https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/trade/tk-30-billion-credit-wholesaling-scheme-launched-to-boost-sme-sector-says-commerce-minister#google_vignette |
Garment exports from Bangladesh to the United States fell 2.54 percent to $5.59 billion in the July-March period of the current fiscal year.
The US accounts for about 20 percent of the country’s total annual apparel exports.
Exports to the United Kingdom, the third-largest destination with a 12 percent market share, also dropped 1.61 percent to $3.30 billion during the period, according to data from the Export Promotion Bureau compiled by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, published yesterday.
Amid a volatile global supply chain, shipments to Canada edged down 0.26 percent to $961.34 million in July-March.
Exports to non-traditional markets declined sharply, falling 8.05 percent during the period.
Overall, readymade garment (RMG) exports stood at $28.58 billion in July-March, marking a 5.51 percent year-on-year decline.
Shipments to the European Union, which accounts for 49 percent of Bangladesh’s total apparel exports, also fell 6.99 percent to $14.02 billion, as per the data.
https://www.thedailystar.net/business/news/rmg-exports-us-fall-254-july-march-4149761
Five ships carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are scheduled to arrive in Chittagong by April 15.
These vessels are entering the sea limits in a steady flow to help maintain uninterrupted fuel supplies all over the country.
According to the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) and shipping agents, the consignments include LNG for the floating terminal in Maheshkhali and LPG for Chattogram.
An LPG carrier, Morning Jelly, transporting 2,470 tonnes of cargo from Malaysia, arrived at Chittagong Port on Friday night. On the same day, another vessel, EMEI, carrying about 69,000 tonnes of LNG from the United States, reached the Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) in Maheshkhali.
Another LNG vessel, Kongtong, is scheduled to arrive from the United States at the same terminal today, while an LPG carrier, Paul, is expected to reach the outer anchorage of Chittagong Port from Malaysia on April 13.
Maran Gas Hydra, loaded with 64,678 tonnes of LNG, is due to arrive from Australia on April 15.
Secretary of CPA Refayet Hamim said that priority is being given to unloading fuel products quickly to help maintain a stable fuel supply and ensure uninterrupted power generation.
He expressed the hope that all vessels would be unloaded within the scheduled time frame, easing pressure on the country’s energy situation. Several ships have already discharged oil and gas.
Earlier on Wednesday night, a fuel tanker, MT Central Star, carrying 26,000 tonnes of octane from Malaysia, reached the outer anchorage of Chittagong Port. On Thursday afternoon, the tanker anchored at Dolphin Jetty in Patenga.
Another tanker, Eastern Queens, carrying high sulfur fuel oil from Malaysia, arrived at the outer anchorage of Chittagong Port on Wednesday night.
Earlier, 69,881 tonnes and 68,648 tonnes of LNG arrived in the country from the United States and Nigeria on April 2 and 5 respectively, which has helped reduce pressure on fuel supply.
Officials said that a total of nine LNG ships are scheduled to arrive this month. Two ships have already arrived and the unloading process is underway. Each ship usually carries 69,000 to 70,000 tonnes of gas.
According to officials, Bangladesh imported about 600,000 tonnes of LNG from different countries on eight ships in March.
https://today.thefinancialexpress.com.bd/public/trade-market/five-ships-with-lng-lpg-due-to-arrive-at-ctg-port-by-apr-15-1775839076
Facing persistent energy pressures and rising fuel import costs, the commerce ministry is moving to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), particularly in commercial transport, by proposing significant duty reductions on their imports.
In a letter to the National Board of Revenue early March, the commerce ministry recommended lowering customs duty and supplementary duty on electric buses, trucks, dumpers and excavators to levels below those applied to conventional fossil fuel-powered vehicles.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard’s Google news channelThe move is aimed at reducing operational costs in industrial and commercial sectors while cutting dependence on imported fossil fuels, ministry officials said.
Infograph: TBS
The proposal comes as Bangladesh grapples with a prolonged energy crunch, worsened by global oil and gas supply disruptions from the Middle East war. Officials said high fuel costs are already feeding into production and transport expenses, putting pressure on businesses and inflation.
“Current duty structures are discouraging EV adoption,” said Shibir Bicitro Barua, additional secretary at the commerce ministry. “Electric vehicles face significantly higher taxes than fuel-based ones, which is counterproductive at a time when we are trying to reduce fuel dependency and manage energy costs.”
He added that the commerce ministry wants to promote import of electric vehicles to phase out traditional ones.
Tax barriers for EVs
According to ministry data, importing a conventional diesel or petrol-powered bus attracts around 39.75% duty, while an electric bus faces about 93.16%. Similarly, fossil fuel-powered trucks are taxed at 39.75%, compared to 61.80% for electric trucks.
The gap persists across other heavy equipment. Electric dumpers and tippers are taxed at 61.80% versus 45.45% for conventional ones, while electric excavators face duties as high as 93.16%, compared to 28.73% for their fuel-based counterparts.
