A significant internal rift has surfaced within Bangladesh Bank (BB) following a clandestine directive to commercial banks regarding micro-agricultural loans. The central bank has demanded immediate data on all agricultural and rural credit accounts with an outstanding balance of 10,000 BDT (£62) or less. Curiously, this mandate was issued without the knowledge of the Governor, […]

In a significant move poised to reshape the private banking landscape in Bangladesh, Bank Asia Limited has formally convened an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to seek shareholder approval for the acquisition of Bank Alfalah’s Bangladesh operations. This strategic maneuver, announced via the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) on Sunday, marks a […]

The potential of the Bangladeshi insurance sector has long been a subject of optimistic debate. Yet, the industry’s true litmus test lies in a single, pivotal moment: claim settlement. Insurance is not a luxury; it is a vital financial covenant designed to mitigate an uncertain future. Whether facing the death of a breadwinner, a catastrophic […]

Bangladesh’s insurance regulator has formally recognised outstanding ethical standards, transparency and good governance in the industry through the IDRA Insurance Excellence Award 2025, presented at a high-profile ceremony in Dhaka on Thursday, 29 January. The initiative, organised by the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA), aims to strengthen public confidence in insurance services and encourage […]

Just three days before Bangladesh’s forthcoming parliamentary election, the interim government is set to sign a significant tariff agreement with the United States, marking a notable development in the country’s external trade relations. The agreement is scheduled to be signed on 9 February in Washington, DC, with Bangladesh’s delegation led by Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir […]