Sukanta Halder

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

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.

4d ago

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.

1w ago

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.

1w ago

Why are onion prices 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

1w ago

Bancassurance gaining ground, but insurers see mixed fortunes

More than a year since bancassurance was introduced in Bangladesh, the benefits have proven uneven across the insurance industry.

1w ago

Essential commodities: Price spiral hits fixed-income families hard

Supply chain experts and consumer rights activists blame the absence of consistent market monitoring, dwindling supply of winter vegetables, and the end of VAT exemptions granted during Ramadan.

1w ago

Shop rent Tk 3 lakh, but govt gets just Tk 22,000

A probe has found massive irregularities in the rental of shops at nine markets of the National Sports Council (NSC), including a case where the government receives as little as Tk 22,000 in monthly rent while as much as Tk 3 lakh is being collected from the tenant. 

2w ago

Insurance sector under strain as claim settlements drop

The rate of claim settlements in Bangladesh’s insurance sector declined last year, deepening concerns over transparency and further eroding the confidence of policyholders in an industry already trailing behind global standards.

2w ago
April 12, 2025
April 12, 2025

From lost playgrounds to booming business

In the memories of those who grew up before the turn of the millennium, the playground was a second home.

April 4, 2025
April 4, 2025

Bangladesh must push for urgent US trade talks

Business leaders and economists have called upon the government to initiate immediate high-level negotiations with the United States administration following President Donald Trump’s imposition of reciprocal tariffs, warning that failure to secure concessions could erode the nation’s competitive edge in its most lucrative export market.

March 30, 2025
March 30, 2025

What is the secret behind high prices of clothes?

As Eid shopping gained momentum over the past week in major cities, many shoppers were left scratching their heads over the prices of clothes.

March 29, 2025
March 29, 2025

What is the secret behind high prices of clothes?

Ask sellers and they will cite various reasons: premium-quality fabrics, intricate designs, handcrafted embroidery, and sophisticated dying processes

March 27, 2025
March 27, 2025

First bird flu case since 2018 detected

The authorities have detected a bird flu case at a government poultry farm in Jashore -- the first in Bangladesh since 2018 -- raising concerns among farmers.

March 27, 2025
March 27, 2025

Tourist spots await Eid visitors amid tepid demand

Hotels and resorts in popular tourist spots across Bangladesh have so far got only 70 percent booking of their occupancy ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr -- down from last year’s 85 percent, according to industry insiders. 

March 26, 2025
March 26, 2025

Idra seeks revival plans from six troubled life insurers

The Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (Idra) has asked six troubled life insurance companies to submit their plans for addressing prolonged failures in settling claims as policyholders continue to suffer due to corruption and irregularities.

March 24, 2025
March 24, 2025

Investment summit seeks to revive moribund FDI

The summit presents a crucial opportunity to restore investor confidence, showcase economic reforms, and position Bangladesh as a competitive investment destination.

March 23, 2025
March 23, 2025

Price of liquid milk rises again

The price of liquid milk has gone up once again, dealing another blow to consumers already struggling with high inflation in the country.

March 23, 2025
March 23, 2025

Potato farmers facing losses

Many struggling to cover costs and failing to avail cold storage facilities as prices dip