Sukanta Halder

Sukanta Halder is a staff correspondent of The Daily Star, covering insurance, agriculture, commodity markets, the private sector and consumers.

Only 5 of 28 locally developed tea varieties popular

Out of the 28 varieties of tea plants developed by state-run Bangladesh Tea Research Institute (BTRI), only five are widely cultivated in the country, based on their high yield, quality, and climate resilience.

1d ago

Competition commission to redefine ‘dominant players’

The authorities are drafting amendments to the Competition Commission Act, enacted in 2012, to establish clearer criteria for identifying dominant market players across various sectors, according to officials.

2d ago

Subsidised food supply shrinks despite poverty fears

Although inflation has remained at elevated levels for over two years, the sale and distribution of essential food items by public agencies showed a year-on-year drop until May of fiscal year 2024-25, raising fears that many vulnerable people in the country could be left contending with food insecurity.

1w ago

Farmers get higher prices for fresh Boro paddy

Bangladeshi farmers are receiving higher prices for freshly harvested Boro paddy this season compared to the year prior, thanks to increased demand driving up market rates.

1w ago

From café corners to cash flow

Once considered high-priced, cold brew coffee and espresso-based drinks have become a defining feature of urban life in Bangladesh, blending community, creativity and culture in every cup.

1w ago

Potato farmers hit hard by price drop amid record output

Many potato farmers across Bangladesh are incurring losses this season despite a bumper harvest and the highest exports in three years, as a steep drop in domestic prices has left them unable to recover even their production costs.

2w ago

Insurance policy lapses decline

The number of policyholders failing to pay their insurance premiums on time declined in 2024 from the previous year, but the rate of discontinued policies remains high -- reflecting fragile customer confidence in the local insurance sector.

2w ago

Credit for livestock and poultry creeps downward

The share of credit disbursement to the livestock and poultry subsectors of the agriculture industry slipped slightly in the first eight months of the current fiscal year (FY), according to a report by Bangladesh Bank.

3w ago
May 21, 2025
May 21, 2025

Only 5 of 28 locally developed tea varieties popular

Out of the 28 varieties of tea plants developed by state-run Bangladesh Tea Research Institute (BTRI), only five are widely cultivated in the country, based on their high yield, quality, and climate resilience.

May 20, 2025
May 20, 2025

Competition commission to redefine ‘dominant players’

The authorities are drafting amendments to the Competition Commission Act, enacted in 2012, to establish clearer criteria for identifying dominant market players across various sectors, according to officials.

May 15, 2025
May 15, 2025

Subsidised food supply shrinks despite poverty fears

Although inflation has remained at elevated levels for over two years, the sale and distribution of essential food items by public agencies showed a year-on-year drop until May of fiscal year 2024-25, raising fears that many vulnerable people in the country could be left contending with food insecurity.

May 12, 2025
May 12, 2025

Farmers get higher prices for fresh Boro paddy

Bangladeshi farmers are receiving higher prices for freshly harvested Boro paddy this season compared to the year prior, thanks to increased demand driving up market rates.

May 10, 2025
May 10, 2025

From café corners to cash flow

Once considered high-priced, cold brew coffee and espresso-based drinks have become a defining feature of urban life in Bangladesh, blending community, creativity and culture in every cup.

May 7, 2025
May 7, 2025

Potato farmers hit hard by price drop amid record output

Many potato farmers across Bangladesh are incurring losses this season despite a bumper harvest and the highest exports in three years, as a steep drop in domestic prices has left them unable to recover even their production costs.

May 5, 2025
May 5, 2025

Insurance policy lapses decline

The number of policyholders failing to pay their insurance premiums on time declined in 2024 from the previous year, but the rate of discontinued policies remains high -- reflecting fragile customer confidence in the local insurance sector.

April 28, 2025
April 28, 2025

Credit for livestock and poultry creeps downward

The share of credit disbursement to the livestock and poultry subsectors of the agriculture industry slipped slightly in the first eight months of the current fiscal year (FY), according to a report by Bangladesh Bank.

April 23, 2025
April 23, 2025

Why gold costs more in Bangladesh than in India, Dubai

Gold prices in Bangladesh continue to soar, leaving many to wonder why the precious metal costs more here than in neighbouring India or the global trading hub Dubai.

April 23, 2025
April 23, 2025

Why onion prices are rising abruptly

Onion prices have been increasing over the past weeks, as farmers and traders release fewer stocks to local markets in the hope of better returns amid the government’s suspension of imports.