Such imbalances have discouraged businesses from switching to electric fleets, despite the long-term cost advantages of EVs, industry insiders said, adding that although electric vehicles have higher upfront costs, they significantly reduce fuel and maintenance expenses over time.
A typical diesel-powered heavy truck consumes between 25 and 40 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, depending on load and road conditions. With diesel prices remaining volatile, transport operators face mounting operational costs. In contrast, electric trucks can cut energy costs by up to 40-60%, depending on electricity tariffs and usage efficiency.
Senior officials at the National Board of Revenue said the proposed measures are still under review.
“The government is keen to promote environmentally friendly vehicles,” an NBR official said on condition of anonymity. “However, since the policy is still in draft form, there may be further revisions. Some proposals may be added, others refined.”
Draft policy targets 30% EVs in govt fleet
The duty reduction proposal aligns with the draft Electric Vehicle Industry Development Policy 2025, which sets a target for at least 30% of government and corporate vehicle fleets to be electric by 2030.
The draft policy also proposes reducing import duties on completely built EV units to below 37%, alongside tax waivers on registration, advance income tax (AIT), and fitness certification for all kinds of electric vehicles until 2030. Registration fees could be cut by 50% under the plan.
Additionally, buyers may access bank financing of up to 60% of a vehicle’s value, repayable over eight years, an incentive designed to ease the transition for businesses and institutional buyers.
Officials at the industries ministry said the plan focuses on replacing older fuel-run vehicles, especially in public transport and logistics.
The previous interim government had formulated the draft Electric Vehicle Industry Development Policy in October last year, setting targets for transitioning towards green transport to reduce vehicular emissions.
Lagging in EV adoption
According to the International Energy Agency, EV sales crossed 20 million units in 2025, growing more than 20% year-on-year.
In China, EVs account for 12% of vehicle registrations and nearly a half of car sales in the domestic market. The global leader in the EV industry, China, reduced fuel import cost by 10% last year.
India and Vietnam have rolled out aggressive incentives, including tax cuts, subsidies and local manufacturing support, to accelerate EV adoption and reduce oil dependency.
In Bangladesh, however, adoption remains slow. Data from the NBR show 178 EVs were imported in FY25, and 82 in the first half of FY26. A plan to procure 400 electric buses is yet to be implemented.
Industry stakeholders have broadly welcomed the commerce ministry’s proposal but stressed that local manufacturing must be prioritised over imports.
Hafizur Rahman, president of the Automobile Assemblers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh, said, “The world is moving towards electric vehicles, and Bangladesh must follow. But tax incentives should favour local production and assembly more than imports.”
He said several companies have already invested in EV assembly and manufacturing, often in partnership with global firms. “If we ensure policy stability and protect these investments, the sector can generate employment and build backward linkage industries,” he added.
Bangladesh Auto Industries Limited, one of the country’s pioneering EV manufacturers, has completed construction of a factory on 100 acres in Chattogram’s National Special Economic Zone, with an investment of Tk1,440 crore. However, production has yet to begin due to delays in gas connections.
Managing Director Mir Masud Kabir said high duties on imported components, currently around 61%, are a major barrier. “To develop a competitive EV industry, duties on parts must be lower than those on fully built vehicles. Export incentives would also help attract foreign investment,” he said.
Meanwhile, Runner Automobiles Limited has recently signed an agreement with China’s BYD to explore local assembly or production opportunities, signalling growing interest from global EV players.
https://www.tbsnews.net/nbr/govt-considers-slashing-duties-evs-ease-fuel-import-pressure-1404771
A decision to increase fuel prices from next month may be made following discussions at a cabinet meeting, the energy minister told parliament Tuesday, reassuring that Bangladesh holds adequate stock of fuels despite global crisis.
Bangladesh stock alerts
Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku made the statement in the House during question hour on the tenth day of the first session of the 13th National Parliament.
The session was chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.
The minister explains that there is a structured mechanism for adjusting fuel prices, which is reviewed on a monthly basis. “The final decision for the coming month will be determined at the cabinet level.”
Economists and energy experts are of the view that a hike in fuel prices would have domino effect on people’s living and the economy at large.
Highlighting global challenges, Tuku pointed to geopolitical instability over the Middle East and restrictions imposed by Iran on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which have disrupted global energy-supply chains.
Economic trend analysis
“Despite these challenges,” he emphasizes, “the government has ensured a steady supply of fuel from multiple sources.”
Providing an update on current reserves, the minister said Bangladesh has 164,644 metric tonnes of diesel in stock, with an additional 138,000 tonnes expected to arrive by April 30. The country also holds 10,500 tons of octane and 16,000 tons of petrol, with further large shipments expected within this month.
Comparing regional trends, he notes that Pakistan has increased fuel prices by 50 percent, while Sri Lanka has introduced fuel rationing. India, Afghanistan and Nepal have also raised fuel prices. “In contrast, Bangladesh has so far kept prices stable to reduce the burden on citizens.”
To support farmers during the irrigation season, the government has instructed district administrators to issue “agriculture cards” to ensure uninterrupted diesel supply.
On enforcement, the minister reaffirms government’s ‘zero-tolerance’ policy against illegal hoarding and smuggling of fuels.
