Lack of appropriate temperature-controlled logistics in Bangladesh results in post-harvest losses, affects food safety, and limits trade in agricultural and consumer products, said Chargé d’Affaires of US Embassy Dhaka, Helen LaFave. "Cold chain infrastructure would enable Bangladeshi agricultural producers to diversify export opportunities by ensuring the safety and quality of their agricultural products," she said. US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has awarded a feasibility study grant to Bangladeshi prepared foods and cold chain services company Bonton Foods Limited (Bonton Foods) to support the deployment of a temperature-controlled logistics network of cold storage refrigeration warehouses in Bangladesh. This feasibility study will identify opportunities for increased U.S. investment in cold chain, which would create a stable logistics network for refrigerated and frozen U.S. products that meet the consumer demands of the rapidly growing Bangladesh middle class, Helen LaFave said. The study’s goal is to lower costs and reduce losses of dairy, meat, and other food products, resulting in improved food security for people across the country, USTDA said recently. Read: Bangladesh to reap long-term benefits of US investment: Commercial Counselor of US Embassy Bonton Foods selected Minnesota-based Land O’Lakes Venture37 to conduct the study. “Facilitating private sector investment is vital to Bangladesh’s food security goals. Our partnership with Bonton Foods will help mobilize capital and deploy innovative solutions that address the needs of Bangladesh’s people,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “We look forward to demonstrating the positive role that U.S. technology can play in unlocking greater access to fresh foods.” While Bangladesh has 2.7 million metric tons of cold storage refrigeration capacity across over 300 sites, the country’s current cold chain industry cannot meet demands, particularly in rural areas. As a result, animal proteins and produce are handled primarily via wet markets with little to no mechanical refrigeration support, which can lead to food spoilage and loss. The USTDA-funded study will address these challenges by facilitating the construction of an integrated network of third-party logistics cold storage facilities across Bangladesh. Shamim Ahamed, Managing Director of Bonton Foods, said the country’s large population—20 million people in greater Dhaka alone—a growing upper and middle-class, and changing consumer patterns signal a bright future for the cold chain industry. Read more:  US investment in Bangladesh's tech market to pave the way for the development of digital economy of two countries: Palak "We are keen to leverage our position in the market by expanding third-party logistics services to small and medium-sized agribusinesses as well as international food importers and exporters,” he said. USTDA’s study advances the goals of Biden-Harris Administration priorities such as the Feed the Future initiative. The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create US jobs through the export of the U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies.

Startup Bangladesh Limited, the flagship venture capital fund of the ICT Division, today announced that it has canceled a Tk 5 crore investment proposal for 10 Minute School, Bangladesh’s largest edtech platform. The decision was shared on Startup Bangladesh’s verified Facebook page and reiterated by State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak on his own verified page. Attack on students: Quota protesters block Khulna-Jashore Highway “Startup Bangladesh Limited has rejected the investment proposal of Tk 5 crore for 10 Minute School,” Palak posted. Quota protests: NSU, BracU, IUB students block major roads in Dhaka This move comes amid the ongoing protests demanding reform of the quota system in government jobs. Ayman Sadiq, co-founder and CEO of 10 Minute School, has publicly supported the protestors’ demands for quota reform. “We demand quota reform. Merit should be the biggest quota,” Sadiq posted on his Facebook on Saturday, using the hashtag #QuotaMovement. Quota reform protests: Students block several points of Dhaka-Barishal Highway

Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia will hold the second political consultations in Riyadh on July 1 which is likely to highlight issues related to trade, investment, Bangladeshi migrants, Rohingya crisis and other issues of mutual interests, officials said on Sunday (June 30, 2024). Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud will lead the Bangladesh and Saudi delegations respectively at the high-level meeting that will be held at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Issues related to education, health, environment and climate change, ICT and tourism are also likely to be discussed in the meeting. FM Hasan is scheduled to reach Riyadh early Monday on a two-day official visit, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB. The foreign minister is scheduled to return home on July 3. Private Industry and Investment Adviser to the Prime Minister Sheikh Salman F Rahman will be part of the delegation as investment issues may come up in a big way. Additional Foreign Secretary (bilateral East and West)  Md Nazrul Islam, Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mohammad Javed Patwary, Director General of West Asia Wing Shafiqur Rahman and Director Nafisa Monsur will accompany the foreign minister as part of Bangladesh delegation members. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, who is also the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is likely to pay an official visit to Bangladesh later this year. This would be a landmark event in the history of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia leading to the consolidation of ties, especially in trade and commerce, investment and economic cooperation, according to official on both sides. The Saudi crown prince has accepted the invitation extended by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to visit the country this year, and both sides may discuss the issue further for finalization of details, a Bangladesh official told UNB speaking on condition of anonymity. PM’s upcoming China visit a reflection of maintaining balanced diplomacy: Foreign Minister It would be the first ever visit of any Saudi crown prince to Bangladesh after 1985 when the then Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz visited Dhaka. A good number of bilateral instruments -- MoUs and agreements – are likely to be signed during the visit of the Saudi leader, which would strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries significantly, both sides hope. The first ever political consultations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia were held on March 16, 2022 in Dhaka. At the meeting, both the leaders reaffirmed the bond of enduring ties and friendship existing between the two brotherly countries and expressed satisfaction over the state of bilateral cooperation. They noted the understanding and goodwill existing at the political level between the two countries and emphasised the need for devising means and ways to translate this into concrete outcomes. Both sides further stressed the need to coordinate and work together at functional levels to carry forward the policy decision for mutual benefit of the peoples of the two countries.  Several Saudi companies have already invested in some sectors in Bangladesh and some other companies are considering greater engagement in various areas. Bangladeshi immigration emerges as UK election issue after Labour leader’s comments spark outrage The envoy said about 2.8 million Bangladeshis working in Saudi Arabia are also making significant contributions to Saudi and Bangladesh economies. In May this year, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) wanted to know the progress of efforts in renewing the passports of the Rohingyas who went to the KSA back in 1973-74 with Bangladeshi passports. Saudi Deputy Interior Minister Dr Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Daoud discussed the issue with Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan during a bilateral meeting at that time. Read more: Saudi Crown Prince exchanges greetings with Hasan Mahmud

When it comes to investments, bonds offer some of the best-secured opportunities out there. As a part of investment facilities through bonds for non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs), Bangladesh Bank offers US Dollar investment bonds (USDIB). Let's take a detailed look at who this is for, how to apply, and what are the benefits of the bond.  What is a US Dollar Investment Bond?  The US Dollar Investment Bond was first introduced in 2002 as a form of investment opportunity for the NRBs. The key goal was to maintain economic stability and increase foreign reserves by attracting dollar investments. It also provided a secure pathway for the NRBs to invest and gain from their foreign earnings. The rules for the USDIB were later updated in 2012 where the invested principal and the interest can be repatriated in dollar or taka as per the choice of the investor.  Read more: How to Invest in Bonds: A Comprehensive Guide Who is Eligible for USDIB?  The government of Bangladesh outlined the eligibility criteria for USDIB investment as follows:  Any NRB living and working abroad earning in foreign currency.Foreign nationals of Bangladeshi origin living abroad and earning in foreign currency. Government and semi-government employees working abroad and earning in foreign currency. This includes those working in Bangladeshi missions or international organizations. How to Buy USDIB?  The process of buying USDIB starts with opening a foreign currency account in any designated bank that operates USDIB under Bangladesh Bank. Note that the F.C. account is different from the Non-Resident Investor’s Taka Account (NITA) as the investment currency can only be US dollars in this case.  Step 1: Opening a Foreign Currency Account  Almost all the leading commercial banks (both national and private) offer USDIB under their NRB banking services. To open a foreign currency account, an NRB would require the following documents.  - Prescribed Account Opening Form - Two passport-size photographs of each of the account holder and the nominee - Authorized specimen signature card (attested by the Bangladesh Embassy in the residing country) - Proof of employment - Copy of passport (attested by the Bangladesh Embassy in the residing country)  An NRB can easily open the F.C. account in any foreign branch of the available banks or use the mail-in service to open the account in Bangladesh.  