Sohel Parvez

The government's net borrowing from the banking system stood at Tk 165,538 crore in fiscal year (FY) 2025-26, far exceeding its plan for the year amid falling foreign financing and lower-than-expected revenue collection, according to Bangladesh Bank (BB) data.

Over the last couple of years, businesses have raised concerns over high interest rates on loans and urged the Bangladesh Bank (BB) to cut its policy rates to reduce the cost of funds.

Days after imposing fresh anti-dumping duties on jute goods, India has recommended anti-subsidy duties of up to $140.04 per tonne on jute products imported from Bangladesh.

The recommendation comes just days after India imposed anti-dumping duties of up to $445 per tonne on Bangladeshi jute products, including jute yarn and twine, following a mid-term review by DGTR.

In the final findings of a year-long probe, dated September 29, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) proposed a duty of $218 per tonne on film exported by most Bangladeshi firms.

Four domestic airports have registered a gradual decline in passenger traffic as some travellers have shifted to road transport because of improved connectivity to several destinations and comparatively cheaper fares.

Foodgrain distribution at subsidised rates declined in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, mainly because of a fall in open market sales (OMS), raising concerns about the impact on poverty and food security.

Bangladesh’s subsidised grain distribution fell 7 percent in July-September, driven by a 22 percent drop in open market sales, even as inflation hovers near 8.7 percent and millions sit close to poverty.

International air passenger traffic in Bangladesh nearly doubled in two years, reaching 1.26 crore in 2025 from 64.5 lakh in 2023. The trend is likely to continue this year as domestic and foreign carriers increase flights and add new routes.

The rise in international passenger numbers is attributed to more Bangladeshis travelling abroad for work, higher disposable incomes and growing demand for religious pilgrimages, overseas medical treatment, tourism and other purposes.