Between March 3 and April 4, authorities had conducted 342 operations nationwide, filing 2,456 cases. These drives resulted in 31 jail sentences, fines totaling Tk 12.539 million, and the recovery of approximately 4.048 million litres of fuels.
The minister also assures parliament that monitoring has been strengthened through the appointment of “tag officers” at filling stations and regular virtual meetings with district administrations.
Economists are, however, divided over the government plan to raise fuel prices from next month, arguing about a difficult tradeoff between fiscal constraints and the cost of living.
One group says the increase will disproportionately hit low- and lower-middle-income households, as higher fuel costs are likely to feed through into the prices of essential goods and services.
Rising transport and production costs could amplify inflationary pressures already felt by consumers, they alert.
Dr M. Masrur Reaz, chairman and chief executive Officer of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, says the impact would be broad-based.
Bangladesh stock alerts
Higher fuel prices would raise labour and freight costs, feeding into the wider economy.
“Power and electricity costs will increase as a result of the adjustment, with multiple knock-on effects,” he told The Financial Express.
He adds that irrigation and transport costs would rise sharply, placing an additional pressure on lower-income groups. Others argue that an adjustment is unavoidable, as such.
https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/economy/wars-impose-deep-and-prolonged-economic-costs-on-countries-imf-research-finds
The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission has fined asset management company Bangladesh RACE Management PCL Tk55 lakh for failing to comply with regulatory requirements on investments in listed bonds and government treasury bonds.
The penalty follows findings of irregularities in 11 out of the 12 mutual funds managed by the company, with Tk5 lakh imposed on each non-compliant fund, according to a recent order issued by the BSEC and published on its website.
The regulator also directed the firm to deposit the fine within 30 days of the order, warning that failure to do so would trigger further action under securities laws.
The commission, in its order, noted that the penalty was imposed mainly for failing to invest at least 3% of fund portfolios in listed debt securities and at least 1% in government treasury bonds, as required by regulations.
According to the order, “as per the Commission’s directive dated 23 May 2021, a mutual fund shall invest at least 3% of its portfolio value in listed debt securities within 30 June 2022 and shall at all times maintain such investment ratio in the listed debt securities.”
The deadline was later extended to 30 June 2023. However, the commission found that, as of 30 June 2025, 11 of the 12 funds under RACE had less than the required 3% exposure to listed debt securities.
In a separate directive issued on 19 February 2023, the regulator mandated that market intermediaries – including asset managers, merchant bankers, portfolio managers, stock dealers and mutual funds – must invest at least 1% of their own portfolios in listed treasury bonds by 30 June 2023 to diversify risk.
The commission found that funds managed by RACE had no investment in listed treasury bonds as of 30 June 2025.
Trustees flagged repeated non-compliance
The Investment Corporation of Bangladesh, trustee of six mutual funds, repeatedly instructed RACE during trustee committee meetings in the 2024-25 financial year to comply with the 3% investment requirement in listed debt securities.
Similarly, Bangladesh General Insurance Company Limited, trustee of four other funds, flagged the issue as non-compliance on several occasions.
The regulator noted that RACE did not act on these instructions.
It is also worth noting that, following observations from the ICB, the Commission sent a letter to RACE on 28 May 2025, seeking an explanation on the matter.
As all the funds had similar observations, the Commission’s relevant department issued the letter only in the name of “Exim Bank First Mutual Fund”. However, RACE has yet to respond to the Commission’s letter.
RACE disputes findings
In a statement issued today (6 April) on the enforcement action, RACE said it had never made any investment in Agni Systems, for which the penalties were imposed.
It added that RACE-managed funds had neither invested in nor traded shares of the company, terming the BSEC order illegal and saying it had immediately informed the regulator.
RACE also addressed the requirement to invest 3% in listed debt securities and 1% in listed treasury bonds, stating that during the relevant period its mutual funds were subject to trading restrictions, bank account freezes, and BO account suspensions, creating what it described as an “impossibility of performance”.
It said, as a result, the funds were unable to execute trades, settle transactions, or rebalance portfolios, and therefore could not comply with the investment requirements.
“During this period, the Funds, being incapacitated from executing any trades, settling transactions, or undertaking portfolio rebalancing, were unable to maintain the newly introduced requirement of investing 3% in listed debt securities and 1% in listed treasury bonds,” the company said in the statement.
“Accordingly, the alleged non-compliance, if any, concerning investment in debt securities and treasury bonds arises solely from regulatory actions, and not from any negligence or failure on the part of RACE or the mutual funds,” it added.
The company further alleged that the regulator had repeatedly targeted RACE by imposing operational suspensions that led to such constraints.
RACE said, “It further appears from the record that BSEC has continuously been targeting RACE and imposing suspensions on its operations, which in turn created an ‘impossibility of performance’ situation. Thereafter, BSEC’s highlighting of such non-performance and imposing penalties as justification for alleged violations of securities laws is tainted with malafide and shares arbitrariness on the part of the regulator.”