Read more: Top 10 Strongest Currencies in the World as of May 2024 Step 2: Document Required for USDIB  The process of applying for USDIB differs from bank to bank. Generally, the following documents are required.  - Bangladesh Bank application form for USDIB (https://fid.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/fid.portal.gov.bd/forms/4085d5c1_fd59_4be6_921d_c2c491fce6dc/investment.pdf)- Application request to invest in USDIB in the respective bank - Personal declaration form - FATCA form (for NRBs residing in the USA)  Step 3: Applying for USDIB  Once you apply for USDIB, you will need to show equivalent funds in your foreign currency account associated with the bank. The money can be deposited in the F.C. account in one of the following ways:  - Cash foreign currency deposited at an NRB branch of the bank- Traveler cheques - Regular cheques or drafts - Money order receipt - Electronic fund transfer - Once the bank completes the due diligence, it will issue bond scrips against the desired amount of bonds to be purchased.  Read more: How to Buy Bangladesh Government Treasury Bond: Everything You Need to Know

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (May 27, 2024) extended an invitation to US business leaders to explore business opportunities in Bangladesh and partner with the country in its journey towards becoming a developed, prosperous, and smart nation by 2041. “I invite you to invest in our many vibrant and high-potential sectors, such as renewable energy, shipbuilding, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, light and heavy machinery, chemical fertilizers, ICT, marine resources, and medical equipment, among others,” she said. The Prime Minister said this during her opening speech at a meeting with the US-Bangladesh Business Council at her official residence, Ganabhaban. She expressed optimism that economic engagement through the US-Bangladesh Business Council would deepen in the coming days. “The United States will become our long-term partner in achieving our development goals through trade, investment, technology transfer, and by creating a smooth and predictable supply chain for mutual benefits,” she added. While briefing reporters after the meeting, PM’s speechwriter M Nazrul Islam said that Sheikh Hasina informed members of US-Bangladesh Business Council that with her personal initiative after forming the government in 1996, US investment in Bangladesh increased manifold. PM urges JICA to allow farmers to use wastage of sea water in the desalination project at Matarbari Nazrul Islam said that the US investors expressed high expectations regarding their investments in Bangladesh. “But they pointed out some challenges which needed to be addressed for more investments in Bangladesh,” he said. US-Bangladesh Business Council Chairman Steven Kobos delivered the welcome speech while the Council President Ambassador (retd) Atul Keshap gave the vote of thanks. Sheikh Hasina hoped that the US-Bangladesh Business Council would continue to play a significant role in advancing trade and investment cooperation between the two friendly countries. “Our focus is now on promoting economic and commercial relations with not only regional but also global partners, including the United States,” she said. PM urges multilateral dev banks to set viable debt management plan for vulnerable countries Highlighting the government’s accomplishments over the last 15 years, she mentioned several mega-infrastructure projects such as the Padma Bridge, metro rail in Dhaka, the Karnaphuli River tunnel, expressway, a modern international airport in Dhaka, and power plants. “Legal and financial infrastructures are also being enhanced. These have heightened our domestic and regional connectivity,” she noted. Additionally, the Prime Minister mentioned the establishment of 100 special economic zones (SEZs) and 28 hi-tech parks, some of which are already operational. “Particularly in the IT sector, with over a million freelancing IT professionals, Bangladesh is the right destination for IT investments. Moreover, the availability of a young, skilled, and vibrant workforce at a competitive wage is a huge advantage.” She emphasized that Bangladesh has the most liberal investment policy in the region and is prioritizing improvements to the investment environment. Sheikh Hasina also highlighted Bangladesh’s upcoming transition from a "least developed" to a "developing" country in 2026. “We aspire to become a ‘Smart Nation’ by 2041. Here, we need your support in increasing our global competitiveness and expanding our export base.” Bangladesh to launch US roadshow with 30 banks’ MDs to advertise offshore services She noted that Bangladesh is globally acknowledged as a “role model of socio-economic development,” attributing this to good governance, rule of law, stability, investment in the rural economy, empowerment of women, and ICT advancements that led to Digital Bangladesh. The Prime Minister acknowledged the United States as a major economic and development partner for decades, with intensive engagements in many areas, particularly trade and investment. “Our shared aim is to achieve mutual benefit and prosperity for our people. This is manifested in our growing bilateral trade and people-to-people interaction,” she said. She added that the United States is currently the largest single-country destination for Bangladeshi exports, the largest source of foreign direct investment, and an important source of knowledge and technology. PM’s Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, State Minister for Commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu and Ambassador at Large M Ziauddin were present at the meeting. Read more: Australian FM's Visit: Trade, investment, Rohingya, regional security to get priority

