for concrete timelines, market-access measures and sectoral priorities.
– Regional agri uplift: Strong betel leaf demand is boosting incomes for growers in Rajshahi, underscoring agriculture’s role in cushioning rural economies amid a broader slowdown.
What to watch
– Details from Bangladesh Bank on the NBFI closures, including liquidation steps and stakeholder protections.
– The Dhaka–Islamabad MoU signing on Sunday and any roadmap for tariff/non-tariff barrier reduction or investment facilitation.