At an earlier hearing on the matter, before the fines were imposed, RACE highlighted similar points to defend its position.
The company said certain measures – including restrictions and directives – had harmed both the company and the funds it manages. “We have found instances where the restrictive actions are not taken directly by BSEC, but rather BSEC instructs trustee/custodian to take the restrictive action,” the company said.
RACE further argued that such continual actions were “against fundamental principles of equity and constitutional fairness in Bangladesh” and detrimental to unitholders. “These unlawful and restrictive actions, arbitrarily imposed, are exacting a heavy price on the wellbeing of the funds, especially eroding their asset value.”
The company added that restrictions under trust deeds, particularly sectoral exposure limits, had affected its ability to comply with the investment requirements.
“The Trust Deed as approved by BSEC restriction had a direct and material impact on the ability to comply with the 3% listed debt and treasury bond securities requirement,” it said, noting that most such securities in Bangladesh are issued by banks.
“As long as sectoral exposure remained above the 25% limit, the trust deeds prevented the funds from purchasing many of the listed debt and treasury bond securities that would have counted toward satisfying the Commission’s requirement.”
RACE noted it could only move towards compliance by first reducing bank-sector holdings and rebalancing portfolios within the allowed timeframe.
https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/stocks/bsec-fines-race-tk55-lakh-breaching-investment-limits-listed-bonds-t-bonds-1404686
বিশ্বব্যাপী পুঁজিবাজারে বিনিয়োগের জন্য নিরাপদ ও জনপ্রিয় মাধ্যম হিসেবে পরিচিত মিউচুয়াল ফান্ড। তবে নানা অনিয়ম ও আস্থাহীনতার কারণে কাক্সিক্ষত অবস্থায় পৌঁছেনি দেশের মিউচুয়াল ফান্ড খাত। প্রাতিষ্ঠানিক বিনিয়োগকারীর ঘাটতি ও পণ্যের বৈচিত্র্যহীনতায় একদিকে যেমন পুঁজিবাজারে গভীরতা তৈরি হয়নি অন্যদিকে ক্ষুদ্র বিনিয়োগকারী নির্ভর হয়ে চলছে অর্থনীতির গুরুত্বপূর্ণ এই খাত। পৃথিবীর বিভিন্ন দেশে পুঁজিবাজারে মিউচুয়াল ফান্ড খাতের উল্লেখযোগ্য অবদান থাকলেও দেশের পুঁজিবাজার যেন চলছে উল্টো পথে।
বাজার বিশ্লেষক ও সংশ্লিষ্টরা বলছেন, পুঁজিবাজারে সংকটের অন্যতম বড় কারণ হলো দুর্বল মিউচুয়াল ফান্ড খাত। তাদের মতে, শক্তিশালী মিউচুয়াল ফান্ড ছাড়া একটি কার্যকর ও টেকসই পুঁজিবাজার গড়ে তোলা সম্ভব নয়। এজন্য এই খাতের উন্নয়নে খাতসংশ্লিষ্টসহ সরকারের জোরালো পদক্ষেপ জরুরী।
দেশে ও বিশ্বের বিভিন্ন দেশে মিউচুয়াল ফান্ড খাতের চিত্র
বিভিন্ন দেশের পুঁজিবাজারের মোট বাজারমূলধনের তুলনায় মিউচুয়াল ফান্ডের সম্পদের পরিমাণ বিশ্লেষণে দেখা যায়, বাংলাদেশে এই হার মাত্র ১ দশমিক ৮ শতাংশ। যেখানে ভারতে তা ১৭ শতাংশ, শ্রীলঙ্কায় ২ দশমিক ৫ শতাংশ, পাকিস্তানে ৫ শতাংশ, চীনে ৩০ শতাংশ, মালয়েশিয়ায় ৬৫ শতাংশ, যুক্তরাজ্যে ৫০ শতাংশ, সিঙ্গাপুরে ৮০ শতাংশ এবং যুক্তরাষ্ট্রে বাজার মূলধনের তুলনায় মিউচুয়াল ফান্ডের সম্পদের পরিমাণ ৯০ শতাংশ।
অন্যদিকে জিডিপির অনুপাতে মিউচুয়াল ফান্ড খাতের অবস্থান তুলানাতেও বাংলাদেশের অবস্থান তলানিতে। বাংলাদেশের ক্ষেত্রে এই হার মাত্র ০ দশমিক ৬ শতাংশ, যেখানে যুক্তরাষ্ট্রে তা ১২৭ শতাংশ, সিঙ্গাপুরে ৯১ শতাংশ, মালয়েশিয়ায় ৬০ শতাংশ, চীনে ২৪ শতাংশ এবং ভারতে ১৬ দশমিক ৫ শতাংশ। দক্ষিণ এশিয়ার অন্য দেশগুলোর মধ্যে পাকিস্তানে এই হার ৪ দশমিক ২ শতাংশ এবং শ্রীলঙ্কায় ২ দশমিক ১ শতাংশ।
কেন গুরুত্বপূর্ণ মিউচুয়াল ফান্ড