Bonds are used by issuers to raise money from the capital market. In layman's terms, bonds are essentially instruments of debt created between the lender and the borrower. During certain economic situations, there might be a need for capital generation. As a result, it's normal to see a host of bonds being circulated in the market.  But how do you know which bond is right for you? What factors should you consider before investing in a certain bond? Let’s find out.  Types of Bonds  There are several ways to classify bonds. The most common ones are based on issuer, maturity, interest payment structure, and features. Let’s look at the different bonds under each basis.  Based on Issuer  Treasury Bonds  Treasury bonds are issued by the central bank directly on behalf of the government. For short-term investments, an alternative to treasury bonds can be treasury bills.  Read more: How to Buy Stocks: 10 Key Factors to Check Municipal Bonds  Countries with provincial and local government structures may issue municipal bonds based on the government entity. It works the same way as treasury bonds. Agency Bonds Agency bonds are issued by government-affiliated or controlled entities. For example, a government-sponsored enterprise like Biman can issue bonds to raise capital to improve its infrastructure and service.  Investment Grade Bonds  Investment-grade bonds are issued by entities with high credit ratings. Typically the coupon rate for such bonds is low and the investment is more secure.  Junk Bonds  These bonds are issued by companies with low credit ratings and high default probabilities. The returns from these bonds are high whereas the overall investment is less secured.  Supranational Bonds  These types of bonds are issued by international entities like investment banks and the World Bank. The denomination of these bonds is not geographically limited.  Read more: Premortem Analysis: How to Anticipate Failure Based on Maturity  Short Term Bonds Short-term bonds usually have a maturity of less than three years. Treasury bills also fall under the short-term bond structure.  Medium Term Bonds Medium-term bonds have a maturity period between 4 to 10 years.  Long Term Bonds Long-term bonds usually have a maturity period of over 10 years. It also includes perpetual bonds.  Read more: How to Buy Bangladesh Government Treasury Bond: Everything You Need to Know Based on the Interest Payment Structure  Fixed-Rate Bonds  Fixed-rate bonds usually have a fixed coupon rate throughout the maturity period of the bond. For example, the Bangladesh Government Treasury Bond is a fixed-rate bond.  Floating-Rate Bonds  Floating-rate bonds can fluctuate compared to a benchmark rate set at the start of bond sales. Here, the coupon rate varies during the lifetime of the bond.  Zero-Coupon Bonds  These types of bonds do not pay any periodic interest rate. Instead, these bonds are sold at a discount and the investor gets back the face value of the investment upon maturity.  Read more: Gold vs Diamond: Which Should You Choose for Investment? Based on Features  Convertible Bonds Bonds that can be transformed into predetermined shares of the borrowing entity.  Callable Bonds Bonds that can be redeemed by the issuer before it reaches maturity.  Puttable Bonds Bonds that can be sold by the investor to the issuer at a predetermined price before maturity.  Read more: Shares vs Bonds: What is the Ideal Investment Opportunity Perpetual Bonds Bonds that do not have any maturity date.  Inflation-Adjusted Bonds Bonds whose coupon rate and the principal are adjusted per the inflation rate. Sukuk Bonds issued in line with the Islamic laws.  Read more: How to Raise Angel Investment for Startups in Bangladesh

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong is scheduled to pay an official visit to Bangladesh on May 21-22 to strengthen their bilateral relationship with Bangladesh and find ways to boost cooperation for regional peace, prosperity and security. Issues related to promotion of trade and investment, sustainable and renewable energy production, Rohingya crisis, maritime security, technology transfer and free and open Indo-Pacific region are likely to be discussed during her visit, officials said here on Sunday. Penny Wong is likely to have a courtesy meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina apart from holding a bilateral meeting with her Bangladesh counterpart Hasan Mahmud, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB. A small delegation including Deputy Secretary, South and Southeast Asia Group and Head of the Office of Southeast Asia, in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Michelle Chan will accompany the Australian foreign minister, he said. The Australian minister is likely to visit the Rohingya camp during her visit to see the situation there. Bangladesh seeks Australia’s support in keeping the Rohingya issue alive globally with a view to the ultimate