Business

A surge in capital gains tax, employers’ National Insurance contributions and a boost in income tax receipts helped buoy the government’s finances last month. An uptick in tax receipts, which far outstripped spending, created a £30.4bn surplus in January. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said it was the highest surplus in any month since records began in 1993, without ...

The government has formally requested a three-year deferment of Bangladesh’s graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category, sending a letter to the United Nations Committee for Development Policy (CDP). According to officials at the Economic Relations Division (ERD), the letter, signed by ERD Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiqui on Wednesday (18 February), was sent to the CDP under the ...

Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves stood at $34.78 billion, according to the latest data from the Bangladesh Bank (BB) released here today. However, according to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) BPM-6 accounting method, the reserves stood at $30.06 billion, the BB added.

Goofi, a leading children’s education and entertainment brand, unveiled its Goofi World Membership Card on Tuesday, offering cardholders a wide range of exclusive privileges and special offers. The new programme provides discounts on Goofi products, including books, toys, and stationery. Members will also receive priority access and exclusive benefits for courses and admissions on the Kids Time and Teachers Time ...

Bangladesh marked a major political milestone on Tuesday as the interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, formally handed over power to a new administration under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. Accompanying this peaceful transition was a significant economic boost; the country’s foreign exchange reserves have crossed the $34.5 billion mark. Economic analysts view this surge as a ...

Gold prices in Bangladesh have fallen again, with the latest revision taking effect on Wednesday morning. Under the new rates, the price of 22-carat gold per bhori has been reduced by Tk 3,266, bringing it down to Tk 2,55,558. The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) announced the update in a press release, stating that the decision was made in response to ...

The government has reduced value Added Tax (VAT) on LPG in a move aimed at stabilising the market and keeping the essential fuel within consumers’ purchasing power. In a press release issued on Monday night, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) said it had issued two separate notifications on February 16, effective until June 30, 2026, revising the existing VAT ...

The country’s leading business figures are looking towards the incoming political government with optimism. They believe the ongoing political transition will help restore the confidence of both domestic and foreign investors, as well as international buyers. At the same time, they have highlighted the major challenges facing economic recovery. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is preparing to form the government ...

Ramadan is more than a season of fasting; it is a time of reflection, generosity, and shared joy. It is a longstanding tradition to exchange blessings during Eid, strengthening bonds with loved ones and the wider community. To make the season even more rewarding, Standard Chartered has introduced a wide range of exclusive offers designed to enhance the spirit of ...

When the interim government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus assumed office following the July mass uprising, Bangladesh’s economy was widely described as being in a “fragile” state. High inflation, a dollar crisis, instability in the banking sector and stagnant investment combined to create a daunting reality. However, one and a half years on, business leaders and economists say that although ...