মিউচুয়াল ফান্ড খাতের গুরুত্ব নিয়ে খাত সংশ্লিষ্ট ও বিশ্লেষকরা বিভিন্ন বিষয়ের কথা বলছেন। তাঁদের মতে, পুঁজিবাজারের স্থিতিশীলতা ও পণ্যের বৈচিত্র্য আনতে শক্তিশালী মিউচুয়াল ফান্ড খাত জরুরী। এই খাতের উন্নয়ন ঘটলে দেশের পুঁজিবাজারে গভীরতা বাড়বে। পাশাপাশি প্রতিষ্ঠানিক বিনিয়োগকারীর সংখ্যাও বৃদ্ধি পাবে।
ইউনাইটেড ইন্টারন্যাশনাল ইউনিভার্সিটির স্কুল অব বিজনেস অ্যান্ড ইকোনমিকসের ডিন অধ্যাপক মোহাম্মদ মুসার মতে, “বাজারকে সক্রিয় করতে চাইলে মিউচুয়াল ফান্ড ছাড়া সম্ভব নয়।”
তিনি বাণিজ্য প্রতিদিনকে জানান, “আমাদের দেশে মিউচুয়াল ফান্ড এই ভূমিকা পালন করে না বিধায় আমাদের বাজার সবসময় ধীর গতিতে চলছে। আমরা মিউচুয়াল ফান্ড খাতকে নষ্ট করে দিয়েছি। ব্যক্তিগত বিনিয়োগকারীরা সাধারণত মিউচুয়াল ফান্ডে বিনিয়োগ করে। কিন্তু এখানে বিনিয়োগ করতে গিয়ে বিপদে পড়ে।”
তিনি আরও জানান, “আমাদের দেশে যেহেতু মিউচুয়াল ফান্ড ভালো করে না সে কারণে বিনিয়োগকারীরা সেখানে যেতে পারছে না।” পৃথিবীজুড়ে বড় বড় মার্কেটগুলোতে প্রাতিষ্ঠানিক বিনিয়োগকারী হিসেবে মিউচুয়াল ফান্ডই সবচেয়ে এগিয়ে বলেও উল্লেখ করেন এই বিশ্লেষক।
ডিএসই ব্রোকার্স অ্যাসোসিয়েশ অব বাংলাদেশের (ডিবিএ) সাবেক প্রেসিডেন্ট ও পুঁজিবাজার বিশ্লেষক আহমেদ রশিদ লালী বলছিলেন, “যারা প্রথম বিনিয়োগকারী হিসেবে বিনিয়োগে যোগ দিচ্ছেন তাদের জন্য মিউচুয়াল ফান্ড থেকে শুরু করাটাই শ্রেয়। বিশ্বব্যাপী একটা সাধারণ ব্যাপার যে যারা ঝুঁকি নিতে চান না তাঁরা মিউচুয়াল ফান্ডের ইউনিট ক্রয় করেন।”
এর কারণ হিসেবে তিনি উল্লেখ করেন, “মিউচুয়াল ফান্ড পেশাদার ব্যবস্থাপনায় পরিচালিত একটা ফান্ড। এসব ফান্ড থেকে ভালো প্রফিট করা যায় এবং লভ্যাংশ পাওয়া যায়।”
মিউচুয়াল ফান্ডের বৈশিষ্ট্য হিসেবে তিনি উল্লেখ করেন, “একজন বিনিয়োগকারী কোনো ফান্ডের নিট সম্পদ মূল্যের সর্বোচ্চ ১০ শতাংশ উপরে আবার ১০ শতাংশ ডিসকাউন্টে কিনতে পারে।”
ডিএসই ব্রোকার্স অ্যাসোসিয়েশ অব বাংলাদেশের (ডিবিএ) প্রেসিডেন্ট সাইফুল ইসলামের মতে, মিউচুয়াল ফান্ডের উন্নয়ন ছাড়া পরিপূর্ণ বাজার হয় না। তিনি বাণিজ্য প্রতিদিনকে বলেন, “একটি বাজারে বিভিন্ন ধরণের পণ্য থাকতে হবে, বিভিন্ন অপশন থাকতে হবে। আমাদের দেশের পুঁজিবাজারে তো অপশন কম।”
পণ্যের বৈচিত্র্য আনতে ও ক্ষুদ্র বিনিয়োগকারী নির্ভরতা থেকে প্রতিষ্ঠানিক বিনিয়োগকারী নির্ভর বাজার গড়তে মিউচুয়াল ফান্ড খাতের উন্নয়নে জোর দেন তিনি।
এই খাতের সম্ভাবনা
বাজার সংশ্লিষ্টরা বলছেন দেশে মিউচুয়াল ফান্ড খাতের অপার সম্ভাবনা সম্ভাবনা রয়েছে। সম্পদ ব্যবস্থাপনা কোম্পানি শান্তা অ্যাসেট ম্যানেজমেন্ট কোম্পানির প্রধান নির্বাহী কর্মকর্তা কাজী মনিরুল ইসলামের মতে এই খাতে ১০০ বিলিয়ন ডলারের সম্ভাবনা রয়েছে।
এই খাত বর্তমানের তুলনায় ১০০ গুণ বড় হওয়ার সম্ভাবনা আছে উল্লেখ করে তিনি বলেন, “অমাাদের পাশের দেশে অ্যাসেট আন্ডার ম্যানেজমেন্ট এখন ৮০০ বিলিয়ন ডলার। যেখানে বাংলাদেশের মাত্র ১ বিলিয়ন ডলার। আমরা যদি বাংলাদেশের জিডিপি ভারতের জিডিপি ও বাংলাদেশের জনগণের সাথে ভারতের জনগণের তুলনা করি তাহলে দেখা যায় আমাদের জিডিপি ভারতের থেকে ১২ থেকে ১৩ শতাংশ। এর মানে হলো ওদের যদি ৮০০ বিলিয়ন ডলার হয় তাহলে বাংলাদেশের একটা ভালো মিউচুয়াল ফান্ড ইন্ডাস্ট্রির আকার হবে ১০০ বিলিয়ন ডলার যেটা এখন মাত্র ১ বিলিয়ন ডলার।”
মিউচুয়াল ফান্ড খাতের বর্তমান চ্যালেঞ্জ ও উত্তরণের উপায়
খাত সংশ্লিষ্টদের তথ্যে দেশের মিউচুয়াল ফান্ড খাতের নানামুখী চ্যালেঞ্জের কথা উঠে এসেছে। সবচেয়ে গুরুত্বপূর্ণ চ্যালেঞ্জ হিসেবে আস্থা পূনর্গঠনের বিষয় উঠে এসেছে খাত সংশ্লিষ্টদের ব্যক্তব্যে। তাঁদের মতে, পূর্বের মতো অনিয়ম যাতে আর সংঘটিত না হয় সে ব্যাপারে নিয়ন্ত্রক সংস্থাসহ খাত সংশ্লিষ্টদের জোরালো ভূমিকা রাখতে হবে।