repatriation of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals sheltered in Bangladesh. Australia has a commitment to continue the humanitarian assistance for the Rohingyas and support Bangladesh in their repatriation effort. Wong was born in the Malaysian state of Sabah. Her family moved to Australia in 1976, when she was eight years old, and settled in Adelaide. The forthcoming visit by the Australian foreign minister demonstrates the country's growing interest in Bangladesh, an Australian diplomat told UNB. Earlier this month, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said he looks forward to working with PM Hasina to strengthen the bilateral relationship and together contribute to regional peace, prosperity and security. US wants to rebuild trust between Dhaka and Washington leaving behind tension: Lu “As Indian Ocean nations, we share an interest in a region that is grounded in sovereignty, promotes the prosperity and security of our citizens, and addresses the threat of climate change," he said in a letter written to PM Hasina congratulating on her reelection in January. The Australian PM highlighted the importance of their partnership in promoting "peace, prosperity and security" in the Indian Ocean. He affirmed his support for growing bilateral and regional cooperation between Australia and Bangladesh. “We have many common interests in increasing our trade and investment, promoting human rights, cooperating on people smuggling and addressing the Rohingya issue,” Albanese wrote. Bangladesh and Australia have already signed a framework agreement to open newer trade and investment opportunities between the two countries. The Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA), the first of this kind between Australia and Bangladesh in the last five decades, is expected to provide a platform for institutionalised economic interactions and open newer opportunities for trade and investment. In May last year, Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts visited Bangladesh. During the visit he said Bangladesh and Australia work closely together to promote their shared interests in regional peace and security, and have a growing trade and investment relationship. Lu in Bangladesh: Sets politics aside, tries to reach out to people Welcoming Bangladesh’s Indo-Pacific Outlook, he said Australia seeks a region where “no country dominates, and no countries are dominated,” and the country thinks building a region like that requires efforts by all countries in the region. “We welcome the Bangladesh government’s Indo-Pacific Outlook in that context. I particularly welcome the point in the Indo-Pacific Outlook that argues for an inclusive region,” Watts said while responding to a question from UNB in a group session at that time. Australia recently sent a defence advisor to its High Commission in Dhaka, and, reciprocally, they welcome a defence advisor from Bangladesh in Australia. From Australia's perspective, the defence adviser is a symbol of their "intention and willingness" to cooperate on defence matters. The two countries are scheduled to hold the 5th Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) in Australia next month, said an official. The 4th FOC was held in Dhaka in March last year. The two-way trade now stands at around $4bn, reflecting Bangladesh’s significant economic growth and its highly complementary commercial strengths Donald Lu highlights importance of adaptation; protection of coastal people

It’s a fact that investment is the only way to exponentially grow wealth. But the caveat is that investment often comes with risk, sometimes low or sometimes very high. If you are looking to invest without having to worry about risk or loss, then you can consider the Bangladesh Government Treasury Bond (BGTB). Here’s everything you need to know about BGTB, how to buy, and calculate the return on your investment. What are Bangladesh Government Treasury Bonds? Before getting into BGTB, let’s talk about bonds. Bonds are essentially an instrument of debt where the investors (buyers of the bonds) loan money to a borrower (corporations or governments).  BGTB is one such bond where the investor loans money to the treasury department of the Bangladesh government. In exchange, the government offers a coupon rate (interest rate for simplification) on the face value of bonds based on the duration of the investment. Read more: Premortem Analysis: How to Anticipate Failure Here are some quick facts about BGTB.  - BGTB is a debt instrument issued by the Bangladesh Bank on behalf of the government. - Any resident, non-resident, and institutional investors in Bangladesh can invest in treasury bonds. - The minimum investment amount (face value) is set at 1 Lac BDT. Any amount multiple of 1 Lac can be invested with no upper limit.- Investments can be done over a maturity period of 2, 5, 10, 15, or 20 years. - The bonds are freely tradeable and transferable in primary and secondary markets. - The coupons (yields) are payable on a semi-annual basis.  Read more: How to Raise Angel Investment for Startups in Bangladesh Difference between Bangladesh Government Treasury Bonds and Sanchaypatra There isn’t much difference between Sanchaypatra and treasury bonds in the sense that both are debt instruments issued by the government. In principle, BGTB is offered through Bangladesh Bank whereas Sanchaypatra is offered through the National Savings Directorate under the Ministry of Finance.  