Short-term foreign debt drops 11.75pc
Bangladesh's amount of outstanding short-term foreign debt has decreased by nearly $1.34 billion in June, a nearly 11.75 percent drop year-on-year.The latest data from Bangladesh Bank says that short-term foreign debt stood at $10.06 billion in June. During this time, interest and principal payments from the private sector amounted to $1.85 billion.This means, Bangladesh's private sector paid more in interest and principal payments on short-term financing in June than it brought in as foreign loans.In May, private sector entrepreneurs took out short-term foreign loans worth $1.85 billion. During this time, interest and principal payments amounted to $1.98 billion. The security situation is still unstable.Given all this, the expectation that anyone will jump into investments right now is, I would say, fanciful. "Since the government changeover last August, the flow of foreign loans to the private sector has declined, as has investment in various sectors, leading to a slowdown in the economy.In January this year, the short-term foreign debt fell below $10 billion after four years.
Source:bd News24
August 13, 2025 17:19 UTC
Private sector credit growth hits 10-year low
Private sector credit growth in Bangladesh has slumped to its lowest level in a decade, in keeping with a downward spiral beginning during the July Uprising.According to Bangladesh Bank data released on Monday, credit growth stood at 6.49 percent at the end of June.Some experts view this persistent decline as "a cause for concern".Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Distinguished Fellow Mustafizur Rahman said the country's economy has yet to overcome its investment slump.He cited high bank interest rates, political uncertainty, and contractionary monetary policy as the main reasons behind the decline.Fresh data shows that letters of credit for capital machinery imports fell by 25.41 percent in FY2025 compared with the previous fiscal year -- a decline Mustafizur warns could weigh heavily on employment. "The fall in capital machinery imports is having an adverse impact on job creation. I see it as a serious concern," he said.He noted that while there are signs of "some stability" returning to the macroeconomy, investor "unease and uncertainty" remain.The researcher believes such conditions may persist until the next election.He also argued that if inflation drops to 7 percent, the policy interest rate should be cut, as high lending rates are having a significant negative effect on the economy.For the July-December period, Bangladesh Bank has kept the policy interest rate at 10 percent, maintaining the same rate as in the first half of the year.The private sector credit growth target has been set at 7.20 percent.Governor Ahsan H Mansur has indicated that the policy rate will remain unchanged until inflation falls below 7 percent.The central bank's website holds credit growth data from 2015, which shows that June recorded the lowest rate in that period. The second-lowest rate was in February this year, at 6.82 percent. �"bdnews24.com
Source:bd News24
August 13, 2025 17:19 UTC
Interim government is the weakest despite support from all political parties, says Nur
Interim government is the weakest despite support from all political parties, says NurGono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur has described the interim government as the “weakest” in Bangladesh’s history, despite what he said was broad support from all political parties. Speaking at an event on Wednesday, Nur claimed that the government has consistently lacked firmness in its actions. “Our Army, police, RAB, even those seen as heroes of national transformation didn’t speak up while the destruction was ongoing. But now, after the damage is done, they are raising their voices,” Nur said. He noted that following the fall of military dictatorship through nationwide student unity, no student leaders stepped into government either.
Source:bd News24
August 13, 2025 17:05 UTC
India's Rahul Gandhi says he will challenge 'serious discrepancies' in electoral system
India's Rahul Gandhi says he will challenge 'serious discrepancies' in electoral systemOpposition leader Rahul Gandhi said on Wednesday India's electoral system suffers from "serious discrepancies" and he pledged to continue challenging its integrity through public mobilisation and potentially the courts. "There are serious discrepancies in the election system, and we will diligently keep exposing them,” Gandhi told a group of reporters citing research conducted by Congress party colleagues. "We mainly want to challenge the Election Commission through the people but could eventually go to court." His comments come ahead of a closely contested state election in Bihar. Bihar, one of India's most politically important states, goes to polls by November.