পুঁজিবাজার ও এই খাত সম্পর্কে সচেতনতার অভাবকেও একটি চ্যালেঞ্জ হিসেবে দেখছেন তাঁরা। কাজী মনিরুল ইসলাম বাণিজ্য প্রতিদিনকে বলেন, “মিউচুয়াল ফান্ড নিয়ে আমাদের ধারণা খুবই সীমিত। আমাদের বিনিয়োগকারীর সংখ্যা পুরো দেশের তুলনায় অনেক ছোট। এমনকি পুঁজিবাজারও ১৭ কোটি মানুষের তুলনায় ছোট। মিউচুয়াল ফান্ড খাত আরও কম, আরও ছোট।” তাই মিউচুয়াল ফান্ড নিয়ে মানুষের মধ্যে সচেতনতা তৈরি করতে গুরুত্বারোপ করেন তিনি। এর পাশাপাশি সম্পদ ব্যবস্থাপকদেরকে ভালো রিটার্ন জেনারেট করা ও গ্রাহকের টাকার নিরাপত্তার বিষয়ে জোর দিয়েছেন পুঁজিবাজার ও খাত সংশ্লিষ্টরা।
এই খাত নিয়ে কি ভাবছে নিয়ন্ত্রক সংস্থা
বাজার সংশ্লিষ্ট অংশীজন ও বিশ্লেষকদের মতো নিয়ন্ত্রক সংস্থাও মিউচুয়াল ফান্ড খাতের উন্নয়নকে গুরুত্বের সাথে দেখছে বলে জানিয়েছেন পুঁজিবাজার নিয়ন্ত্রক সংস্থা বাংলাদেশ সিকিউরিটিজ অ্যান্ড এক্সচেঞ্জ কমিশনের পরিচালক ও মুখপাত্র আবুল কালাম। তিনি বাণিজ্য প্রতিদিনকে বলেন, “এই খাতকে শক্তিশালী করতে ইতোমধ্যে বাজার অংশীজন এবং টাস্কফোর্সের পরামর্শ গ্রহণ করে নতুনভাবে মিউচুয়াল ফান্ড বিধিমালা প্রণয়ন করা হয়েছে।”
নতুন বিধিমালায় বিনিয়োগকারী স্বার্থ যেন সুরক্ষিত থাকে সেই ব্যবস্থা করা হয়েছে জানিয়ে তিনি বলেন, “ট্রাস্টিকে মিউচুয়াল ফান্ডের লিগ্যাল ওউনার হিসেবে স্বীকৃতি দেওয়া হয়েছে। আর ইউনিট হোল্ডারদের বেনিফিশিয়াল ওউনার হিসেবে স্বীকৃতি দেওয়া হয়েছে। এর পাশাপাশি মিউচুয়াল ফান্ডের সম্পদ এখন থেকে থাকবে কাস্টোডিয়ানের কাছে। কাস্টোডিয়ানকে শক্তিশালী একটা পক্ষ হিসেবে বিবেচনা করছে কমিশন।”
বিএসইসির মুখপাত্র আরও জানান, “বিনিয়োগকারীদের সুরক্ষার জন্য বড় পেইড আপ ক্যাপিটালের কোম্পানি, বিশেষ করে ব্যাংকগুলোকেই কাস্টোডিয়ান হিসেবে নিয়ে আসতে চায় কমিশন।”
“সম্পদ ব্যাবস্থাপকরা শুধুমাত্র ক্রয় বিক্রয় মানে ইনভেস্টমেন্ট ডিসিশন নিবে এবং ডিসিশন নিতে অনেক স্বাধীনতাও তাদেরকে দেওয়া হয়েছে” বলেও উল্লেখ করেন তিনি।
আবুল কালাম আরও জানান, “আন্তর্জাতিক চর্চার সাথে সামঞ্জস্য রেখে ক্লোজ এন্ড ফান্ড বা মেয়াদী মিউচুয়াল ফান্ডকে নিরুৎসাহিত করা হয়েছে। ভবিষ্যতে ক্লোজ এন্ড ফান্ড আসবে না। এক্সচেঞ্জে কোন ফান্ড যদি ট্রেড হতে হয় সেটা হবে ওপেন এন্ড ফান্ড বা বে-মেয়াদী ফান্ড।” এছাড়া এসব ফান্ড তাঁর নিট সম্পদ মূল্যের কাছাকাছি দরে পুঁজিবাজারে লেনদেন হবে বলেও উল্লেখ করেন তিনি।
https://banijjoprotidin.com/archives/দুর্বল-মিউচুয়াল-ফান্ডে/
The export performance of the country’s readymade garment sector might face growing headwinds in the coming quarters, said a report published by the Bangladesh Bank on Sunday.
Moreover, RMG exports would largely depend on the pace of economic recovery in major destinations, the stabilisation of global supply chains, and the sector›s ability to diversify products and markets.
The report, titled Quarterly Review of Readymade Garments, also stated that the near-term outlook for the RMG sector would remain ‘cautiously moderate’, reflecting a combination of external demand uncertainty and emerging opportunities in key export markets.
‘Strengthening logistics, enhancing productivity and expanding into higher value apparel segments might be critical for maintaining the competitiveness of Bangladesh in the global garment market,’ the report suggested.
In the meantime, a prolonged Middle East crisis could create severe disruptions to energy supply and trade routes, and trigger global economic turmoil, said industry insiders.
According to the central bank’s report, Bangladesh’s RMG sector earned $9.75 billion in the October-December quarter of the financial year 2025-26, down 5.99 per cent from $10.36 billion earned in the same period of FY25.
The BB said that during this period, global demand conditions, inflationary pressures in importing countries, shifts in consumer spending patterns, and supply chain adjustments influenced order volumes and export receipts.