Typically, Sanchaypatra is issued for a short term ranging between 3 to 5 years. There’s also an upper limit of up to 45 to 50 Lac BDT on individual investment depending on the type of Sanchaypatra. The interest rate also differs year on year which is typically outlined upfront during investment.  Compared to Sanchaypatra, BGTB has no upper limit of investment. The maturity duration can be up to 20 years with a fixed coupon rate for the entire duration of the investment.  In essence, both Sanchaypatra and BGTB are great risk-free investment options. The choice would depend on the investment amount and maturity duration. Read more: How to Build Social Capital to Grow Your Business How Does Treasury Bond Work? Treasury bonds are different from other investment opportunities like stocks and Sanchaypatra in the sense that treasury bonds can only be bought in stipulated auctions by the Bangladesh Bank. The bank and the brokerage firms act as the primary dealer/bidder on behalf of the investor in the auction (primary market).  At the onset of every auction, Bangladesh Bank stipulates a coupon rate (yield rate). Since the treasury bonds are bought in an auction, the bidder needs to set the expected yield rate equivalent to the stipulated rate or less. However, according to recent data, setting the expected yield equivalent to the stipulated rate is enough to secure the desired amount of treasury bond.  The auction calendar (https://www.bb.org.bd/en/index.php/monetaryactivity/auc_calendar) shows the dates of auctions in which you can bid for the bonds. Note that, every auction doesn’t have bonds for every maturity date. For example, the auction of 21st May 2024 only has bonds with 10-year maturity. If you want to invest in say 2-year maturity bonds, you will have to wait till the bonds become available on a subsequent auction date.  Read more: Gold vs Diamond: Which Should You Choose for Investment? The bonds bought in primary market bidding can be sold in the secondary market. For example, you need to sell your bonds before maturity. In that case, you will have to submit a written application to the bank or brokerage firm requesting sales of your bond. The bank or the brokerage firm will then direct the sales to BB and deposit the equivalent cash in your account. 

The government plans to substantially increase public investments across key sectors such as road, rail, bridge, shipping, civil aviation, and telecommunications. These initiatives are strategically aimed at transforming Bangladesh into an upper middle-income country by 2031 and a smart developed country by 2041. According to the 'Medium Term Macroeconomic Policy Statement (2023-24 to 2025-26)', the government plans to allocate Tk 963.9 billion in the fiscal year 2024-25, escalating to Tk 1060.3 billion in 2025-26. This increase follows an investment of Tk 876.3 billion for the current fiscal year, emphasising a significant boost in funding for various development programs. The policy document highlights the critical role of an integrated and cost-effective transport and communication system in fostering economic growth, enhancing trade, and ensuring social integration. It states that an efficient transport and logistics system is essential for smooth supply chain management and to effectively compete on a global scale. Transport strike called off after 12 hrs in Ctg Specifically, the Road Transport and Highways Division is implementing projects to establish an advanced and sustainable road transport system, including the construction of multi-lane highways, elevated expressways, and new bridges.  These efforts are complemented by plans to widen 1100 km of highways, repair and maintain 1250 km, and rebuild 450 km of highways, along with 7300 meters of bridges and culverts. In Dhaka city, the government is focusing on reducing traffic congestion by advancing the metro rail lines, a move poised to significantly improve urban mobility. The railway sector is also undergoing transformation under a 30-year master plan aimed at making it a dependable, affordable, modern, and people-friendly mode of transport. Initiatives include connecting every district with a railway network, upgrading tracks, and modernising the signaling system. By FY 2025-26, the government aims to construct 275 km of new railway track and reconstruct 210 km of existing lines. The document also outlines ambitious plans for the water transport system, noting its importance in the integrated multi-modal transport framework. The Ministry of Shipping is executing extensive programs for the enhancement of inland waterways, seaports, and land ports, along with significant dredging efforts to maintain river navigability. Extortion in transport sector will never stop completely: Quader Amidst rising demand for air travel, both domestically and internationally, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism is undertaking projects to expand passenger handling capacities and enhance facilities at airports. These upgrades are part of a broader strategy to position Bangladesh as a regional hub for international passenger transport. These comprehensive plans not only aim to modernize Bangladesh's infrastructure but also serve as a cornerstone for the country's ambitious economic development goals.