Source:bd News24
August 13, 2025 16:05 UTC
India set to allow its private firms to mine and import uranium to help nuclear expansion
India set to allow its private firms to mine and import uranium to help nuclear expansionPrime Minister Narendra Modi of India listens to Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer (not pictured) as they meet for bilateral talks at Chequers near Aylesbury, England, Thursday, Ju 24, 2025. If it meets its expansion goal, nuclear will provide 5 percent of India's total power needs, according to government estimates. But to help meet a surge in demand for nuclear fuel as it expands nuclear power production, the government plans to draw up a regulatory framework that would allow private Indian firms to mine, import and process uranium, the two government sources told Reuters. Outside India, countries including Canada, South Africa and the United States allow private firms to mine and process uranium. DOMESTIC SUPPLY IS NOT ENOUGHIndia has an estimated 76,000 tonnes of uranium enough to fuel 10,000 megawatts of nuclear power for 30 years, according to government data.
Source:bd News24
August 13, 2025 15:47 UTC
High Court to rule on the validity of Article 116 of the Constitution on Sept 2
The High Court has concluded the final hearing on a petition challenging the validity of Article 116 of the Constitution, which governs the control and discipline of the judiciary, and will deliver its verdict on Sept 2. The bench, comprising Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury, scheduled the ruling for that date on Wednesday. The petitioners argue that the current amended article places authority over appointments, transfers, promotions, leave, and disciplinary matters of subordinate courts under the executive branch, specifically the president, via the law ministry. The High Court had issued a rule during preliminary hearings in April 2024, questioning why the amended Article 116 should not be declared unconstitutional. Under the amended provision, the president is responsible for controlling and disciplining magistrates, including transfers, promotions, leave approvals, and other administrative matters, a function previously under the Supreme Court in the 1972 Constitution.
Source:bd News24
August 13, 2025 15:25 UTC
Bangladesh rakes in over $1bn in remittances in first 12 days of August
Bangladesh rakes in over $1bn in remittances in first 12 days of AugustExpatriates have sent in more than $1 billion in remittances in the first 12 days of August, marking a 46.20 percent increase compared with the same period last year. Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arief Hossain Khan shared the development on Wednesday. In August, remittances totalled $1.05 billion until now, compared to $721 million during the same period last year. According to the central bank, remittances totalled $3.53 billion from Jul-Aug 12 of the current fiscal year, compared to $2.63 billion during the same duration last year, indicating a 34 percent increase. In order to stabilise the rate, Bangladesh Bank purchased dollars from commercial banks in five auction rounds.
Source:bd News24
August 13, 2025 15:15 UTC
Yunus returns to Dhaka after Malaysia trip
Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has returned to Dhaka after his three-day state visit to Malaysia. According to a statement from the CAO, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called Yunus on his mobile phone after the Bangladeshi delegation arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Upon arrival in Malaysia on Monday, Yunus was received with a guard of honour. The following day, delegations from both countries met at the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya, followed by a one-on-one meeting between Yunus and Anwar. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia also awarded Yunus an honorary doctorate.
Source:bd News24
August 13, 2025 12:53 UTC
‘Hindi-speaking men in police uniform’ fired upon rally during Uprising, witness tells ICT
A witness has told the International Crimes Tribunal that he heard men wearing police uniforms speaking Hindi before shots rang out at an anti-discrimination rally in Dhaka during the July Uprising last year that left two people dead. Deliveryman Md Yakub, 35, of New Market, and shop assistant Ismamul Haque, 17, died in the violence. They said he was fine and taken to Mitford Hospital. The third witness, Md Mohibul Haque, 21, said his younger brother Ismamul was working at a shop in Chawkbazar that day when he was shot. “A caller from his phone told me he was in Mitford Hospital.
Source:bd News24
August 13, 2025 12:07 UTC
MPO-listed teachers announce three-day work stoppage after street protest
Teachers seeking the nationalisation of MPO-listed institutions have suspended their street protest after announcing a three-day work stoppage. On Wednesday, the march towards the Secretariat began shortly after 2pm, following a sit-in outside the Press Club from 10am. Delwar Hossain Azizi, member secretary of the “MPO-Bhukto Shikkha Jatiyakaran Protyashi Jote”, said the teachers had proposed increasing house rent allowance as a percentage. The education ministry informed them it would raise the allowance by 20 percent and send the proposal to the finance ministry. Azizi said, “MPO-listed teachers and staff are the backbone of the education system, yet we face persistent discrimination.
Source:bd News24
August 13, 2025 10:57 UTC
Gazipur journalist's widow says he was murdered by 'hired killers'
The wife of slain Gazipur journalist Asaduzzaman Tuhin has alleged that her husband was killed by hired assassins. She called for the arrest of those who ordered and financed the attack at a media briefing at Gazipur Press Club on Tuesday. “My husband was murdered by hired killers. Mukta thanked journalists for their role in uncovering the facts of the case, including the release of CCTV footage of the killing. She also called for journalists’ safety to be ensured nationwide, including the introduction of a dedicated hotline.