Moreover, production costs, exchange rate movements, and logistical conditions also played a considerable role in shaping the competitiveness of Bangladesh›s garment exports.
Meanwhile, export earnings in the October-December quarter of FY26 declined by 1.78 per cent from $9.9 billion earned in the preceding quarter, July-September, of FY26.
During the second quarter of FY26, the import value of raw materials, like raw cotton, synthetic or viscose fibre, synthetic or mixed yarn, cotton yarn, textile fabrics, and accessories for garments was $3.49 billion, accounting for 35.78 per cent of total RMG export earnings.
In other words, the net exports from this sector amounted to $6.26 billion, or 64.22 per cent of total RMG exports, in the October-December quarter of FY26.
The net exports were 2.84 per cent higher than those of the preceding quarter (July-September of FY26), which were $6.08 billion, and 1.09 per cent lower than those of the October-December of FY25, which were $6.32 billion, the central bank data stated.
During October-December of FY26, Bangladesh’s RMG exports were primarily directed to nine major destinations, including the US, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Canada, and Belgium.
Export earnings from these countries amounted to $6.83 billion during the reporting period, accounting for over 70 per cent of the total RMG exports.
During FY25, the RMG sector contributed 8.52 per cent to Bangladesh’s nominal GDP.
The total RMG export earnings for FY25 stood at $39.35 billion, indicating a higher growth of 8.90 per cent as compared with that of the preceding fiscal year’s $36.13 billion, the Bangladesh Bank report added.
According to the quarterly report, the government and the Bangladesh Bank have taken several measures to facilitate production and exports in the RMG sector, including pre-shipment credit, funds for green transformation, export facilitation, and export development.
The report also stated that during the first quarter of FY26, Bangladesh’s RMG industry continued to demonstrate its vital role.
Regarding value addition, Mohammad Hatem, president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said that Bangladeshi RMG manufacturers have been working to increase it to remain competitive in global markets.
He also said that the sector focuses on producing high-value products, innovation, and research and development, urging governmental policy support in this regard.
However, he said that Bangladeshi exports have been declining over the past months, with almost no sign of further increase, as utilisation declarations have also slowed.
Due to the ongoing Middle East crisis, the sector is facing fuel shortages, increased shipping line charges, disruptions in global energy supply, and a possible global economic downturn.
https://www.newagebd.net/post/apparel/295123/rmg-may-face-headwinds-in-next-quarters-bb
Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry is facing mounting pressure as the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran disrupts global supply chains, threatening the availability of raw materials, pushing up freight costs and raising concerns over production stability.