Bangladesh's economy made a strong turnaround from the COVID-19 pandemic, but the post-pandemic recovery continues to be disrupted by high inflation, a persistent balance of payments deficit, financial sector vulnerabilities, and global economic uncertainty, says the World Bank in its twice-yearly update. Released today, the latest Bangladesh Development Update says that urgent monetary reform and a single exchange rate regime will be critical to improve foreign exchange reserves and ease inflation. Greater exchange rate flexibility would help restore balance between demand and supply in the foreign exchange market.  “Bangladesh’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals have helped the country overcome many past challenges,” said Abdoulaye Seck, World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan.  “Faster and bolder fiscal, financial sector, and monetary reforms can help Bangladesh to maintain macroeconomic stability and reaccelerate growth,” he added. Structural reforms will be key to diversify the economy and build resilience over the medium and long term, including measures to raise government revenues to support investments in infrastructure and human capital, said the global lending agency.  Persistent inflation eroded consumer purchasing power, while investment was dampened by tight liquidity conditions, rising interest rates, import restrictions, and increased input costs stemming from upward revisions in administered energy prices. Foreign Minister for concluding PTA with Indonesia Private sector credit growth slowed further in FY24, reflecting a broader slowdown in investment.  The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio in the banking sector remains high and understates banking sector stress due to lax definitions and reporting standards, forbearance measures, and weak regulatory enforcement.  The balance of payments deficit moderated over the first half of FY24 driven by a surplus in the current account. The report’s companion piece, the latest South Asia Development Update — Jobs for Resilience, also released today, says that South Asia is expected to remain the fastest-growing region in the world for the next two years, with growth projected to be 6.0% in 2024 and 6.1% in 2025.  Growth in South Asia is expected to be driven mainly by robust growth in India and Bangladesh, and recoveries in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. But this strong outlook is deceptive, says the report. For most countries, growth is still below pre-pandemic levels and is reliant on public spending.  Persistent structural challenges threaten to undermine sustained growth, hindering the region’s ability to create jobs and respond to climate shocks.  Private investment growth has slowed sharply in all South Asian countries and the region is not creating enough jobs to keep pace with its rapidly increasing working-age population. “South Asia’s growth prospects remain bright in the short run, but fragile fiscal positions and increasing climate shocks are dark clouds on the horizon,” said Martin Raiser, World Bank Vice President for South Asia.  “To make growth more resilient, countries need to adopt policies to boost private investment and strengthen employment growth.” Saima Wazed, Princess Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck launch Bhutanese version of Bangabandhu’s ‘Unfinished Memoirs’ South Asia’s working-age population growth has exceeded than that in other developing country regions.  The share of the employed working-age population has been declining since 2000 and is low.  In 2023, the employment ratio for South Asia was 59%, compared to 70% in other emerging markets and developing economy regions.  It is the only region where the share of working-age men who are employed fell over the past two decades, and the region with the lowest share of working-age women who are employed. “South Asia is failing right now to fully capitalize on its demographic dividend. This is a missed opportunity,” said Franziska Ohnsorge, World Bank Chief Economist for South Asia. “If the region employed as large a share of the working-age population as other emerging markets and developing economies, its output could be 16% higher.” Read more: Money launderers destroying country's economy: Salma Islam