Source:bd News24
August 13, 2025 08:34 UTC
Arakan Army members ‘abduct’ five Bangladeshi fishermen from Teknaf
Arakan Army members ‘abduct’ five Bangladeshi fishermen from TeknafMyanmar's Arakan Army has reportedly abducted five fishermen from the Naf River estuary in Cox’s Bazar’s Teknaf Upazila. Teknaf Upazila administrator (UNO) SK Ahsan Uddin said he was informed of the abduction from Naikhongdia on TuesdayThe abducted fishermen are Md Ilias, 41, Akkal Ali, 20, Md Nur Hossain, 18, Saber Hossain, 22, and Md Saiful Islam, 25. Sabrang Union Parishad member Abdus Salam said the incident happened around 8:30am, as the fishermen were in a trawler when Arakan Army members arrived by speedboat and seized them at gunpoint. Nearby fishermen witnessed the abduction and informed the victims’ families, according to him. UNO Ahsan said, “Further enquiries are being made.”
Source:bd News24
August 12, 2025 16:51 UTC
Govt bans rallies, gatherings inside Secretariat
The government has prohibited all rallies, demonstrations and public gatherings inside the Secretariat, citing the need to safeguard the nation's administrative hub.In a circular issued on Tuesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs stressed the importance of ensuring constant order and security for all buildings and premises within the Secretariat.It outlined seven measures, requesting strict compliance.These include ban on any type of rally or assembly; prohibiting unauthorised meetings in ministry or departmental conference rooms; and requiring prior home ministry approval to remain inside after 6pm or on holidays for official purposes.The instructions include: officials and staff must display entry passes, and distributing leaflets or hanging banners and festoons within the premises is forbidden.Security forces must also be allowed to conduct checks on vehicles and individuals entering the compound.�"bdnews24.com
Source:bd News24
August 12, 2025 16:19 UTC
New prices for 10 types of heart stents from Oct 1
Revised prices for 10 types of coronary stents made by three companies are set to take effect on Oct 1, according to the Directorate General of Drug Administration.The decision follows applications from stent importers.On Aug 3, the government reduced the prices of the 10 types of stents, lowering costs by Tk 3,000 to Tk 88,000.At a press conference held at the directorate's offices in Mohakhali on Tuesday, the agency's director Md Akhter Hossain said an expert advisory committee was formed on Apr 16 to keep prices at a tolerable level and maintain supply.Stents from American companies Medtronic, Boston Scientific and Abbott, which are common in the Bangladeshi market and relatively expensive, were reviewed first.The prices of 10 products from the three companies were revised on Aug 3.Importers, however, still have stents in stock, Hossain said, prompting them to seek more time before implementing the lower prices. "They say they have stocks of stents purchased at the previous price, some for six months, some for three years," he said. "On the other hand, since the issue of price reduction was publicised in the media, the relatives of patients are pressuring hospitals to provide stents at the new price. "After the ministry was consulted, it instructed that the new prices be enforced from Oct 1, he said.Bangladesh needs at least 45,000 coronary stents annually, with 31 registered companies importing them, according to Hossain.The three companies in the review account for about half of the imports, which is why their prices were reduced first�"bdnews24.com
Source:bd News24
August 12, 2025 16:19 UTC
Maj Sadequl’s wife ‘confesses’ to her role in Bashundhara ‘secret meeting’
Maj Sadequl’s wife ‘confesses’ to her role in Bashundhara ‘secret meeting’Sumaiya Zafrin, wife of Maj Sadequl Hoque, has confessed in court over her role in a “conspiratorial secret meeting” at a convention centre in Dhaka’s Bashundhara residential area, police say. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Sarah Farzana Haque recorded her statement on Tuesday after Zafrin said she wished to speak “voluntarily”. Zafrin has now been sent to jail, said Vatara Police Station General Registration Officer Sub-Inspector (SI) Zakir Hossain. According to the case dossier, the meeting was organised by the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League. The gathering included activists from the Awami League, Chhatra League, and retired government officials, with an estimated attendance of 300 to 400.
Source:bd News24
August 12, 2025 15:49 UTC