The issue was highlighted at the inaugural session of the 17th Asia Pharma Expo 2026 and Asia Lab Expo 2026, held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Dhaka’s Purbachal yesterday.
Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain, who inaugurated the three-day exposition as the chief guest, said the government is closely monitoring the evolving situation and stressed that ensuring access to quality medicines remains a top priority.
He also reiterated a zero-tolerance stance on corruption and irregularities in the sector.
Industry leaders said the Gulf region unrest has already started to affect the import of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and other essential inputs, many of which rely on complex shipping routes through the Middle East.
“The war has disrupted logistics, increased freight costs and caused shipment delays,” said Abdul Muktadir, president of the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BAPI).
“Rerouting of sea and air cargo is making imports more expensive and unpredictable.”
The disruption is particularly significant for Bangladesh, which remains heavily dependent on imported raw materials despite its strong domestic manufacturing base. Prolonged instability could drive up production costs and put pressure on medicine prices in the coming months, industry insiders said.
According to BAPI, the industry now meets nearly 98 percent of domestic demand and exports medicines to more than 120 countries, reflecting steady expansion over the past decade.
Bangladesh currently exports around $300 million worth of medicines annually and is emerging as a growing player in the global pharmaceutical market.
However, sustaining this momentum will depend on the sector’s ability to navigate external shocks and ensure an uninterrupted supply of inputs.
Muktadir stressed the urgency of accelerating the development of a domestic API industry to reduce reliance on imports.
“The current situation highlights our vulnerability. Policy support is essential to strengthen local capacity,” he said.
He warned that if the conflict persists, rising freight costs and supply uncertainties could erode profit margins and disrupt production cycles, with smaller manufacturers likely to face greater pressure.
Despite the challenges, Bangladesh has so far managed to keep medicine prices relatively lower than in neighbouring countries, supported by strong local production and regulatory oversight, he added.
Md Shameem Haidar, director general of the Directorate General of Drug Administration, said the industry continues to maintain quality and effectiveness, although global disruptions pose new risks.
Industry insiders estimate the market size has already exceeded $3.5 billion, which could surpass $6 billion by 2026, driven by annual growth of 15 to 18 percent.
However, they cautioned that geopolitical tensions could test the sector’s resilience in the near term.
https://www.thedailystar.net/business/economy/news/pharma-sector-faces-supply-risks-amid-iran-war-fallout-4138721
Fuel loading at Unit‑1 of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) is scheduled to begin on April 7, marking a major milestone toward starting electricity production at Bangladesh’s first nuclear facility by mid‑year.
Fuel loading is the process of placing nuclear fuel rods into the reactor core. These rods contain uranium pellets that, once inside the reactor, will start the chain reaction that produces heat. That heat is then used to make steam, which spins turbines to generate electricity.
According to senior officials at the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Russian contractor overseeing the project has officially notified the government of the schedule.
Preparatory work on Unit‑1 is expected to finish by March 27, after which the government will formally announce commissioning of the plant.
“The Russian contractor officially informed the government last week that fuel loading will begin on April 7. We expect to start electricity production and supply a minimum of 300 megawatts to the national grid by July,” Science and Technology Secretary Md Anwar Hossain told The Daily Star yesterday.
He said the unit is expected to reach its full 1,200 MW capacity by December, if the schedule is maintained.
Last Sunday, a delegation led by Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam Swapan and Prime Minister’s Adviser Rehan Asif Asad, also attached to the ministry, visited the site to review progress.
“During the visit, project authorities confirmed that all testing and inspections will be finalised by March 27, after which Unit-1 will receive its commissioning licence,” Secretary Anwar Hossain said.
Dr Md Zahedul Hasan, managing director of Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL), said about 2,000 tests have already been completed. “As of last week, 1,650 inspections were completed, and we expect to finish the remaining checks within the next two weeks,” he added.
He noted that while minor issues have arisen, no major faults were found and the small problems are being handled promptly.
The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) is overseeing the inspection process to ensure that all safety standards comply with international guidelines.
According to project officials, the fuel loading process takes about one month, followed by roughly two months to reach the chain reaction stage required for power production.
Unit‑2 is expected to reach full capacity about a year after Unit‑1 begins producing its 1,200‑megawatt output in December. Together, the two units are projected to generate 2,400 megawatts by December 2027.
Unit‑1 is in the final stages of commissioning, while Unit‑2 is more than 70 percent complete.
Since construction began in 2017, 81 percent of the $12.65 billion project, which includes two VVER‑1200 reactors, has already been spent.
Originally slated for 2022, the commissioning was delayed by three years. Last year, Bangladesh and Russia agreed to extend the timeline to late 2027 to complete both the units.
“This is not like other development projects; we cannot compromise on anything. We must reach 100 percent completion before moving to the next step,” a senior plant official said. “Ensuring safety in line with international standards is our top priority.”
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/rooppur-set-begin-production-process-april-7-4128921
